The TON rating is supposed to be the amount of weight that you could carry in the back of the pickup at one time ???

Also, the 3500, being a 1 ton, is required to have a commercial fuel permit according to DOT. I don't know if there is a difference between the single or dually in that.

The 2500, being a 3/4 ton does not.

Supposedly, the 3500 SRW has the bigger rear end than the 2500, thereby giving it a greater GVWR rating.

I think the main reason they came out with the 3500 srw is because they were getting lots of requests for 2500's with the 3500 1 ton rear end in it. They were special order units, with NO warranty. But I had heard that they were selling quite a few of them.

 

Since it doesn't appear that anyone has actually bothered to answer the man's question yet (everyone keeps comparing a 2500 SRW to a 3500 DRW when he's trying to compare it to a 3500 SRW).

I have never ridden in a 2500, but I do own a 3500 SRW and from what I've read on this site the 3500 SRW actually rides smoother than the 2500 SRW does. Had something to do with the difference in the springs.

Like I said, I've never ridden in a 2500, but my 3500 SRW is my daily driver and I dno't think it's all that rough (but I've also been driving a pickup of some sort all of my life). Get the 3500. You'll get a smoother ride, more payload and those beautiful cab lights on top.

 

Thanks Hoss. Did your clearance lights leak? I noticed a thread on that the other day...

BTW: Assuming all else is the same, and we're obviously talking about a CTD, is the fuel economy similar - 2500 to 3500 SRW ?

 

They're not required for the SRW....only the DRW. I don't think you can get a 3500 of either flavor without them though. Personally, I LIKE them.

 

I could be wrong, but I don't think that's an accurate statement. I have a 3500 and I'm not required to have a commercial fuel permit. In fact, I've never even HEARD of a commercial fuel permit. What is it?

 

I've had my truck for a year and I've never had any leaks on the clearance lights (or anywhere else for that matter).

All else being equal, the 2500 SRW and the 3500 SRW are going to have the same fuel economy. The 3500 might be a LITTLE bit heavier because of the bigger rear end, brake pads, etc., but not enough to effect your fuel mileage.

For my daily driving (mostly city), running empty, I get right around 18 MPG. Highway is about 21 MPG. The specs for my truck are below and you can see a picture in my gallery.

From what I've gathered, the reason the 2500 rides rougher is because it doesn't have overload springs....it just has really stiff springs. The 3500 springs are softer until you get enough weight to hit the overloads....then they stiffen up.

 

Hmmmm - well, now I have to go back and rethink the plan!

 

I have been told twice now, while pulling a trailer through a New Mexico, and Arizona DOT weigh station, that if I had the 3500, I would need to have a commercial fuel permit for it. Maybe, only if it is licensed as a commercial vehicle. But they pulled me over to verify that it was a 2500 truck and NOT a 3500 truck both times. I was told that the "commercial fuel permit" was available through the state DOT people.

 

Is there a GVWR difference between the 2500 and the 3500 SRW ???

 

In the '01:
2500 Regular Cab 4X4 Long bed (wheelbase 134.7") GVWR = 8800#
3500 Regular Cab 4X4 Long bed (wheelbase 134.7") GVWR = 10,500#

And if you go to the QuadCab, 2550 = 8800# but the 3500 = 11,000#

Can't find it for the '04 yet...

[on edit: I should point out that the chart (http://dodgeram.info/2001/dimensions.html) doesn't specify whether or not the 3500 is a DRW or an SRW)]

 

The Dodge website says for the

QC 4X4 3500 11,500# for DRW and 9,900# for SRW

and
8,800 for the same QC 4X4 2500

 

Only if it is registered as a commercial vehicle.

 

Yeah Hoss, if the 3500 rides smoother I'll have to rethink my plan as well.

I'd rather have the 1 ton, even with the lights, but only if it rides smoother.

BensBud, you should want the lights if you're going to be trailing horses. That's the kind of thing they are made for, extra precaution to protect your kids' precious cargo.

I'll have to look into this commercial fuel permit/plate thing. I don't think it's required up here in Taxachusetts, but you never know, this state is very devious when it comes to seperating their citizens from their money.

Thanks guy!

DT.

 

LOL! Actually, he's my precious cargo!

...and we have two F350's at the barn (both duallys) neither with a commercial plate, and neither have any special fuel permit. We don't drive to AZ or NM though.

 

I just called the local Dodge dealer and they said Massachusetts doesn't require a commercial plate or permit of any sort for the 3500.

Just have to stay out of the southwest I guess.

Also, wannadiesel, you said the DOT told you the commercial fuel permit was required for 1 ton's and that they were the ones who issued it?

They're the Feds, so if it ain't required by the states, I can't see how they can require it.

Unless of course they're just talking about company owned and registered 1 ton pickups, not privately owned ones.

DT.