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2500 vs 3500
- Thread starter Fry
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docpowell
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The 2500 and 3500 have the same size brakes, and the exact same axles with the exception of the 3500 DRW, which gets a 12” axle (if you opt for the HO Cummins) instead of the 11.5” on the 2500 and 3500 SRW.
The only real differences are front spring rate, rear suspension (2500 has multi-link coil vs Hotchkiss leaf on the 3500), and the availability of the HO Cummins (with the previously mentioned 12” axle included).
Everything else comes to “official” weight ratings. As mentioned above the 2500 is limited to a GVWR of 10,000 lbs to keep it in a lower vehicle class, in order to decrease registration and tax requirements.
If you’re going to tow or haul very heavy (above 16,000 pounds), or have a very high payload, get the 3500.
If you really think you have to have a diesel and you want to tow anything that isn’t light (like a 5th wheel), also go with the 3500 as the very heavy Cummins eats up too much payload on the 2500 to make sense.
If you want to tow most anything that isn’t a toy hauler, multi-car carrier, or 45’ RV 5th wheel, and you’re happy with gas, you’ll most likely be fine with a 2500. My short bed crew cab Limited has a tow rating of just shy of 17k and a payload cap of just of 2800. I’m certainly not worried about towing with it.
The only real differences are front spring rate, rear suspension (2500 has multi-link coil vs Hotchkiss leaf on the 3500), and the availability of the HO Cummins (with the previously mentioned 12” axle included).
Everything else comes to “official” weight ratings. As mentioned above the 2500 is limited to a GVWR of 10,000 lbs to keep it in a lower vehicle class, in order to decrease registration and tax requirements.
If you’re going to tow or haul very heavy (above 16,000 pounds), or have a very high payload, get the 3500.
If you really think you have to have a diesel and you want to tow anything that isn’t light (like a 5th wheel), also go with the 3500 as the very heavy Cummins eats up too much payload on the 2500 to make sense.
If you want to tow most anything that isn’t a toy hauler, multi-car carrier, or 45’ RV 5th wheel, and you’re happy with gas, you’ll most likely be fine with a 2500. My short bed crew cab Limited has a tow rating of just shy of 17k and a payload cap of just of 2800. I’m certainly not worried about towing with it.
Burn'n Oil
It's a metaphor!
Ride quality can be subjective. Go test drive one each of em, comparably equipped, of course.
And check / set tire pressures when you're comparing ride quality.
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Is this still the case on the 2023 trucks? The Ram 2500 and 3500 single rear wheel trucks have the same axles? So there's no difference in GRAWR between a 2500 Hemi and 3500 Hemi truck? Frame is also the same, minus the suspension mounts?
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Yes, there are different mounts on the axles for the different suspensions but the housings are the same. RAWR is different between 2500 and 3500 thou. Most 2500’s are 6,000lbs but some go up to 6,390lbs. All 3500 SRW’s are 7,000lbs.
Frame is the same design, but has physical differences for the suspension that is more than just mounts.
Adding on to what @jsalbre said 3.5 years ago… all HO 3500’s get the 12.0” axle, not just the DRW HO’s. I understand there are still some differences in the SRW 12.0 and DRW 12.0 as well.
Thanks. Interesting that the housings are the same but the weight ratings aren't.
The suspension plays a part in the weight rating.
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As does marketing. What’s the point in making a 2500 and 3500 if they get the same ratings. The 2500 needs to be rated lower than the 3500 for many consumers.
Sure would be nice if they just ignored the “need” for differences and rated them the same. Let folks decide if they want coils or leaves based on use, but allow them to be equally capable on paper since they can be in reality.
I have a 21 dually. When not towing I air down to 65/30 front/back using the load inflation table recommendations. I have had several people comment on how good the ride is. I have rode in a couple of 2500s and can't say the ride was any better. The bigger question is what you are planning on using the truck for? At one time Chyrsler published tire pressures for both loaded and unloaded situations. I am sure some lawyer recommended that they only put the loaded pressures in the door because some dummy didn't air up the tires and rolled his truck while hauling two tons of gravel.
Reason I ask is because I found a 2021 Ram 2500 CC 4x4. It's a stripper Tradesman model. ONLY options are power mirrors, brake controller, and interior 115v outlet. It's got 50k on the odometer, one owner, appears it was used as a work truck for a flagging crew maybe but the body looks great and interior is great. Payload 3,300 on the sticker. GVWR is 10,000. So in theory curb weight should be under 7,000 lbs. It's got the 3.73 gear. But at least it's new enough to be a 8-speed trans truck. I'd prefer a 3500 but this 2500 seems like a good deal at $39k with a clean Carfax and all service records. I don't see myself ever towing above 15k.
At least the lack of options helps with the payload. Sounds like a good deal. Have it checked over by a trusted mechanic. If you ever buy something heavy to tow, you can always sell it. Is it a private deal?