Community Forums

djeirlessr · 08-20-2016, 05:47 PM

I plan to do a lot of traveling with my DW and have decided to upgrade to a diesel. I currently have a Toyota Tundra that tows our 5er just fine. But I don't think it could handle some of the hills out west.

I also want to go diesel to give me more options if I decide to get a different RV in the future to have more options.

Zac808 · 08-20-2016, 06:18 PM

Towing capacity of a 3500 is higher. Meaning suspension and brakes are beefed up more. Might as well get 3500. It is really not that much of a price difference.

djeirlessr · 08-20-2016, 06:44 PM

I forgot to mention that the 3500 HD SRW. Since both have the same engine and transmission I was curious as to the difference.

powderman · 08-20-2016, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zac808

Towing capacity of a 3500 is higher. Meaning suspension and brakes are beefed up more. Might as well get 3500. It is really not that much of a price difference.

While I agree that you might just as well get a 3500 because it is rated to carry more, the only real difference between a 2500 and a 3500 is an extra leaf spring. All the rest is the same. So you could put the extra spring on but it doesn't change the rating. BTW get the diesel you won't be disappointed.

djeirlessr · 08-21-2016, 06:13 AM

Thanks for the info. I am leaning towards the 3500 HD diesel. Now trying to decide between a GMC or Chevy. The best deal will make my decision.

Zac808 · 08-21-2016, 06:14 AM

Also 3500 has the option of a different gear ratio.

DTG173 · 08-21-2016, 08:11 AM

When I bought my 2500HD my dealer was thorough in asking me questions about my usage of the truck. Turns out he was concerned about the non-towing usage where the ride of a 3500 would be "stiffer". Just something to keep in mind.
And the Duramax was nothing but a good idea. Love my truck!

Trapper2022 · 08-21-2016, 08:37 AM

When towing our 5th I had a 2500 single rear wheels. Trailer was 11k. Wished I had a dual rear wheel more than the 3500. Added rear airbags to support the rig and reduce bounce. Go big if you Can afford it. You never know what your next rig might be. We went class A but had we gone to a bigger trailer truck would have needed upgrade

Zac808 · 08-21-2016, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trapperbob11

When towing our 5th I had a 2500 single rear wheels. Trailer was 11k. Wished I had a dual rear wheel more than the 3500. Added rear airbags to support the rig and reduce bounce. Go big if you Can afford it. You never know what your next rig might be. We went class A but had we gone to a bigger trailer truck would have needed upgrade

Agree. At 10500 dry and 2500 tongue I wish I had a DRW for stability.

djeirlessr · 08-31-2016, 10:02 AM

I have been doing some research and have decided to go with GMC/Chevrolet 2500 HD diesel. According to the brochure the max payload is 3,000#+ and max tow of 5er is 18,000#. If this is true I can't see getting the 3500 HD because our 5er is 9,000# dry and pin is suppose to be around 1,250#. I don't think I need a stiffer ride of the 3500. The payload is 7,000# and max tow 5er is 23,200#.

I just realized that I'm over max payload with my 2011 Tundra. It pulls the 5er fine. Took a 1,003 mile trip from Richmond, Va to Fort Myers, Fl and averaged 11.061 MPG. Went to Niagara Falls, Ontario and averaged 8.5 MPG so I don't think I'm over straining the TV.

Toyota claims the payload for my Tundra is suppose to be 1,640# but I checked sticker on door and it say 1,410#. With DW and me 380#, dog 82#, miscellaneous stuff in bed of truck 40#, 5er hitch 150# and trailer pin 1,250#+.

tmm2good · 09-04-2016, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zac808

Also 3500 has the option of a different gear ratio.

Not for the diesel. 3:73 is your only choice

fvstringpicker · 09-14-2016, 02:31 PM

You're not going to get more "pulling power" out of a 3500 duramax than a 2500 duramax. Some folks are more comfortable with the weight rating of a 3500 but beyond the rear springs and maybe the tires, nobody can point to any mechanical or chassis differences between the two that I've heard. The 2500Hd has a lower rating sort of like my old 426 street hemi having a HP rating of 425 hp; it appears primarily for insurance purposes and to sneak into lower class races. Mine dynoed at 471hp.

gtsum2 · 09-14-2016, 05:25 PM

Pulling power same between 2500 and 3500's...it's all about the payload..expect the 3500 srw diesel to have about 4000-4200lbs payload capacity. 2500's maybe 2600-2900 or so

djeirlessr · 09-15-2016, 06:10 AM

I have bit the bullet and bought a Chevy Silverado LTZ 2500 HD with the turbo Duramax. I considered the 3500 but I don't expect I'd be pulling anything much heavier than the 5er I have now. Plus the $14,000 discount I got on a new 2016 helped with the decision.