is there a difference in the towing ability between the 2500 and 3500 (both single rear wheel)? or is it just the payload of the truck? on a 2005, what is the tow rating for each? trying to determine if i need a 3500 or if a 2500 will do. thanks

 

Only difference is that the 3500 has overload spings, 2500 doesn't. It is only $800 more for the 3500, thats cheaper than have a set of overloads or airbags installed. Go with the 3500.

 

Plus payload and tow capacity is higher to. I pulled just as much with my 2500 as my 3500 but I am legal with the 3500. One thing about the springs is that if you have alot of tongue weight or payload you will need helper springs or airbags. My dually squated just about as much as my 2500 did. I had the timbren helper springs on the 2500 and ended up putting them on my dually to. 3rd gen trucks dont have the springs like the 2nds did

 

Seems to be worth the $800 just to have the extra legal 1000 lbs. on the GVW sticker.

 

The other thing is the maximum combined weight rating. It's 22,000 lbs with 3.73's and 23,000 with the 4.10's. That's 2500 or 3500, srw or drw.

 

Don't know about where you are, but here in PA there is a difference in the cost of the tag & insurance too.
You also get a class sticker in the windshield which many toll roads/bridges use to calculate your toll.

 

well im here in california so there is a difference in registration, but it isnt much.

 

Califonia's registered weight laws are getting tricky for commecial drivers who are EVER over 8000lbs Gross vehical weight...in ca they now sticker you (a two digit number that goes on each door to signify how much weight you are registered to haul, a 30 means 30,000lbs max) and tax you based on what registered GVW max you need. My 06' 2500 has standard comersial reg (up to 8000lbs) and it costs around 5-600 a year....my 04.5 is registered for 40,000lbs and cost around $2,500 per year.

BOTTOM LINE: registration fees will be the same between the 2500 and 3500.
NOTE: you only need a higher registered GVW if you pull trailers that have plates that say "CA Trailer" and are not registered yearly, or if you have a flat/servise bed that could obviously put you over the 8klbs cap. RV's and in-bed campers do not fall under commercial used and you do not have to pay extra reg to haul those. CHP is savy to these laws and have recently been enforcing them here in socal...a few of my partners have got some very stiff tickets ($2500-10,000) for breaking this law!!!!!! be careful pulling commercial trailers!!!!

 

i dont do commercial. i just have a large 5th wheel and was curious about the weight ratings for the two. my f350 on cost $268 for the weight fees.