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

Hi from the sunny Okanagan. Hope the crazy winter is finally ending for you back east. The door sticker should accurately reflect the weight ratings of the truck with factory option packages. It won't reflect anything the dealer has added. You are right to ignore "half ton towable". It's more a marketing term than anything reality based.

The Off Road packages do not improve load and towing capacity and typically include some skid plates and different shocks.

Hi,900 pounds of hitch weight is going to require a 3/4 ton truck or a specially picked out longbed F-150 with the max tow ability and max cargo rating. You can buy a longbed supercab F-150 with a 1,900 pound cargo rating. The 2015 pickups now have a aluminum body, and still have the same 7,850 pound GVWR, (XLT and 4X4 options) but a 5,800 pound curb weight - due to the aluminum body. The curb weight of a GM 2500 diesel will be a lot higher than the F-150 ecoboost, so even though the GM might have a higher GVWR, the cargo rating might be similar. And because you are moving a 7,800 pound truck all the time, you might expect mileage to be around the same as the 5,800 pound Ecoboost when you are doing your daily driving. And expect the GM to be about $8,000 more due to the diesel option.The first thing to do now is get a towing guide from your local GM dealer, and see what it will tow. What will it carry? If you ever plan on changing to a 5th wheel, consider a 3500 series truck, the base cost is nominally more than the 2500, but it can carry an extra 800 - 1,000 pounds, so towing a fifth wheel is possible with that one.http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/ Select the year, and then look up what it will carry. Cargo ratings are on page 10 (camper weight ratings) and towing is a few pages down.Fred.

Don't throw your money away on a 2500 series truck. I made that mistake once. For about the same money you can have a 3500 series that will do everything the 3/4 ton will do with about the same ride and fuel economy and when you decide to get that bigger trailer you're set.B.O.

B.O. Plenty wrote:Don't throw your money away on a 2500 series truck. I made that mistake once. For about the same money you can have a 3500 series that will do everything the 3/4 ton will do with about the same ride and fuel economy and when you decide to get that bigger trailer you're set.B.O.X2- while a 3500 and 2500 are the same in most respects, the sticker on the door offers about 700 additional payload rating. The price difference is only about $700.I personally would avoid any 1/2 pick up for trailers weighing more than 7000 lbs loaded, especially fifth wheels.

GMC 2500 question | Good Sam Community

ib516
Explorer II
Apr 12, 2015
marcindy wrote:

Now to start researching Tonneau covers.....

Partsengine.ca
marcindy
Explorer
Apr 11, 2015
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
Explorer
Apr 11, 2015
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
Explorer
Apr 11, 2015
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
Explorer
Apr 10, 2015
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
Explorer
Apr 10, 2015
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
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
Get the SRW 3500.
therink
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
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
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
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
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
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?