I appreciate all the information. I was about to buy the 3500 but I found a dealer nearby that had a 2500 just like I wanted and he made me a better deal so I now own a 2500.

 

If the springs and all else are the same on both a 2500 and a 3500 why the difference in payload? Assuming both are srw.

 

Marketing!

 

"If the springs and all else are the same on both a 2500 and a 3500 why the difference in payload?"

The springs aren't the same...the 3500 has more of them. 4 load range E tires will hold more weight than 2 load range E tires. If you put enough springs underneath the frame you can haul a whole lot more weight in the bed when compared to a SRW 3500. 3500 is usually referred to as a 1 ton, but it can actually carry about 1 1/2 tons w/ the right spring package.

 

I think he was saying what is difference between a 3500 SRW and a 2500 (SRW obviously) causing the payload increase.

The difference is the springs... or it might just be marketing.

3500 SRW and 2500 both have 2 LR E tires in the rear.

The stock rear weight of the average well equipped truck is about 3000# on a 7500# truck. Leaving over 3000# of weight before you reach the limit on the rear tires... (3000x2, a little more on the SLT's as they have a slightly higher load limit on 265 tires vs 245 tires).

So 7500# (truck weight) + 3000# (payload) would be a good TRUE GVWR estimate for any 2500 or 3500 SRW. Assuming the springs can hold the weight up.

The helper springs and cab clearance lamps are the difference between a 3rd gen 2500 and 3500 SRW.

From what I've read, on the 3500's, the regular springs do all the work until the "overload" springs kick in. I have a 2500 with aftermarket helper springs so that ALL of my leafs are doing work ALL the time.

Can the 2500 springs alone hold up 3000+ pounds of payload in addition to the weight of the truck? Probably. Would you want some overload/helper springs. Probably.

 

Yeah...what he said.

 

well i have ridin in my buddies 2500 flat bed with 1 1/2 tons in it and we had no problem with power, stopping or front tire lifting so there !! he also has a pic on here with 60 sheets of 5/8 tounge and groove plywood yes she is touching the helpers but what are they there for but to help !