I specifically wanted and bought a 3500 for several reasons, including as much towing/carrying capacity as possible stock as I knew I would be carrying/towing heavy at times. I also think it helps resale down the road as those that need a 1 Ton wont look at a 3/4 ton, but a guy looking for a 3/4 ton will look at a 1 ton.

The bottom line is that there is very little difference between the two trucks and typically the guys with the 3/4 tons poo poo the capabilities and differences in the two, they also tow/haul accordingly.

 

For my '08 it was less than 2 grand, overload springs, and 900 pounds bed weight.

Easy choice .... I got the 3500.



Kris

 

When I was looking in 06, I thought the difference in price was only about $400-600 for identically equipped trucks, which seems about right. You can put a nice set of overloads on your truck for $500 or less.
Is it really close to $2k difference? If so, that's good marketing.

 

On a 3500, in the fine.... State of washington, your auto license will cost you more, your auto insurance will also cost you more. The tire shops I have done business with, once they spot the 3500 badge, will not sell you anything less than an "E" rated tire. Just some of the finer points!

 

When I bought my 04.5, the difference was a few hundred (don't recall exactly, but certainly nowhere near 2 grand). Having been driving a F250 that was technically "overloaded" with my fifth wheel pin weight, it was a no-brainer for me to get a truck that was rated from the factory (as evidenced by the sticker in the door jamb) to carry my load. I'm not aware that Calif DMV charges any more for a 3500 than a 2500 (but it's possible). And, I will go out of my way to make sure I get E rated tires (in fact, at 47k, my factory Michelins are getting down to the wear bars).

 

My homeowners association in Vegas gave me grief about having a 1 Ton when I had my F-350, funny that an F-250 would have been A-OK!!!!

 

Change the side decals to F250 ones, they wouldn't know the difference....

 

Dont live there anymore, but thats what my neighbor did!

 

Leaky cab lights is another thing on 3500. Those most likely add up to the price difference.

 

The GVW are different but they are legally allowed to haul IDENTICAL. The GVW in the door jam isn't worth the plastic it's printed on. I got a 3500 because the 2500 insurance would of been about 500 more a year, trucks exactly the same price because it was used, so it was a no brainer. Although the factory overloads are a joke, you need airbags or something to haul any real weight unless you like the rear extremely low.

 

I got my truck cause I liked the color and it was less expensive than the 2500 for some reason..... mega cab, patriot blue, 4x4, cab lights, full skid plates under it. They literally asked me what I thought I wanted to pay for it, I told them and they made the deal..... I guess they were hurting for a sale..... Sticker was like 52 and I paid 39 after TTL

 

up here in manitoba the licence was actually a fair bit less on the SRW, something like 221$ i can still see frame stickers and they say 3500 on them. maybe they only difference if the bosses welded on for the extra leif.
ford and chevy have made SRW 350's for years and years, funny how its still a big deal for us Dodge guys
im also starting to see way more 3500 SRW's around up here too

 

In hindsight I should have bought the 3500. But the 2500 was such a bargain. Maybe I'll upgrade to a 3500...

 

There is some difference in the size of the diffs

 

I do not know where you get your information from, but here is the link to the Dodge Body Builders Guide. In there they stay the 2500HD and 3500HD SRW Diesel equipped axles are identical. See attached. http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2008/docs/dr/ts.pdf
As stated above in the other post the only difference up until 2011, was one additional leaf spring and running lights required by law. The other difference starting in 2008, was the 2500HD had to have the dreaded TPMS by Federal Law.
Jim W.