2500/3500 difference

[DogramTD]

What is the true difference between the 2500 and 3500. I have a 14K 5'er and currently pull it w/ a 2500. I am thinking I should be pulling it w/ a 3500 and I really want an 06 mega. What are the real differences between the 3500 and 2500, besides springs, that would justify me buying one? Or could I just do a few things to my 2500 to meet the same standards of the 3500 rendering the 3500 mega a nicety? My sig is current

 

[HBarlow]

Some of the possible differences between your Ram 2500 and a dually are greater spring rates, helper/auxilliary springs at rear, dual rear wheels and tires, greater weight carrying capacity, higher gross axle weight rating on rear axle, improved performance when towing in strong winds, greater safety margin, ability to survive a blown rear tire, and the legal aspect of not being overloaded on the rear axle, wheels, and tires if checked by law enforcement.

I agree with your premise . . . you really do need a dually to tow a trailer that large and that heavy.

 

[DogramTD]

In all reality, I was talking about a SRW, which I failed to mention. A DRW would'nt suit my needs off road; only for the trailer. So it still sounds as if a SRW 3500 has the same equip as a 2500 w/the exception of the springs? Would an 06 2500 Mega cab w/air bags be the same as a 3500 Mega Cab SRW? I would really prefer to avoid the DRW.

 

[NIsaacs]

The difference between a 2500 and 3500 SRW is substantial in a gas powered pickup. However with the Diesel option there is very little to none depending on how the 2500 was ordered.



In my opinion they could save some money if they just eliminated the 2500 with the Diesel and designated them all 3500.



Nick

 

[DogramTD]

So it sounds like my intitial thinking is pretty much correct. 2500 + Airbags = 3500 SRW. I would be just as well pulling my 5er with a 2500 Mega keeping my airbags as I would with a 3500 mega SRW; no axle or brake difference.

 

[AH64ID]

The only difference is that the 3500 SRW has the overload spring pack on top of the main spring pack. Brakes, frame, axles, front springs, rear main leaf springs, are all the same.

 

[NIsaacs]

The only difference is that the 3500 SRW has the overload spring pack on top of the main spring pack. Brakes, frame, axles, front springs, rear main leaf springs, are all the same.

My 01 2500 has the two leaf overloads. Not positive, but I think they all can be ordered with them, maybe camper option?



Nick

 

[AH64ID]

My 01 2500 has the two leaf overloads. Not positive, but I think they all can be ordered with them, maybe camper option?



Nick

2nd gens are different. . this was a 3rd gen question.

 

[DogramTD]

I think i'll save a little money and expand my options. Gonna start lookin' for an 06 Mega Laramie (want to stay with the 5. 9). I LOVE my truck but I want that mega cab, probably look into the longbed conversion too.



Didnt Dodge continue the 5. 9 into 2007 for a bit?

 

[NIsaacs]

Okay, my bad... . did ya see the disclaimer... "not positive"



Nick

 

[DogramTD]

I always gotta use words of insurance for an escape route!

 

[AWeiman]

I think i'll save a little money and expand my options. Gonna start lookin' for an 06 Mega Laramie (want to stay with the 5. 9). I LOVE my truck but I want that mega cab, probably look into the longbed conversion too.



Didnt Dodge continue the 5. 9 into 2007 for a bit?

early '07's had the 5. 9. '07. 5 and later is all 6. 7.

 

[glhs]

Old topic;



Have been looking at 03' models and I think I saw the 3500 srw have overload springs and a 9,900 GVW, while the 2500 srw have no overloads and are rated at 9,000 GVW?



Could someone confirm this?

 

[AH64ID]

That is correct.

 

[MChrist]

I have a 2500 with air bags and it tows as well or even better than a 3500 SRW. I have never towed a fifth wheel, though. A few members have towed 14-15k fifth wheels and say they feel comfortable with a 2500. Air bags will simply lift the load so you don't squat as much. Every single component on a 2500 is the exact same as a 3500, except for the overload spring and perches that the overload springs touch. With my air bags at 70%, I've hauled 5000# in my bed, and truck sat level. Not saying you SHOULD...
If you do go this route, and tires feel looser than you like, you could try Rickson 19. 5s. I hear they make a huge difference in sidewall flex, and (according to Rickson) ride better than stock.

 

[AH64ID]

I have airbags and prefer them to the overloads.



The new 3500 SRW's no longer have overloads, just slightly stronger main leafs.

 

[JJPage]

The only difference is that the 3500 SRW has the overload spring pack on top of the main spring pack. Brakes, frame, axles, front springs, rear main leaf springs, are all the same.

There are two more differences..... Vehicle License & Auto Insurance cost more for the 3500 . At least in the tax & spend state of washington.

 

[AH64ID]

True. In ID the license is based on the GCWR paid for (8-16K or 16K-26K), so I don't think there is a difference in 2500/3500, thou I am not 100% sure. My insurance is less than $20 different a year, not too bad.