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2500 vs 3500

boingram
Explorer
Explorer
Hi all...looking for new tv...besides the obvious payload and tow rating differences. ..I would appreciate some obsevations on the real world everyday ownership differences between a denali 2500 & 3500..2015...srw crew cab...thx...bo
21 REPLIES 21

IdaD
Explorer
Explorer
Dually's are horrible offroad if that's a consideration. Not that any 8000 lb HD truck is a jeep or anything, but the dually really screws up your ability to get over rough terrain and down narrow roads.
2015 Cummins Ram 4wd CC/SB

Grandpere
Explorer
Explorer
Dog Folks wrote:
One ton dually.

Much more stable.


X2
Berniece & Russell Johnson
Lil'Bit, a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
1987 Southwind
1995 Ford F150 Supercab

Life in the fast lane? No thanks, we will stop and smell the flowers at every opportuity

N-Trouble
Explorer
Explorer
And there is a lot you can do to improve the ride on these trucks.

For starters get rid of the******factory shocks and put on a good set of Bilstein 5100s. These trucks also come from the factory with no steering stabilizer but all the mounts are there. Again put on a Bilstein steering stabilizer. Lastly put some better (larger) tires on the truck and stick with 18" rims vs 20". All of this will greatly improve ride quality.
2015 Attitude 28SAG w/slide
2012 GMC 2500HD SLT Duramax
B&W Turnover w/Andersen Ultimate 5er hitch

Dog_Folks
Explorer
Explorer
One ton dually.

Much more stable.
Our Rig:
2005 Dodge 3500 - Dually- Cummins
2006 Outback 27 RSDS

We also have with us two rescue dogs. A Chihuahua mix & a Catahoula mix.

"I did not get to this advanced age because I am stupid."

Full time since June 2006

IdaD
Explorer
Explorer
N-Trouble wrote:
3500 = little stiffer ride
2500 = little softer ride

THat pretty much sums it up... The only diff is in the rear leaf springs

But, go drive both would be my recommendation. Pin weight will determine which one you'll need.


This is pretty much it in a nutshell as far as I'm concerned. Also try to project future needs. If you tend to buy a new truck every 5 years, you can go more on preference. If you're going to keep it 10-15 years, probably going heavy is smart in case you end up with more need down the road.

That's how I'd look at it anyway. I don't think the newer three quarter and one tons ride all that bad.
2015 Cummins Ram 4wd CC/SB

APT
Explorer
Explorer
It depends on the truck model/generation. Some 1-tons use stiffer rear springs which will ride firmer. Some are overload springs which have no impact on lightly loaded ride. The 20014 Ram uses a very different suspension/spring design. Test drive them both in your favorite brand!
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009
2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS
2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R
2x 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV (Gray and Black Twins)

N-Trouble
Explorer
Explorer
3500 = little stiffer ride
2500 = little softer ride

THat pretty much sums it up... The only diff is in the rear leaf springs

But, go drive both would be my recommendation. Pin weight will determine which one you'll need.
2015 Attitude 28SAG w/slide
2012 GMC 2500HD SLT Duramax
B&W Turnover w/Andersen Ultimate 5er hitch