Air Suspension Ride - 2500 vs. 3500?

[Jugular]

Can anyone who has compared the two share their experience? I'm torn on this choice....I probably don't NEED the 3500, but the price difference isn't that much and wouldn't mind the extra payload/towing capacity if the ride is just as good or very close (particularly empty). From a few comments I've seen, it seems like it could be. I know the 2500 coil is a nicer ride than 3500 without air...but that's not what I'm looking for.

 

[romspacenut]

First what are you towing and what trim level are you looking to get? The higher trim level you go, less of a payload you will have. I was going to get 2500 Limited, but learned that the payload was not that much more than my 2019 1500 Limited. It wouldn't leave me much room for payload with a family packed truck and fully loaded 34' TT. Since I wanted to stick with the Limited, the 3500 was really my only choice.

 

[Jugular]

First what are you towing and what trim level are you looking to get? The higher trim level you go, less of a payload you will have. I was going to get 2500 Limited, but learned that the payload was not that much more than my 2019 1500 Limited. It wouldn't leave me much room for payload with a family packed truck and fully loaded 34' TT. Since I wanted to stick with the Limited, the 3500 was really my only choice.

To clarify, I'm strictly talking about the air suspension ride of a 2500 vs. 3500. To keep it simple..same trim and empty.

 

[Phil T]

Buy the beast! 3500's are real trucks with leaf springs and air assist. Mine rides fine, no worse than my Suburban and when hitched up to the trailer it feels really nice. The power difference between a gasser and the 1000 ftlb Cummins is night and day. With the Suburban, every trip was uphill both directions. The Big Boy pulls like it's downhill both directions. Get the 3500 with everything you might want. It's only money and you can't take it with you.

 

[Gable]

To clarify, I'm strictly talking about the air suspension ride of a 2500 vs. 3500. To keep it simple..same trim and empty.

I have driven them both, and I think the 2500 with air suspension is a much better ride (both trucks empty). The difference will be less when you load both of them.

Payload is not a concern for me. Mostly my truck will be driven empty, and when I tow it's almost always "tag" trailers, not fifth wheels. With only 10% of the trailer's weight on the tongue, you can still pull a relatively heavy tag trailer with a 2500 and not worry about exceeding payload ratings.

But, like many have mentioned here, if you plan to tow a big fifth wheel trailer you'll want the 3500 and have to live with a stiffer ride when empty.