2500 vs. 3500

I am soon to be in the market for a new Ram. Some towing (but not a lot), mostly looking for daily driver that I can still use as a chase vehicle for our motorcyle trips in Mexico.

The Power Wagon looks awesome, but I want the Cummins. So, my question is: What are all the differences between the 2500 4x4 and the 3500 4x4 w/ singles on the rear?

I'm assuming the 1 ton probably has a bigger rear end, but that's the only thing I can think of.

Your expertise is greatly appreciated in advance.

The only differences between a 2500 and a SRW (Single Rear Wheel) 3500 are the addition of overload springs and the cab clearance lights on the 3500. The rear ends are the same size for both trucks when you get the diesel.

I have a 2003 Ram 3500 SRW, 4x4, with the Cummins HO and the 6 speed. The only problem I have with this truck is that it's hard to wipe the smile off of my face while driving it [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I tow my M37 around a couple of times a year which is only ~7k lbs with trailer and gear and have had no problems even going over some pretty steep/tall mountain passes in Colorado. I get between 10 and 14mpg towing this load depending on whether the windshield on the M37 is up or down.

My mileage is ~16 around town and I've seen as high as 21 on the highway when empty and when I can keep my speed below 70mph...which is hard for me [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]


You can go to this website for more info. They're a great bunch of guys.
http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/

Have fun and good luck with your new truck!

[The_Sandman_454]

<font face="Comic Sans MS">The biggest difference between the 2500 and 3500 (SRW) is the 3500 has a GVWR of 9900lbs, instead of the 2500's ~8600lbs. The cab lights and I believe different spring rates are about the only other difference. There is virtually no difference in price (well negligable anyhow), and you have a higher towing capacity (if you care about the ratings to stay legal) if you go with the SRW 3500. (I have an 05 with the 5.9L Cummins, NV5600, 4wd, 3.73 differential, and it's a 3500 SRW).

As for the best resource for the Dodge/Cummins trucks, the Turbo Diesel Register (www.turbodieselregister.com) is about the best site there is, however if you wish to post, it's $35/year (although for that price you get posting access to the forums, plus you get a quarterly magazine which is quite informative and interesting (IMO))... You can still read most forums on the TDR without membership though.

Mine seems to get right around 14mpg driving through heavy snow in 4wd, and right around 15-17mpg in a mix of city and country roads with a little expressway thrown in, although I've only got 5000 miles on the beast, so it's nowhere near fully broken in yet, plus I'm running less effecient winter blended fuel. It depends a lot on how you drive too, that can make a 1-2mpg difference if you're heavy on the fuel pedal. I forgot to mention the mileage figures are just the truck, just waiting until summer to finally get to pull some stuff around.</font>

[superswamper]

Another thing now is that the quadcab model isn't available with the 6 foot bed in the 3500 srw! I tried but they said no... [img]images/graemlins/cussing.gif[/img]