2500HD or 3500

[doverarjim]

OK guys looking at updating the ride, checking on MSRP on GM Buypower the cost between a 2500 HD and 3500 is about $200.00 the way I specd it out. So other than the extra tires on a 3500. Which would you get? I put on about 25,000 miles a year and around half of that is pulling some type of trailer. The 12,500 miles a year that does not have a trailer is in town, my commute is about 15 miles each way and I use my truck on the job going from job site to job site. Looking for some good input, Thanks.

[95Sierra2500]

Unless you're looking at a dually 3500 (they still make SRW ones), there's practically no difference other than the GVW rating. I'd say if you're towing, get something with duals. I had forgotten how nice it is to pull w/a dually until I had to borrow my dad's this last weekend. 15-25 mph cross winds and I had to keep checking the mirrors to make sure the camper was still back there...it was, but I was driving on the solid line to make sure the trailer didn't swing over and cross the dotted one.

[Boondox]

Like you, I was torn between the two. I didn't need a 3500, but with the price so close I was giving it serious consideration. Then I called my insurance company for quotes. GEICO wouldn't cover either one! So I shopped around at other insurance companies and found a considerable difference in quotes for the two trucks, but quite a few of them classified the 2500HD as a commercial vehicle (more $$$ for coverage). It was a real eye opener.

 

I am old enough, so ended up getting coverage from AARP for a really good price. They had no trouble covering a 3/4 ton truck because, and I quote, "Nothing is safer than an old fart in a big truck!" But even they wouldn't cover a 1 ton.

 

Pete

[454ss]

ive never heard of any problems insuring a 3/4 or 1 ton, all ive ever owned since i was 16 was either a hd 3/4 or a 1 ton and ive had many differant ins companies and none of them ever said anything about it. they never charged me any more because it was a 3/4 or 1ton, the cost was just related to the value of the truck and how many speeding tickets i had at the time.

[superbee]

I am also in the market for a truck, I called my Nationwide agent. She said replacing my 88 k2500 with a 2002 2500hd would be about $100 more per 6 mos. and a 3500 would be about $125 per 6 mos.