Daily driver if don't tow?

[redwngr]

On 12/13/2024 at 4:37 PM, B-Rad79 said:

I saw a very nice looking '25 2500HD Trail Boss at a good price. I have a 1500 today, but can't help but wonder if a move up to the 2500 would be worth it, I don't tow anything at all and only put 5k miles a year on my truck. Is the move up worth it as a daily driver if i wouldn't tow anything? 

 

 

 

Running 5k per year, and not needing the payload or towing capacity I'd suggest saving your money and driving what you've got. 

 

If your needs change -- deal with it then.  

Who knows, it might be a diesel dually that is required for the 'possible future need'.

 

If a one time need pops up on short notice rent one or borrow from a buddy. 

 

 

 

If you're gonna proceed, and it seems lower price than most, spend some time and go over the options with a fine tooth comb.

They are all a lot of money to later find out the price was better because it is missing something you want or would have spec'd if ordering one.

 

 

A stock 2500 is taller than a 1500 that has the factory 2" lift...

 

 

 

Edited December 20, 2024 by redwngr

[BB&Chiveon]

Only 5 k a year. Who cares if 2500. I bot 2500 thinking I would drive it everyday 60 miles ,but ended up getting another car as daily driver again!

[asilverblazer]

The ride quality of my 1/2 ton was VASTLY better than my 1 ton. Obviously, of course. I've posted it before, but my diesel is getting the exact if not better mpg than my 5.3 was. The only time i get worse mpg is during a regen. City MPG might be lower too, but I don't do heavy city driving often.

 

All things considered - do you value ride quality or capability more?

[B-Rad79]

1 hour ago, asilverblazer said:

The ride quality of my 1/2 ton was VASTLY better than my 1 ton. Obviously, of course. I've posted it before, but my diesel is getting the exact if not better mpg than my 5.3 was. The only time i get worse mpg is during a regen. City MPG might be lower too, but I don't do heavy city driving often.

 

All things considered - do you value ride quality or capability more?

I'm leaning towards keeping what I have and adding a lift kit instead of going vastly bigger in overall size. My ride quality today is terrific and hope that a lift kit doesn't alter the ride or mpg that much. 

[asilverblazer]

22 hours ago, B-Rad79 said:

I'm leaning towards keeping what I have and adding a lift kit instead of going vastly bigger in overall size. My ride quality today is terrific and hope that a lift kit doesn't alter the ride or mpg that much. 

Not sure I would say vastly bigger, a short bed crew cab half ton is less than 12" shorter than a 3/4 ton crew cab standard bed. Width, cab size, are the same and if you lift the half ton they will be similar height. The 2014-2019 models the difference was 10" in length all in the bed, every other dimension was the same, except height.

[B-Rad79]

4 hours ago, asilverblazer said:

Not sure I would say vastly bigger, a short bed crew cab half ton is less than 12" shorter than a 3/4 ton crew cab standard bed. Width, cab size, are the same and if you lift the half ton they will be similar height. The 2014-2019 models the difference was 10" in length all in the bed, every other dimension was the same, except height.

Fair point and well taken. Thank you. 

[Dunn]

On 12/20/2024 at 8:51 AM, redwngr said:

 

 

 

 

 

A stock 2500 is taller than a 1500 that has the factory 2" lift...

 

 

 

they are equal to a 1500 with 4" lift....

 

dont mind DD a 2500, its a bit long but get used to it.....the extra bed space is really nice

[redwngr]

10 hours ago, Dunn said:

they are equal to a 1500 with 4" lift....

 

dont mind DD a 2500, its a bit long but get used to it.....the extra bed space is really nice

 

Good point - I should have included that, instead of just referring to the stock factory dimensions.

[redwngr]

Previous truck generations weren't this way, but todays standard bed crews OAL and bed dimensions are not the same on 1500 and 2500

 

Overall length for for Crew  4wd

1500 short        232

1500 standard  241.5 

2500 standard  251

2500 long          267

 

1500 standard bed box is shorter and deeper than the HD one

 

[PBNB]

Coming from a 2022 Tundra, I am not comparing apples to apples but my experience with Toyota's 1/2 ton is maybe a few inches shorter overall compared to my 3500 HD. 

 

The 3500 seems to have a better turning radius and also feels a bit taller. Having the 360 cameras (like the Toyota) makes all the difference. The ride is stiffer in the 3500 but playing with the air pressure can help that and a little weight in the bed can help as well. Mileage seems better in the 3500. The TTV6 in the Toyota was working hard and was quite thirsty, I did have heavy tires on it so that seemed to pull the mileage way down.

 

I was really hoping to move my Diamondback cover from the Tundra over to the 3500 and was surprised that it actually fit. It could be an inch wider and longer to fit the bed rails better but It does seal all the way around.  Really happy that I could repurpose my cover and racks.

 

[UWSkier]

If I ever quit camping, I'll go back to a half ton the next chance I could get one for a good price.

[euromade]

Wound up with a 2025 LT (traded a 1500 RAM Laramie).  I think the 6.6 motor is simpler and made to last.  Also, the AUTO 4x4 was a must have for me which eliminated the 2500 RAM and Ford.

New trucks, especially 1/2 tons are full of "technology" that’s just going to have too many glitches down the road.  The 24 + interior came out of the 1500 platform with 2-3 years of production, so I felt I was not an early adopter.

For the most part I keep my tires at 55/59 and will be putting some 18’s to see if they provide a better ride even further.  
The limited rear differential is also very nice, and not available on the 1500 trucks…
I wish the interior lighting was better, as there is no easy fix to add more footwell lights; at least not to my knowledge.   This is where my old RAM did a better job.

It is a longer and taller truck compared to my old RAM (20+ inches) but with all the cameras I got use to it.

 

Another big "issue" is a substantial blind spot with  the giant mirrors, especially at the pedestrian crossings!  My truck came with the pedestrian detection feature, but I don’t trust it.  

Also, running boards are a must…
 

Edited January 28, 2025 by euromade

[redwngr]

 

I found the same thing with the T1 tow mirrors. Had been running and happy with GM with tow mirrors for about 20 years, but they were one reason I got rid of a tow mirror equipped '21)  

 

 

I think you've been mislead about the differential(s). 

 

In case anyone is reading and considering current 1500/2500/3500

GM has expanded use of the G80 over the years. 

 

Currently, all 1500's and 2500's come with (or have available) the G80 auto-locking differential except for the AT4X or ZR2 which get standard driver selectable G94 e-locker. 

On 1500 (AT4X and ZR2) there is also a front e-locker -- G95

 

On 1500 WT and Custom (chev) and Pro (sierra) the G80 is optional (but is available, and sometimes required) 

 

On 1500 and 2500 e-locker is not available on other trims. 

E-locker is not available on any 3500, which does not have the AT4X or ZR2 trims.

All 3500's have the G80 auto-locker

Edited February 5, 2025 by redwngr