Read if you're considering a 3500 SRW

[KCJackson]

The official press kit was released at midnight Eastern time on Sept 1. What you have been seeing in that Chrome Carbook listing is correct: DC confirms the <B>ONLY</B> 3500 SRW for 2003 will be a Quad, either 4x2 or 4x4, with either the standard-output or high output Cummins. GVWR is 9900.



There will be NO 3500-SRW regular cabs, nor can you get the Hemi or the V10.





The 2500s with the Cummins have a GVWR of 9000.



(edit: I originally wrote this to say the QC long bed was not available, but it is)

 

[David Muench]

That is so wierd. .

 

[Snow man]

It makes sense to me,since the quad cabs weigh about 500 lbs more than reg cabs,they are the most payload impaired trucks. With the 2nd gen 3500 quad 4x4,they have been doing this for yrs,the 4x4 ,quad cab only is 11K GVWR,all other pickups are 10,500 GVWR.

 

[KCJackson]

Dave, I agree with you. This would have been simpler to just make the 9900 GVWR as a "Payload Upgrade" option for 2500 QC diesels instead of making a separate 3500 SRW model which is far from complete.



Dodge clearly did not really want to take on the F350 SRW as we had originally sumised.

 

[CJ Lagos]

I don't really see a need for a 3500SRW. There is very little difference between the 2500 and 3500 drivetrain and frame strength. The only real difference is the dual rear wheels. In the old days the 3/4 ton pickups had lighter running gear than the one ton trucks, but now that difference doesn't exist.



CJ

 

[KCJackson]

The only benefit to the 3500 SRW is the tow rating, the payload increase isn't much at all.



GVWR/payload/GCWR/trailer weight

2500 QC short bed, HO/6-speed, 4. 10: 9000/2110/20,000/12,950

3500 SRW QC short bed, HO/6-speed, 4. 10: 9900/2750/23,000/15,700

3500 DRW QC long bed, HO/6-speed, 4. 10: 12,000/4510/23,000/15,350

 

[JRG]

2500 vs. 3500

Then how do they justify a higher "tow rating" when the only diff is the overloads and swaybar? It seems to me that the payload should benifit the most.



Also, how do us guys with 4000# campers get away with 2500's and no axle problems?



P. S. Does air bags legally raise your payload, or does it boil down to staying under your axle weight rating?



JRG

 

[David Muench]

Legally you have to stay under what it says on the door jamb, even if you are well under the axle or tire ratings. I bought a 3500 SRW short box quad over a 2500 just on the slight chance I might get a slide in camper someday. I didn't know about the tow rating difference at the time. I figured it's only 900 lbs, but that 900 lbs might make the difference legally.

 

[Jetson]

I don't understand the tow ratings for the 2500's. With the higher HP and torque numbers, not to mention rear disc brakes, I would expect DC to increase the tow rating, but they are publishing a tow rating that is lower than my '99 2500. My truck is rated at 14,400 lbs towing capacity. Why did DC reduce these numbers?

 

[Scooby]

David,



You bought a 3500 SRW "short bed" and are thinking of getting a slide in camper? I just recently purchased a slide in and I don't think I saw any slide in's for a short bed truck that would be heavy enough to warrant a 3500 series. All the heavy (Greater than 3000 lbs slide-ins) are built for long bed trucks. Mine, for example hangs over the rear of my long bed by 3 feet.



Nonetheless, I'd always err on the side of having too much truck for the job over not having enough truck!

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Scooby, depends on if he wants to stay legal or not. My 2500 QC LB 4x4 weighs 7700 lbs with me, my wife, my child, and dog in it. A shortbed would only weigh 200 lbs or so less (guessing). That would mean if my truck was a shortbed I could only carry a 1300lb slide in (loaded) and still be legal - there aren't many 1300lb slide in's out there, I looked.

 

[David Muench]

Originally posted by Scooby

David,



You bought a 3500 SRW "short bed" and are thinking of getting a slide in camper? I just recently purchased a slide in and I don't think I saw any slide in's for a short bed truck that would be heavy enough to warrant a 3500 series. All the heavy (Greater than 3000 lbs slide-ins) are built for long bed trucks. Mine, for example hangs over the rear of my long bed by 3 feet.



Nonetheless, I'd always err on the side of having too much truck for the job over not having enough truck!

No, not really. I'd just like the option. IMHO the 2500's legal payload is so little I'd rather have the extra breathing room. Going down to a short box truck from a 163" wheelbase 3500 dually with an 11' flatbed will be interesting enough as it is. .

 

[Scooby]

Going down to a short box truck from a 163" wheelbase 3500 dually with an 11' flatbed will be interesting enough as it is. . [/B][/QUOTE]





Interesting?! You're new truck will feel like a go-kart!

 

[David Muench]

Yeah, and from a 6 speed 4. 10 to an auto 3. 73. . The auto's gonna need some beefing up, but it's gonna be a rocket by comparision. Oo.