2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission differences between 2001-2002

[JAaron]

I currently have a 2002 2500 4x4 qc that I use to haul a camper on. problem is the usual with a camper-it's too heavy for the truck. So I'm thinking about a dually 3500, but don't really want to buy 3rd gen $$$. Plus all of my extras-ride rites, pullout mirrors and torklift tie downs from the 02 will not work on 03and up. What I want to know is if there are significant diff between say 01-and 02 I think they changed the rear brakes that year midway thru but are there other upgrades between years?

 

[AKAMAC]

Small stuff like no lighted vanity mirror, map sensor plug (I think), the cap climb in handle is now on the a-piller.

How heavy is your camper? Sure your not getting tire side-wall wash?

 

[dresslered]

The main differences happened at the year 2001. 5 point. Here you got the rear disc brakes in place of the drums, but they dropped something like 14 cosmetic/trim items. If you do a search, you will probably find the complete list somewhere. Definitely go with the duallies for the slide-in applications, but be sure and check out the 'true' payload capacity based on the way your truck comes equipped. It's always less than you expect!

 

[JAaron]

yeah- these diesel engines are great for hauling/towing but the extra weight cuts into your capacity. the tires are fine filled to max psi with the slide-in on the truck and I'm a commercial truck driver so I know how to handle a loaded rig but the real problem is that camper manufacturers are less than accurate about how much these things weigh. mine weighs about 1400 lbs more than the tag says it does and I know I don't have that much extra camping gear. the bottom line is that the truck weighs 10828 with the camper and 3 people and "stuff" it handles fine in a straight line but gets a little dicey on curvey potholed roads. Thanks for the info and I'll try to search out the little details on trim items. The big bummer is my rig only has 18k on it and I doubt if I can find a 3500 with that low mileage

 

[dresslered]

I even have problems with a dually. Mine weighed in at 12,780 lbs. with a loaded Bigfoot last time I was out.

 

[geusterman]

My loaded BigFoot puts me at 12,000 but I use Kelderman Air Ride (or just add a leaf or two) and use the Rickson 19. 5 wheels and 245's like mine which carry 4500lbs to wheel and 4950 to the tire which is nice heavywall 16 ply. No problems at all. Oh yeah. I use Rancho's for stabilization at 75 on freeway curves. Don't need no duallie. If I buy new it will still be SRW but 3500.

 

[klenger]

Here is a table showing the published weight specs for the 2001 models.



http://www.klenger.net/dodge/towing-charts.html