Hi all - long time lurker first tim poster. I have a 2003 Chevy 2500 HD Duramax and love it but I'm ready for a change. My brother has an 04 CTD 3500. I've had dodges in the past and haven't been impressed but having looked at them again recently they seem to be a lot better. My problem is this - I have a 32 Open Road that has a GCVW rating of 12k - I have a16k husky slider hitch in my Chevy and the Chevy pulls it fine. Will I need a 1 ton CTD or will a 2500 do. I need 4x4 crew cab ( I would like a Mega, but they're pricey).

Thanks in advance
Pete

 

Go with a 3500 DRW MegaCab. It only has a 6'4" box, but if you have a slider hitch it doesn't matter much. There really isn't that much difference in price between a 2500 and a 3500. If you are going to commit to $50K or so; what's a few thousand? The DRW will give you a very stable platform for towing. The new 6.7L has lots of power to do the job (350) and has a built-in exhaust brake. The new 6-speed tranny will rival the Allison; you can shift it manually or not. Very nice. And the back-seat is wonderful. It even reclines 18-degrees. I wish I had gotten a MegaCab; an adult just can't ride very long in the back of a QuadCab.

 

Thanks - I see you're pulling over 12k on your 2500.. I'm looking at the 2500 right now because the 3500 are getting hard to find in an 07 near me. The one I'm looking at is 34k and it has pretty much everything I would want. I'm just concerned about the pulling.

 

the only difference is the overloads. If you cant find a 3500 SRW just get a 2500 and add air bags to it. But even with air bags it isnt gonna be as good as a dually if that is what you are looking for. I was forced to buy a 2500 b/c i couldnt find a 3500 SRW.

 

Believe me.............you will not have any trouble pulling that 32-foot 5th-wheel trailer. My 5.9L pulls that toy-hauler very easily. And it's pretty heavy when loaded up with the toys. It has 150 gallons of water (2-75's) and 60 gallons of gasoline in two different tanks. I do wish I had an exhaust brake. That would be nice for those long grades.

My 5.9L CTD is rated 325/610 and is pretty stock. They say it would "dyno" around 270 RWHP, although I have never had it on the "rollers". If your only concern is pulling.................DON'T WORRY!! BE HAPPY!!

 

Itll be fine. I pull much heavier with my 2500 without a problem.

 

GET ONE. They are really neat, It is one of my top two favorite mods (I have a Smarty)

 

Why look at an 07 at this time of the year? Once you drive eiether one off the floor they are both used. What is the difference in a used 06 and 07 right now? Then compare how much difference you will pay if you beat them up really good and order an 08. Look long range. I'll bet you would be several thousand ahead in six months by getting an 08. You should be able to buy the 08 at invoice. You will probably not beat that by much buying an 07.

If you do not intend to get a larger rig than you have, I would go 3500 in either SRW or DRW. I much prefer DRW after towing with both. Some people get scared with the duallies. You will be OK with a single, better with a dually. Your pin weight once loaded could be up around 2500 pounds and that pushes a 3/4.
Bob

 

I think it would be worth upgrading from a 2500 to a 3500 SRW just for the extra GVW on the door sticker.

 

Get a Mega dually!! Look hard there are 07's out there. Saw a nice one new Mega dually on ebay for 35k!! Mine listed for 45k and I got it for around 35k.