2500 or 3500
 

I going to replace my 01 2500 with a newer truck soon. I was looking at 2500's or 3500 srw. What is the difference between these trucks besides numbers and what dodge says it can haul? I almost pulled the trigger on a 2011 3500 mega cab. I didn't want the mega cab because I would like a long bed. I pull a 29 foot 5th wheel at about 11,000 pounds fully loaded. I know both a 2500 and a 3500 will have no issues pulling that. So is there a big difference?

First 11,000lbs for a 39 foot 5ver seems a little light but the real issue is the pin weight. 2010 to 2012 the difference between the 25 and 3500 is really the GVWR, my 2011 3500 is 10100lbs GVWR, truck weighs about 8000lbs so that leaves around 2100lbs. For 2013 the 2500 is basically the old 3500 while the 3500 is a new frame and truck with way higher GVWR and the option of the Aisin transmission, the 2500 still has the 68rfe. I would go with the 2013 or 2014 3500 with the Aisin which also has greater torque and only 3.42 gears, it seems the addition of DEF on the 2013 might be a winner compared to what we had to contend with on the 2010/12 and lose warranty.

It's 29 foot I hit the wrong number I just fixed it. I'm not sure if that's the actual weight just what the jayco say it is. My 01 pulls it great just want a 6 speed auto, 4 door and the exhaust brake.

The only diff is one more leaf spring on the 3500, I tow a 36 ft 5th with my 2500, it weigh`s about 12k and I have no problem, I do have air bags, and have put double deep pan on the trany and rear diff for more oil, it tows and stops just fine, I go from just below Alaska to southern Arizona and back every year for 6 years, and she gets pretty good mileage doing it, if I went to a trailer that weighed more I would probable get the 3500, kust my .2c worth

Subscribing.


I noticed you can't get the Outdoorsman package on the 3500 on the Ram website.

A basic airbag set-up costs just under $300 if you install it yourself (just did mine last night). IIRC, the difference for that extra leaf spring is like $1,500. I'd just shop around for both 2500 & 3500s, find a truck you like for the best deal and not worry about it.