Differences between 2019 2500, 3500?

[BRBoling]

I am trying to decide whether to consider the 2500 in my 2019 truck search. I only want SRW. Can someone please help me understand the physical differences between three-quarter and 1 ton trucks? I’ve gone to look at the specification differences on the Ram website re: towing and payload. What is not clear to me however is what are the physical differences? Isn’t it fairly simple, as in the 3500 has one more leaf spring in the rear set than the 2500? Aren’t axles, brakes, etc all the Same? Wouldn’t 3500 be better in terms of resale? Thanks for your thoughts and guidance.

 

[jhenderson]

I believe you’ll find the 2500 has coil suspension, not leaf. Axles and brakes are the same. I’m not sure if all axle ratios are available in the 2500. The Aisin trans is only available in the 3500 if that makes a difference to you.

 

[lpennock]

Rear suspension. 2500 is coil, 3500 is leaf.
Engine options. 2500 only gets standard (800ftlb) motor. 3500 can get the 800 or the 1000 ftlb motor
Transmission: 800ftlb gets a 68rfe, 1000ft get Aisin AS69RC.
Weight. 2500 slips under the 10K GVW break where some states mandate the truck gets commercial plates. 3500 is over which can make plates more expensive.

 

[Cooper_D]

Ram 2500 offers a Auto Level Rear Air Suspension.

2500 & 3500 offer Cummins Diesel options.

New 1500 cab is 10 inches longer so if you are parking it in your attached garage you might have to opt for the 5 ft 7 in bed in order for it to fit.

First figure out how much you want to haul weight wise and spec it from there.

The state where you live might determine if you really need the 3500.

Try to find a dealer in your area who knows trucks & their options, my salesman has a truck & tows a 5th wheel regularly. Is he an expert in all things towing? No but he is a good place to start vs the new salesperson that started last week.

Test drive both gas & diesel with/without air suspension.

The new 1500 with front/rear air suspension look tempting to me as I get older

 

[kthaxton]

Rear suspension. 2500 is coil, 3500 is leaf.
Engine options. 2500 only gets standard (800ftlb) motor. 3500 can get the 800 or the 1000 ftlb motor
Transmission: 800ftlb gets a 68rfe, 1000ft get Aisin AS69RC.
Weight. 2500 slips under the 10K GVW break where some states mandate the truck gets commercial plates. 3500 is over which can make plates more expensive.

For 2019, the "low" output engine has been bumped up to 850 ft/lbs.

 

[AEdelheit]

One of the biggest differences between a 2500 with coil springs that are mounted very far inboard and a 3500 with leaf springs mounted outboard of the frame is stability with high payloads. The 2500 are great trucks but do not handle heavy weight in the bed well and are really bad with top heavy loads like slide in campers but still tow good. If you plan on using it for any high payload high center of gravity hauling get the 3500, if its a general daily driver tow rig then the 2500 should work well depending on trailer weight.

 

[TCDiesel]

One of the biggest differences between a 2500 with coil springs that are mounted very far inboard and a 3500 with leaf springs mounted outboard of the frame is stability with high payloads. The 2500 are great trucks but do not handle heavy weight in the bed well and are really bad with top heavy loads like slide in campers but still tow good. If you plan on using it for any high payload high center of gravity hauling get the 3500, if its a general daily driver tow rig then the 2500 should work well depending on trailer weight.

I agree, with some added info, the 3500 SRW/DRW frame is considerably Stronger from fuel tank Back, the Axle tubes I believe could be wrong are thicker on the 3500.
WOW You really need to check those Axle ratios on 2019+ the DOOR GVW changes big time on MAX Tow.

Look at the Big Increases in the 2500/3500 SRW Tow ratings

https://www.ramtrucks.com/content/dam/fca-brands/na/ramtrucks/en_us/towing/Trailer_Tow_Excel_2019_D2_OFFICIAL_INTERNAL_2-06-18.pdf

https://www.ramtrucks.com/content/dam/fca-brands/na/ramtrucks/en_us/towing/Trailer_Tow_Excel_2019_DJ_OFFICIAL_INTERNAL_2-6-19.pdf

 

[TFucili]

Anecdotal at this point, but there is more difference mechanically between the Std and HO CGI engines than previous, and this appears to also translate to a larger disparity in MPG.

 

[RVTRKN]

With theAuto Level Air System with the leaf springs area are a smooth ride for a SRW 3500. With 2500 it’s coil air bag springs that operate differently. You can lower a ball, for example by flipping a switch, back under it then raise the truck without getting out, which the 3500 can not. If SO and a 68rfe is acceptable, then I’d recommend 2500 with an aftermarket air bag system.

 

[HPSimpson]

'19 2500 Laramine is 850 ft lbs , 370 HP 6.7 liter not 800 somebody keeps saying; i do have 14 3500 for towing my 28 ft diving boat.

 

[Cummins12V98]

3500 SRW AISIN Factory Rear Air Ride.

 

[JWChessell]

When I was deciding whether to purchase a new 2500 or a 3500 QC SRW in 2003, I was having a difficult time determining whether the chassis and running gear was actually heavier and more beefy in the 3500 than in the 2500. Someone on this forum advised: "Compare the part numbers." I did and part numbers for things like rear axle, rear wheels (not tire rims but the actual wheels), suspension parts, and so-forth WERE different, meaning that the 3500 parts were likely heavier and stronger. I also compared the empty weight of a 2500 QC SRW LB to a 3500 with the same specs, and the empty 3500 was heavier. I purchased the 3500 and have never been dissatisfied on that score.

 

[Cummins12V98]

" I purchased the 3500 and have never been dissatisfied on that score."

Good call!

 

[Newsa]

When I was deciding whether to purchase a new 2500 or a 3500 QC SRW in 2003, I was having a difficult time determining whether the chassis and running gear was actually heavier and more beefy in the 3500 than in the 2500. Someone on this forum advised: "Compare the part numbers." I did and part numbers for things like rear axle, rear wheels (not tire rims but the actual wheels), suspension parts, and so-forth WERE different, meaning that the 3500 parts were likely heavier and stronger. I also compared the empty weight of a 2500 QC SRW LB to a 3500 with the same specs, and the empty 3500 was heavier. I purchased the 3500 and have never been dissatisfied on that score.

Yes, of course there are differences. But a single part will often have different part numbers. So different part numbers in a search may look different on your device that you are searching on. But it may actually be the same part. The differentials are different, the springs are different in the rear and there are also some differences in the front suspension.

 

[kthaxton]

When I was deciding whether to purchase a new 2500 or a 3500 QC SRW in 2003, I was having a difficult time determining whether the chassis and running gear was actually heavier and more beefy in the 3500 than in the 2500. Someone on this forum advised: "Compare the part numbers." I did and part numbers for things like rear axle, rear wheels (not tire rims but the actual wheels), suspension parts, and so-forth WERE different, meaning that the 3500 parts were likely heavier and stronger. I also compared the empty weight of a 2500 QC SRW LB to a 3500 with the same specs, and the empty 3500 was heavier. I purchased the 3500 and have never been dissatisfied on that score.

Another point...while I don't know if it is relevant to the parts you were looking at, in 2013, the 2500 had the same chassis (frame, suspension) as the 09-12's, whereas the 3500's were upgraded to an entirely new chassis. In 2014, the 2500 was upgraded as well, but used coil springs in the rear.

 

[RVTRKN]

Auto level Air System is different with the 2500 vrs 3500. Also the spring pack is different for the 2500 vrs ALAS and the 3500 vrs ALAS. Big mystery with theses systems but I’m told the 2500 ALAS are incorporated with the spring, vrs standard spring coil. The same with the 3500 which uses different leaf spring packs. The only advantage I see with my system is the high GVWR and smooth ride, otherwise a standard leaf spring and aftermarket air would be a better option and cheaper.

 

[AH64ID]

Auto level Air System is different with the 2500 vrs 3500. Also the spring pack is different for the 2500 vrs ALAS and the 3500 vrs ALAS. Big mystery with theses systems but I’m told the 2500 ALAS are incorporated with the spring, vrs standard spring coil. The same with the 3500 which uses different leaf spring packs. The only advantage I see with my system is the high GVWR and smooth ride, otherwise a standard leaf spring and aftermarket air would be a better option and cheaper.

The 2500 rides on air in the rear, and doesn't have a conventional spring.

I've ran standard springs with aftermarket air and the Auto-Level, they don't compare. There is nothing that the standard spring with aftermarket air does better, and if you have a in-cab adjustable system installed the cost will not be much different. Better ride at any RAW, and better handling at any GVW. I haven't missed my aftermarket airbags once.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Auto level Air System is different with the 2500 vrs 3500. Also the spring pack is different for the 2500 vrs ALAS and the 3500 vrs ALAS. Big mystery with theses systems but I’m told the 2500 ALAS are incorporated with the spring, vrs standard spring coil. The same with the 3500 which uses different leaf spring packs. The only advantage I see with my system is the high GVWR and smooth ride, otherwise a standard leaf spring and aftermarket air would be a better option and cheaper.

Rear air does not change GVWR. I have owned both systems. I had a in cab controlled air bag system on my 11 HO DRW. It was nice but this is better. Leave in Alt it sets much lower than a standard sprung DRW. Stays at the same height even with 10,500# on the rear tires.
It rides better also.

my COST for the pac brake system cost as much as my $1,300 factory option.

I also don’t have to deal with leaks!!!

 

[RVTRKN]

The 2500 rides on air in the rear, and doesn't have a conventional spring.

I've ran standard springs with aftermarket air and the Auto-Level, they don't compare. There is nothing that the standard spring with aftermarket air does better, and if you have a in-cab adjustable system installed the cost will not be much different. Better ride at any RAW, and better handling at any GVW. I haven't missed my aftermarket airbags once.

I did point that out, maybe could have been more articulate. There is a spring incorporated in the air spring, though just a lighter duty than without the option, as I was told.

Rear air does not change GVWR. I have owned both systems. I had a in cab controlled air bag system on my 11 HO DRW. It was nice but this is better. Leave in Alt it sets much lower than a standard sprung DRW. Stays at the same height even with 10,500# on the rear tires.
It rides better also.

my COST for the pac brake system cost as much as my $1,300 factory option.

I also don’t have to deal with leaks!!!

Not true, if you get the airbags only and manually adjust the pressure, half the cost.

 

[AH64ID]

I did point that out, maybe could have been more articulate. There is a spring incorporated in the air spring, though just a lighter duty than without the option, as I was told.

I was told the opposite, no metal spring just air.

The 2500 is an air suspension, the 3500 is an air-assist.