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Why 2500 vs 3500?

Heckyl

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What advantage is there in a 2500 vs a 3500 SRW , both 4X4 and Cummins? Maybe with better empty ride quality, why would someone order/ buy a 2500 over the 3500? Seems like the 3500 is a no brainer with the big increase in payload.... but I might be missing something. Thanks for all the inputs.
 

Admin

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2500 buyers usually don't need the extra capabilities of the 3500 and go with the 2500 for a better ride. The 2500 has a coil spring rear suspension like the 1500 so it gives you a nicer ride around town. Where I live nobody buys 2500s as a 3500 and up is classified differently and you don't have to pay luxury tax on them.
 

Longhorn

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My first guess would be cost....... or maybe not everyone needs or wants a diesel . Just for comparison on a 2018 2500 and 3500 off the ram configurator. Using longhorn trim on both. 2500 vs 3500 has a $ 3000.00 upcost that is without adding any other fees or options. Just to go diesel add another $8800.00 . Most people don’t keep their trucks and end up either selling or trading in a couple years, so is it really worth paying all that money for that engine and on top of that the increased cost of fuel? The 2019 models will probably cost even more..... just my .02 cents..
 

DevilDodge

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The Regular Cab SRW doesn't have much more payload. (Sorry this was with Gas motor...only 700lbsmore)

The Crew Cab shortbed do have a good bit more.

Parts are cheaper for a 2500 over a 3500, but on a new truck, I don't think many consider this.

Registration fees are more for a 3500.

Ride is a concern, but with the new air ride it won't be near as bad.

Most people get a 2500 because a 1500 just isn't enough...but a 3500 is a bit more than most need.
 

R.J.

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In SRW configuration, the HO engine, and rear leaf springs on the 3500, are there any other differences like larger brakes or other suspension components?
 

Heckyl

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I’m building a Laramie 2500 vs Laramie 3500 SRW with same Cummins and same transmission, same truck and I’m only getting $200 more for the 3500. I can’t see where cost would be a factor.
 

ernursing21

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I’m building a Laramie 2500 vs Laramie 3500 SRW with same Cummins and same transmission, same truck and I’m only getting $200 more for the 3500. I can’t see where cost would be a factor.


what options are you having for the 2500? what is the total cost looking like/ where did you find prices? this is also what I was looking to do
thanks
 

Heckyl

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I’m building from the Ram website for the 2018 2500 and 3500. Should be very comparable to the 2019 2500 vs 3500 numbers as far as the price differences. I have bought new 2500s and 3500s in the past, and the price is fairly close between the two if have the same engines, trans, SRW, options, etc. I’m not sure why most people go with the 2500. I have never had any issues with how the 3500s ride.
 

Pronto

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I know a guy who has a 3500 as a main work vehicle and a 2500 as a backup/personal vehicle and he hates driving the 3500 because of the difference in ride. Maybe if he didn't have the 2500 the ride on the 3500 wouldn't bother him as much. But to answer the original question, there is a trade-off there. It's not just extra payload with no downside.
 

Heckyl

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I know a guy who has a 3500 as a main work vehicle and a 2500 as a backup/personal vehicle and he hates driving the 3500 because of the difference in ride. Maybe if he didn't have the 2500 the ride on the 3500 wouldn't bother him as much. But to answer the original question, there is a trade-off there. It's not just extra payload with no downside.

Just curious, is that 3500 a dually?
 

gmchurch

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I’m coming from a ‘17 Ford F-350 SWR with off-road tires and now have a ‘19 3500 dually. The ride is a little rougher, but not that much really...at least for me. I may dislike it more later on I guess, but so far I only notice it on bad roads.
 

Heckyl

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I’m coming from a ‘17 Ford F-350 SWR with off-road tires and now have a ‘19 3500 dually. The ride is a little rougher, but not that much really...at least for me. I may dislike it more later on I guess, but so far I only notice it on bad roads.

I actually wasn’t talking about ride quality, I was referring to the width of a DRW vs a SRW as far as not as good. I drive on some very narrow roads sometimes and a dually will give you gray hair fast. I in fact pull in my mirrors on some of those roads with my SRW. I have no issues how a 3500 DRW or SRW drives or handles.... I like it.
 

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