The 2500 with the camper package has the same suspension as the 3500. Nice mod I got for $85 from the manufacturer.... I've had 2700 lbs. in the bed plus a camper shell and the truck rides like a dream.... Takes a little longer to stop, though....

 

So I've been looking it over, and it looks like a 3500 is a better bet for me...

I want to buy a truck that I can keep for a while, and if I go with the 2500 I'm going to be regretting the lost payload, not to mention the lost stability while towing... (for whatever reason, I seem to keep moving a lot of gravel... 2700 lbs of gravel in a '94 Chevy C1500 is not the best idea, and I'd like to avoid it in the future)

Also the fact that the prices are around the same for both trucks (yes, the maintenance costs - tires, etc - will be higher on the 3500, but if I can get a decent 3500 for $8000, and a decent 2500 for $7000, I think the 3500 is a better deal)

Thanks again for all the help guys!

Now I just need to do some reading into these trucks, find out what I should be looking for (and looking out for!)

Matt

 

Do a search on the respective forum sites and you will find a lot of input. I think it comes down to mechanical versus electronic controlled fuel pumps, auto versus manual transmissions, 2WD versus 4WD, and condition of the truck itself. Just remember, these are all good trucks and each model year has its quirks.... As far as the 3500 goes, you can always take off the inner wheels when not hauling anything. Looks funny, but I've seen it done a few times.