I did the same thing about 2 weeks ago. The difference was ~$600. For 1100 lbs. more payload, I think it's worth it, as long as the insurance wasn't a huge difference. Plus you get the cool clearance lights.

The CTD is the base engine for the 3500. Standard Output according to Dodge's site two weeks ago, HO according to Edmunds.

About 2 months ago, I stopped at a dealer early one morning to see what was on the lot. The 48RE was a $1095 option on the 2500's, but only $695 on the 3500's. In addition, there was a $600 credit. The HO wasn't sold in MA, so the $600 credit was because it was an SO, and the $400 difference in tranny prices was because that's what the 6 speed (a mandatory option on the HO) would cost if it had the HO. If it had a 5 speed, there would have been a $400 credit.

Looks like this will all change once the 600's arrive.

 

If you are un-sure about the choice, and you have no load considerations, they buy a 2500.......and leave the big trucks for those who really need them.

 

There is one other difference between the 3500 and the 2500 besides the running lights and the springs. The 3500 srw comes with 10 ply tires which run @ 80 psi and the 2500 comes with 8 ply which run @ 50 psi. My nieghbor has a 2500 and I have a 3500 srw. We have both riden in each vehicles and both of us have said mine rode better with the stock tires. I just put on 315/70-17 KOs and we went out to dinner with the same nieghbors and his wife was impressed how much better in rides than before.

 

I was all set to buy the 3500 instead of the 2500 because at the time the difference was ~$285 which I was told was the cost of the extra springs. I then called my insurance guy and asked what the difference in cost would be. The 3500 was $60 more every six months because he said the 3500 was classified as a commerical truck. I figured for the cost I could add the springs later if I needed them.

 

No... there are no differences between the '03/'04 H0 2500 and 3500 SRW besides the clearance lights and springs. They both utilize the same wheels and the same load range E tires with the same rating.


>There is one other difference between
>the 3500 and the 2500 besides the
> running lights and the springs. The 3500
>srw comes with 10 ply tires which run @
>80 psi and the 2500 comes with 8 ply
>which run @ 50 psi.

 

My 2500 came with E rated tires 265's. The 285 BFG T/A ko 's I put on are a D. BOTH have the same load rating. I'd rather have the D's anyway. Not too often I go to max weight (which would be 3195x4=12780). Oops hold on I can do that with my D tires too... I think if DC would let you order a SRW 3500 with no roof lites then they would sell more. I specifically told my dealer when he was searching for a truck not to find a 3500 because of the lights.

 

Forgive my ignorance, but do the clearance lights serve any practical purpose? The look would be a bit much for my use (non-commercial), but not a deal breaker if I decide the extra capacity is worth it to me.

Again, thanks for all the great discussion!

David

 

Yea, clearance lights offer an improved front signature which allows oncoming vehicles to better see your size. Ever notice that when you are towing during the day and the on coming traffic seams to move way away from the center line. I like that! I am installing full clearance lights as soon as I find em. I put them on my goosneck trailer already.
Nimrod

 

The 3500DRW has a different rear Axle then the 3500SRW or 2500. The 3500DRW uses a AAM 11.50 with a heaveier axle tube (thicker) so it has a higher weight rating. The spring are also different, as is the brakes.

 

DRW vs SRW yes of course there will be a difference. I believe we were talking about SRW only.

 

Not exactly true. The 3500 and 2500 (HO or SO with Manual Trans) all have the 11.5 axle. Only 2500 with the 10.5 axle is an SO with AT.

Different spring and different Brake Calipers.....don't think so, but not sure.

 

I bought the truck at a dealership in North Idaho, I don't think I am allowed to say the name under site rules, but they are the largest Dodge truck dealer in the world. And no BS, the price diff was $200, but I should mention this was late Aug and the dealer was wanting to move the '03's bad.-Steve

 

The 2500 HO Auto has 11.5 axle.

 

Kinda what I just said...

I just wasn't very clear.

 

Why DC not making enough for the real truckers?

The Boss Hog
(Happy with my not so big truck . . . )