Capability. The 2500 is "limited" to 10k GVWR and the 3500 14K. Towing ratings are higher, larger brakes, axles, extras to stop the heavy loads. Pricing is not much different. If you are going to tow/haul, get the 1 ton.Whats the ride difference between the 2500 and 3500?
And check / set tire pressures when you're comparing ride quality.Ride quality can be subjective. Go test drive one each of em, comparably equipped, of course.
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.
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?
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.
The suspension plays a part in the weight rating.Thanks. Interesting that the housings are the same but the weight ratings aren't.
The suspension plays a part in the weight rating.