Age old 1500 vs 2500 debate

[Reit38]

Been debating about upgrading trucks for awhile but now the wife went out and bought a 2012 grey wolf 28bhks. Told her if she got a camper it's time for a new truck.

I believe it comes in around 7800 loaded. Right now my '11 1500 does pretty well with it. I run about 2-25k going 60mph on flat hwy.

We rarely camp more then 50mi from home. Kind of on the fence if I really need a 2500

I don't know anyone with a newer 1500 that tows much for weight to know how they actually handle it.

I was looking at '14-'15s. I plan on putting helper bags on the rear to help level the load out a bit if need be.


With our previous camper we went out maybe 4 or 5 times a year.

Watching my tranny temp I ran between 190-205 through county roads and small iowa towns. 2.5hr trip speeds were anywhere from 55mph-65mph depending on the hwy I was on

My '11 is leveled with 33in 10ply tires so it's already moving some weight

Also the holding tanks were all full as previous owner failed to mention

The pic with my truck looks to be a little deceiving. I think the gas station had a bit of a dip where I was parked because the truck did not have near that much sag in it when Parkes elsewhere

[Grit_dog]

mkirsch wrote:

Lots of examples of 2500's vs 3500's where the only difference was the springs...or even just the overloads. And the weight sticker of course.

However, there are ZERO examples of 1500's vs 2500's that can say the same.

Aside from being visually similar to a degree, you can agree that the difference between a 1500 and 2500/3500 is more than just springs, right?

2500's really only exist for classification purposes. People that need more than a 1500, but don't want to pay for the full Class 3 license and insurance, which is significantly more than Class 2.

There’s a couple examples, for those that don’t know their head from their ____. Same folks that think 2500s are substantially different than 3500s.
Ram 1500 mega cab and Chevy 1500HDs are the 2 predominant ones from more recent years.

[blt2ski]

Some of you do not remember the 105HP 292/300 CI inline 6's that were put into 25/35 series trucks back in the day! A BB had maybe 200 hp! I can get a 6.2 with a 400/400 motor or there about in a GM 1500 today! more power to tow than said truck can handle trailer!

With this said. GM any how, offers a std 3900 RA capacity. 3300 lb springs, plus the 600 lbs of unsprung weight in the axle and tires. The High Tow Payload Package, offers a 4300 lb spring pack, plus 600 lbs unladen wt, total 4900 lbs rear axel capacity, plus 3.73 gear sets in the 1500. Very similar upgrade to the SW 25 vs 35 series trucks. Do not recall if it has an 8.5 or 9.5" RP in the rear. Needless to say, if you are towing a lot, worth it if looking at a new factory order, or can find one on a dealer lot.
I believe Ford has a similar option. I have not heard that Dodge does, as they seem to want someone to go to the 2500 model. No in between models. Not positive about Toyota or Nissan if they offer a similar pkg. My swag is they do not. I am sure there is a person that knows these other brands that can correct any mistakes or thoughts I have.
I've actually been toying with a 1500 GM with this option with a 4.3 V6 if I can find one. As I really only need to haul 2000-3000 lbs with a truck today, tow 6000 lbs usually less than 20 miles. A 1500 properly equiped with do this. Along with getting double the mpg as my current 2500. 2 more gears in trans.....better options for my future needs. If I need to haul more weight.....well the 6 ton capacity Navistar does the truck very nicely!

Marty

[Lynnmor]

troubledwaters wrote:
They don't make a F250 with the 3.5 Ecoboost and 10 speed transmission.

Thank God!

[silverfz]

The 1/2 tonne has soft suspension. i tow a similar weight with a tundra crewmax. The longest trip i have gone was 2k miles. I do have airbags running 20 PSI as helper springs. I never felt the need for a HD truck as its solid and feels very planted in every situation i have been . I have only 140k and did my first transmission service just now.

If you want to upgrade then get what you want.

What is up all these wife approving a purchase.Discussion about a house or something big i agree but for a vehicle. That is like me choosing her a minivan thinking it was smart...never again. She replaced with a luxury suv without asking me. Some thing expensive yes we discuss .

[troubledwaters]

KD4UPL wrote:
...I don't really understand the resistance so many people have to getting a truck larger than a 1500. They don't cost that much more, they are generally the physical length and width, seat the same number of people, have the same controls, etc. There is no real downside to buying a stronger truck...

Actually there is. They don't make a F250 with the 3.5 Ecoboost and 10 speed transmission.

gbopp wrote:
No one complains because they have too much truck.

I am!

[jerem0621]

gbopp wrote:
No one complains because they have too much truck.

I did.

[TurnThePage]

Totally agree. If a half ton takes care of business, but is a little too soft in the suspension department, stiffen it a bit and move on. All the big, bad HD guys definitely need to move on.

[parker_rowe]

mkirsch wrote:

Lots of examples of 2500's vs 3500's where the only difference was the springs...or even just the overloads. And the weight sticker of course.

However, there are ZERO examples of 1500's vs 2500's that can say the same.

Aside from being visually similar to a degree, you can agree that the difference between a 1500 and 2500/3500 is more than just springs, right?

2500's really only exist for classification purposes. People that need more than a 1500, but don't want to pay for the full Class 3 license and insurance, which is significantly more than Class 2.

Yes yes, I realize this. I know all about floating axles and different frames and better transmissions once you move up to the 2500/3500 brackets.

My main response was to "if you need suspension aids, you need more truck". That's silly.

Nothing wrong with suspension aids. People put them on 2500's and 3500's too.

If your 1500 is doing the job and you are happy with it, but want some airbags or helper springs, that's cool. Spend $500 on the airbags instead of $500+ a month on a new truck.

If I was buying a new truck today, I would get a 3500. Price can be close to the same as a 1500, and I only use my truck for hauling the camper, running to Lowes, etc. So it makes sense to me. Not arguing that fact.

Sounds like the OP thinks his truck does alright. But as I said in my post, if you want that bigger truck, go for it. It won't do a worse job and I doubt you'll be disappointed.

[IdaD]

mkirsch wrote:

Lots of examples of 2500's vs 3500's where the only difference was the springs...or even just the overloads. And the weight sticker of course.

However, there are ZERO examples of 1500's vs 2500's that can say the same.

Aside from being visually similar to a degree, you can agree that the difference between a 1500 and 2500/3500 is more than just springs, right?

2500's really only exist for classification purposes. People that need more than a 1500, but don't want to pay for the full Class 3 license and insurance, which is significantly more than Class 2.

If you leave aside MDTs and HDTs, there are basically three classes of full size trucks that consumers purchase in the US from a capability standpoint:

- Half tons
- SRW HDs
- DRW HDs

Some get confused by labels but that's the gist of it.

[2edgesword]

I was in the same situation a few months ago but knew there was no way my 1500 was going to handle the 8,800 lbs trailer my wife want. Her choice of trailer forced me into a 3/4 ton truck.

That said I investigated everything I could (upgrades to the truck as well as trying to find a trailer that had everything she wanted that was under 6,700 lbs) but no joy.

In my opinion if your truck has been handling the trailer o.k., none of the towing limits are being exceeded and we're talking 5 short trips a year I'd be sticking with the truck you have.

[goducks10]

valhalla360 wrote:
If your current truck is rated for the load, I wouldn't bother replacing the truck. You do minimal miles in conditions that aren't difficult.

Now if you want an excuse to buy a newer bigger truck we can put together some death and destruction tall tales to help you convince the wife.

:B

[mkirsch]

Lots of examples of 2500's vs 3500's where the only difference was the springs...or even just the overloads. And the weight sticker of course.

However, there are ZERO examples of 1500's vs 2500's that can say the same.

Aside from being visually similar to a degree, you can agree that the difference between a 1500 and 2500/3500 is more than just springs, right?

2500's really only exist for classification purposes. People that need more than a 1500, but don't want to pay for the full Class 3 license and insurance, which is significantly more than Class 2.

[Maury82]

memtb wrote:

KD4UPL wrote:

parker.rowe wrote:

donn0128 wrote:
I have always believed that "if you need to add suspension aids, you need more truck"
After saying that the real answer comes from a trip to the scales fully loaded ready to travel. Whether you travel 50 or 500 miles really makes no difference.

Even though for a lot of models and years thats all the factory did to make "more truck"?

Lots of examples of 2500's vs 3500's where the only difference was the springs...or even just the overloads. And the weight sticker of course.

Sounds like you 1500 is doing ok, but if you are in the market or want more truck, go for it. You won't be disappointed I'm sure.

If I could afford it I would get a 3500 even though it might not be necessary for my camper. Not going to deny that for a minute!
But I am also happy with my rig, and enjoy making changes here an there to make it do what I want a little better.

While I agree there isn't much difference between a 2500 and a 3500 a lot of the time that is absolutely not true when comparing a 1500 to a 2500. In every case I know of a 2500 will have a stronger and completely different frame, axles, brakes, wheels, etc. A 2500, in most cases, is stronger and more capable than a 1500 in every category.
I don't really understand the resistance so many people have to getting a truck larger than a 1500. They don't cost that much more, they are generally the physical length and width, seat the same number of people, have the same controls, etc. There is no real downside to buying a stronger truck.
Personally, I will never buy a truck less than a 3500 but I use my trucks like trucks: for hauling heavy stuff and towing heavy trailers.

While I agree there isn't much difference
I don't really understand the resistance so many people have to getting a truck larger than a 1500.

They don't cost that much more, they are generally the physical length and width, seat the same number of people, have the same controls, etc. There is no real downside to buying a stronger truck.

Personally, I will never buy a truck less than a 3500 but I use my trucks like trucks: for hauling heavy stuff and towing heavy trailers.

You shouldn't try to understand why many would rather have a 1/2 to versus a larger truck. All you need to understand is that many people do prefer one, because some just can't grasp why.

My girlfriend loves flowers and pretty colors, but I don't have the slightest clue why, but I do know a lot of women just do.

There is a give and take regarding the 1/2 ton and HD trucks that you will never grasp, because there is no "give" for you regarding HD trucks, just all "take".

For others, a 1/2 ton give up a little when towing, but "takes" much more than it "gives" in handling, braking, nimbleness, maneuverability, etc, when not towing...don't try to figure out why.


For many people, if you don't have to give up all the "give" in a HD truck, you don't want to. Even at the same price and trim, the HD just "give" more than it "takes" versus the 1/2 ton for many drivers.

Your issue is, you seems to think people should feel the way you feel about their vehicles, as if your perspectives sets the bar regarding trucks and towing...that's not the case.

Say, there is no downside for "me".

You shouldn't try to tell others there aren't downsides for them, because that is for each individual to determine that...not you.

[IdaD]

Reit38 wrote:
I guess the only thing holding me back is the extra money jumping up to 2500. Around here it ranges from an extra 6-8000$. I have a car trailer but never haul anything heavy on ot

If you're considering sticking with your current truck, stick with your current truck. If you've decided to upgrade your truck, actually upgrade it and go to a heavy duty model. I never regret having ours versus a half ton with nowhere near the capability, even when I'm just commuting in it.