2500 vs 3500

[woodpecker]

well once again i have another question.

 

on ocassion i will be pulling upwards of 15,000 lbs maybe a bit more but not much. i am wanting to know if i will be ok with out the dually. i will be pulling a 25' gooseneck and a johndeere tractor plus implements. and the end of the year it will be loaded with christmas trees.

 

also can i get the 3500 in a single rear wheel? or do i have to get a dually?

most of the time i will not be pulling much of anything at all. this truck will also be a daily driver so i am worried about the ride. will the dually be to stiff?

[XTOAK]

For 2005, the 3500 now comes in both SRW and DRW (single and dually) version.

 

As for the ride of the dually, like a Cadillac! I went from an '04 2500LD to an '04 3500 dually, and the ride is fantastic...my wife swears it rides softer than the 2500 and I'm beginning to think so too. I always felt it was the same ride as the 2500...and I don't even bother with sandbags in the bed for traction as it does great - even in 2wd - without the weight. But I have to agree, the dually does ride fantastic. As a matter of fact, go test drive a Dodge 3/4 ton, then a Ford 3/4 ton, and then the Chevy/GMC 3500...I'll guarantee the 3500 rides like a magic carpet compared to the other two. Then drive the 1 tons of the Dodges and Fords...be sure you've got your chiropractor with you

 

I've got the 8.1/Ally combo - a fantastic set up. Others have the Duramax/Ally combo - either works fantastic depending upon your needs and likes/dislikes. I've owned a Duramax but it just wasn't for me whereas the 8.1 if perfect for my use.

 

Only problem with a dually is going through the car wash - can't be done at most car washes.

[dcalex]

[Truckman031]

A friend of mine's dad has an 04 3500 SRW with the Dmax(LLY) and Allison transmision. He uses it for work and to tow his bass boat around the south east. It does both great. The reason the 3500 rides better is due to the long wheel base. As far as towing a gooseneck, the dually will give you more stability, but both 3500s should be fine for the job. IMO, I'd buy the dually.

[Roofer]

Either one will work fine. It just depends on how much you tow. The DRW will have better stability as stated above. I pull a gooseneck with my HD and it does fine. A DRW is not as good in snow and mud, but better for towing. DRW has six tires to change instead of four. Both 3500's have only long box, so parking is tighter. Little things like that you have to consider. I use mine about 25% towing and 75% daily driver, so a SRW works better for me. Even though I am considering a DRW for my next truck, just for the stability issue.

 

Also make sure you get a good brake controller. Could be one of the most important parts. I have to say, I like the integrated one the "other" brand has.

[woodpecker]

thanks gents that sums up how i was feeling. i will probably end up with the single real wheel. just for the parking/ daily driver issue. but it will be a 3500

[Beaux Duke]

 

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Interesting. I see that the hitch weight for the '05 2500HD's has been bumped up 500 lbs from my 01 which was rated at 2500lbs. This is found in the fine print at the bottom of the page DCALEX copied.

[IMSUREITDOES]

A friend of mine's dad has an 04 3500 SRW with the Dmax(LLY) and Allison transmision.  He uses it for work and to tow his bass boat around the south east.  It does both great.  The reason the 3500 rides better is due to the long wheel base.  As far as towing a gooseneck, the dually will give you more stability, but both 3500s should be fine for the job.  IMO, I'd buy the dually.

 

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took the words out of my mouth... go with the 3500