GMC 2500 question

[marcindy]

Today, went and looked at a 2015 GMC 2500 Duramax with the All Terrain package. I can't really tell if the All Terrain option change the payload or towing capacity. I'm hoping someone here can clarify what the real differences compared to just the SLT.
We are planning to change to an Open Range LT308BHS, which is supposedly "1/2 ton towable", but after going through all the numbers, I feel 3/4 ton is better way to go.

Thanks

[ib516]

marcindy wrote:

Now to start researching Tonneau covers.....

Partsengine.ca

[marcindy]

Thanks eveyone. yes, the discount from the FIL is pretty good. Unfortunately I'm going to settle for a 2500, which for what I need now is totally ok. We are excited and can't wait for the new TV and TT. Need to spend today/tomorrow cleaning out the HTT, and taking off solar/inverter

Thanks for all the advise. I'll post pics in the next couple weeks.
Now to start researching Tonneau covers.....

[ACZL]

ksss wrote:
I ordered my 3500 in the third week of November, and picked it up Feb 2nd. However there was considerable shutdown time during Christmas so I think you can take a week or a 10 days off of that time.

If your FIL worked there, then he should be eligible for a employee discount (with Ford, it's called the "X" plan). If so, you may be able to get a better discount off price than one who doesn't have that option. Not paying close attention to the GM line of trucks, do they offer a short wheelbase 3500 like they do for the 2500? Few years back Ford had what I thought was probly a very rough riding truck, a short wheelbase dually CC. My 1st shortbox was a '97 Chevy ext cab. Though we graduated to a CC (won't go back till kids are gone and then maybe not), but won't have another long box in my lifetime. Have yet to get into a situation where it became a problem. That's what "D" is for on gearshifter. Previous truck was a F250SD and that towed rig in sig w/o a problem. Truck went south, so ended up getting the 350. Like what other posters have said, it adds a bit more capacity. Not that the 3/4 ton wouldn't do it, but IF you ever get into an accident and your overweight for truck (same could happen w/ the 350 as well), ambulance chasers will have a field day. As the weights and sizes of some trailers go, seems that they are forcing us folks into 350/3500duallies, 450's etc. IMO, you start pushing those weights on the common person, 2 things: 1. That's a lot of weight for someone to tow who doesn't tow a lot AND w/ that much weight and may not know how to react/handle it, 2. better off getting a 650/750 or used class 8MD truck.

Okay back on subject, but look into a discount thru your FIL.

[45Ricochet]

The non tow period mostly has to do mostly with the rear axle, ring and pinion getting married. Engine is ready to tow with varying RPM's.
Having said that, not sure what they do with a class C MH axles :W

[ksss]

I personally would not be concerned pulling 8K for 30 miles on a new engine right from the dealership. Take it easy, avoid any WOT, the truck is not going to be harmed by that load for that distance.

[marcindy]

The searching continues for a 3500 SRW. There have been a couple around here, but go very quickly. I've got 2 weeks today until we get our new trailer (that my current Sequoia can't drag home). My question now is how long to break in a new motor before I can tow my 8,000lb trailer home (~30 miles)?

Thx

[APT]

Get the SRW 3500.

[therink]

I ordered November 6 and took delivery December 16. I was ahead of the holiday shut down. I think 4 to 6 weeks is pretty much normal.

[ksss]

I ordered my 3500 in the third week of November, and picked it up Feb 2nd. However there was considerable shutdown time during Christmas so I think you can take a week or a 10 days off of that time.

[marcindy]

Thanks. I'm not personally tied to GM, but it does run in the family on my DW side (FIL worked their 30+ yrs). Anyone know current lead time to order from factory?

[45Ricochet]

Another 3500 vote here but GM don't make that many compared to Ford or Ram. You might set in a Ram or Ford and see how it fits you unless of course your a die hard GM guy, which I understand.

[06bowtie_guy]

I was lucky when I got my truck, it was on the lot by some odd chance. I was just recently looking to upgrade and no one had anything other than 2500 HD's on the lots. No 3500 in single or dual wheels.

I was looking for a dually this time around and only one found in Ontario. Now I wait for one to be built but I will get all the options I want.

[therink]

If looking for a new SRW 3500 you will likely have better luck factory ordering. This way you don't have to settle for what ever you find.
Factory order pricing is no different than buying off a lot and you can order it built exactly how you want to. This has been no experience with two different 3500s I've owned.

[ksss]

I had a '12 2500HD and this time opted for the '15 3500HD with the 10800 GVW option. Handles hitch loads much better than did the 2500HD. I think you will have better luck doing a search for the 3500 in the smaller, rural dealerships. There are a lot of them here, in fact more 3500 than 2500's typically at the Chevy dealership, not so much from the GMC dealer. The Chevy dealership here figured out that customers are typically happier with more truck than less truck, especially when the price is nearly identical.