2017 2500 vs 3500 or is it worth waiting for the 2018?

[brillmtb]

Looking more seriously at getting a new truck and selling my 03. I was wondering what direction to go and why? 2500 vs 3500 features comparison and what are we hearing the 2018s will have that would make me wait although I am hesitant to buy the first year of anything new. Might be better off with the last year of the proven stuff?

I heard the aisin wont be offered in 2018? Then again you cant get the aisin without going up to the 3500. That means harsher ride vs the 2500. So since, like most, I drive without a trailer most of the time and then with my 10K 5th wheel camping I was considering the 2500 option, I lose a little HP, the better transmission but am I losing more than I am gaining in the 2500's better ride, should be plenty of power and isn't the stock dodge transmission in the 2500 good enough?

What are your thoughts and any other key features that might tilt the scale one way or another.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Go 3500 SRW with either the G56 or Aisin......can't go wrong

 

[Flash1034]

Didn't the HDs get pushed back to 2019?

flash

 

[SnoKing]

Didn't the HDs get pushed back to 2019?

flash

Yes, 1500 in 2018 and 2500/3500 in 2019. Snoking

 

[TFucili]

Maybe I am looking back with rose colored glasses, but I don't think my coil spring 2500(gasser) rides that much better than my old '05 leaf spring 3500 SRW. If I were to go CTD again, I would get a 3500 SRW w/Aisin. My $0.02.

 

[Newsa]

Maybe I am looking back with rose colored glasses, but I don't thing my coil spring 2500(gasser) rides that much better than my old '05 leaf spring 3500 SRW. If I were to go CTD again, I would get a 3500 SRW w/Aisin. My $0.02.

In 2013, they beefed up the 3500 front suspension and steering to handle the almost 30k GCVWR. I think that is why the newer 3500's get a bad rap for ride quality?

 

[TFucili]

In 2013, they beefed up the 3500 front suspension and steering to handle the almost 30k GCVWR. I think that is why the newer 3500's get a bad rap for ride quality?

Even on the SRW?

 

[Newsa]

Snoking said in an earlier post (about a year ago) that there was no difference between the SRW & DRW 3500 front suspension and steering knuckles. If i read his comment correctly, I assume so.

 

[Newsa]

HD suspension
Ram 3500 keeps the familiar Hotchkiss leaf spring system, with a supplemental air suspension on SRW and DRW trucks, to avoid giving up the trucks’ best in class payload, gross weight rating, or towing capacity (Ram 3500 can tow up to 30,000 pounds and has up to a 7,320 pound payload, with a peak GCWR of 37,600 lb).

rear suspension

Up front, both Rams have an advanced three-link suspension with greater roll stiffness, avoiding body roll.

http://www.allpar.com/trucks/ram/2014-heavy-duty.html

 

[SnoKing]

Here is the towing specs.

https://www.ramtrucks.com/assets/towing_guide/pdf/2016_ram_3500_towing_charts.pdf

SNOKING

 

[LHarper]

I have a 2016, 3500, srw, Aisin. Just returned from a four day trip pulling our 20' enclosed Featherlite with sand toys. Most of the trip was in mountains. I think you do give up some ride quality with a one ton, but the advantages to me make it worth while. Had quite few Ram/Cummins over the years, but none of them pulled and performed like this one. Could not be more pleased with the truck.

 

[lawdog1]

I had a 2003 3500 SRW, loved it. I have since had a 2012 and 2016 2500 (still have the later.). By comparison I could tow 13.5K, 14.9K and 17.2K stock respectively. I use my 2500 as a daily driver, and bumper pull a 8K camper. My 2012 and 2016 were/are equipped with a 68re. I have been very happy with all and with the 2016 capacity I personally do not think I would go 3500 unless I needed a dually. My '16 2500 can tow almost 4K more than my '03 3500 SRW and has 75 more HP, 200 ft.lb. more torque stock, and gets really close to same mileage...wow!! I guess if I had payload concerns or had a in bed camper maybe a 3500 SRW would be in the equation, likely along with a dually, but my 2500 has me covered in spades. I am not questioning the awesomeness of a 3500 SRW with Aisin but I have more truck than I need with a 2500 (but I love it and would take nothing less) and think I would likely jump to a dually if I needed to step up.

 

[Flash1034]

I had a 2003 3500 SRW, loved it. I have since had a 2012 and 2016 2500 (still have the later.). By comparison I could tow 13.5K, 14.9K and 17.2K stock respectively. I use my 2500 as a daily driver, and bumper pull a 8K camper. My 2012 and 2016 were/are equipped with a 68re. I have been very happy with all and with the 2016 capacity I personally do not think I would go 3500 unless I needed a dually. My '16 2500 can tow almost 4K more than my '03 3500 SRW and has 75 more HP, 200 ft.lb. more torque stock, and gets really close to same mileage...wow!! I guess if I had payload concerns or had a in bed camper maybe a 3500 SRW would be in the equation, likely along with a dually, but my 2500 has me covered in spades. I am not questioning the awesomeness of a 3500 SRW with Aisin but I have more truck than I need with a 2500 (but I love it and would take nothing less) and think I would likely jump to a dually if I needed to step up.

Well said, sir.

Flash

 

[BILLUA]

I prefer to buy at the mature side of the product cycle versus being a test pilot on new models.

2017 3500 Aisin.

 

[brillmtb]

thanks everyone. My other question if I go with the 3500 is the air suspension. I have bags in my 03 2500 and enjoy them. Not as expensive as the air suspension route but what do you all think

 

[BILLUA]

I had airbags on my previous 2 trucks with the wireless remote. The infinite adjust-ability was nice and this system is available for around 550 bucks.

On the 2016 I have the factory system. It works well, towing or unloaded. That said. I wish that I could fine tune the pressure.

So, on my next truck, I will probably go back to the Airlift wireless system with onboard compressor.

 

[jacknife]

I had an 06 3500 . Presently have a 14 3500 the ride is much better on the 14. It is an SRW I put firestone bags on since I tow about 14500 and gross 23500. 342 rears with the 68rfe pulls great. you would have zero problems towing 10,000.

 

[Cummins12V98]

"So, on my next truck, I will probably go back to the Airlift wireless system with onboard compressor."

WHY?

Are you running 35 psi solo? If not give it a try.

 

[SnoKing]

I had airbags on my previous 2 trucks with the wireless remote. The infinite adjust-ability was nice and this system is available for around 550 bucks.

On the 2016 I have the factory system. It works well, towing or unloaded. That said. I wish that I could fine tune the pressure.

So, on my next truck, I will probably go back to the Airlift wireless system with onboard compressor.

However with that setup of an after market system, your empty ride will be harsh like any other leaf spring suspension.

SNOKING

 

[BILLUA]

False.....I have had 2 previous trucks with the airlift system and they have both rode as well as stock when only the 5 psi that is min required was in the bags.