Deciding between 2500 and 3500

[ThePoultryWhisperer]

Hello,

I'm currently trying to decide if I want to buy a 2020 Ram 2500 or a 2020 Ram 3500. I don't necessarily need the towing capacity of the 3500, but I can't figure out why I'd go with one or the other given the prices are within a few hundred dollars. The builds I created (with the approval of my wife, which means this baby is a go) don't have any obvious differences other than one or two of the capacities, but I can't figure out why that's the case. Are these the same trucks under the hood other than possibly suspension? What am I missing?

I asked the dealership what the difference is between the trucks and the absolute idiot said "one is a 2500 and one is a 3500." I tried very hard to provide a ton of information with screenshots, links, and serious questions only to get an education about how the thousands place is different. I can't roll my eyes hard enough at that response.

The dealer also gave me a really hard time about ordering a custom truck to the point that I got up and walked out since it was a waste of time. I've been polite the entire time and it hasn't helped, so I'm not sure what to do. Any advice about ordering a custom truck, which I've never done, would be greatly appreciated. I've read many threads on this forum regarding similar questions and I have appreciated the advice so far.

Lastly, is there a large insurance premium difference between the two models? I read somewhere that insurance companies may treat the 3500 as a commercial vehicle, which could change the premium significantly. I have no experience with this and my insurance agent looked at me like I was speaking Klingon when I asked, so I can't verify the truth at the moment.

Thanks.

 

[jdefoe0424]

You're likely to get better answers on the sister site, hdrams.com.
To the best of my knowledge, the big difference is frames and rear suspension. The 2500 are coil spring while the 3500 is leaf, so there will definitely be a ride difference.
If the dealer is giving you that much hassle over ordering a truck, find a new dealer. With builds that specific you shouldn't have a problem getting multiple dealers to give you a price. A good one to get quotes from would be Dennis Dillon(one of the higher volume dealerships), Koons is a forum sponsor I believe and there are some other good ones that people have mentioned. There might be a thread floating around somewhere too.
If you're willing to travel to pick it up then you could save $$$.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

 

[Dusty1948]

The 3500 has a much larger rear differential and the brakes are larger, too. As already noted, the 3500 frame is heavier as well.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 044446 miles.

 

[millerbjm]

In many states if the GVWR exceeds 10,000lbs and the truck is used for commerce you need a DOT number and health card. We buys 2500's with a GVWR of 9,900 to avoid this. You may also be able to get a 3500 with a lower GVWR package for the same reason. The 3500 is also available with dullies on the rear axle for added capacities. If you're not going to max out the payload you'd likely be better with a 2500 for ride and insurance etc.

 

[silver billet]

If you want the cummins diesel and intend to tow/haul a lot, go 3500. The diesel weighs a ton and cuts deep in the available payload of a 2500.

The 3500 will ride rougher over bumps etc.

 

[ThePoultryWhisperer]

Thank you so much for the responses. You guys are incredibly helpful and insightful. If my dealership had been half this helpful, I may have already purchased a truck by now. /sigh

 

[Portercycling250]

Hello,

I'm currently trying to decide if I want to buy a 2020 Ram 2500 or a 2020 Ram 3500. I don't necessarily need the towing capacity of the 3500, but I can't figure out why I'd go with one or the other given the prices are within a few hundred dollars. The builds I created (with the approval of my wife, which means this baby is a go) don't have any obvious differences other than one or two of the capacities, but I can't figure out why that's the case. Are these the same trucks under the hood other than possibly suspension? What am I missing?

I asked the dealership what the difference is between the trucks and the absolute idiot said "one is a 2500 and one is a 3500." I tried very hard to provide a ton of information with screenshots, links, and serious questions only to get an education about how the thousands place is different. I can't roll my eyes hard enough at that response.

The dealer also gave me a really hard time about ordering a custom truck to the point that I got up and walked out since it was a waste of time. I've been polite the entire time and it hasn't helped, so I'm not sure what to do. Any advice about ordering a custom truck, which I've never done, would be greatly appreciated. I've read many threads on this forum regarding similar questions and I have appreciated the advice so far.

Lastly, is there a large insurance premium difference between the two models? I read somewhere that insurance companies may treat the 3500 as a commercial vehicle, which could change the premium significantly. I have no experience with this and my insurance agent looked at me like I was speaking Klingon when I asked, so I can't verify the truth at the moment.

Thanks.

To add from the others comments, you also have the ability to go to the High Output Cummins if choosing the 3500 but that does add dollars but I feel well worth. Either Cummins engine is good but HO likely to have better resale if that is a concern. The ride quality likely smoother with the 2500 so if a Dailey driver you may want to stick to 2500. Towing and payload if in your future and even if you may be thinking about it go with the 3500 with auto level air suspension. Good luck

 

[Jimmy07]

The 3500 has a much larger rear differential and the brakes are larger, too. As already noted, the 3500 frame is heavier as well.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 044446 miles.

Negative. If you have two identically equipped SRW HD trucks, except one is a 2500, and the other is a 3500, then every single part is the same except the springs that link the frame to the rear axle. 3500 has leafs, 2500 has coils. That’s it. If they have factory air suspension, they operate differently between the two.

 

[Dusty1948]

Negative. If you have two identically equipped SRW HD trucks, except one is a 2500, and the other is a 3500, then every single part is the same except the springs that link the frame to the rear axle. 3500 has leafs, 2500 has coils. That’s it. If they have factory air suspension, they operate differently between the two.

Okay. Then I have been misinformed.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 044446 miles.

 

[ThePoultryWhisperer]

Negative. If you have two identically equipped SRW HD trucks, except one is a 2500, and the other is a 3500, then every single part is the same except the springs that link the frame to the rear axle. 3500 has leafs, 2500 has coils. That’s it. If they have factory air suspension, they operate differently between the two.

That is very interesting. The towing capacities between the two are extremely different according to the Ram custom-build website I linked in my OP and I would have guessed there would be additional differences as a result. It's hard to know for sure based on the website because the capacities are most likely listed for the HO + dually version. The lack of specific documentation is frustrating to say the least. On that note, I have not been able to make up my mind about adding automatic level rear air suspension due to the lack of information about how it works and why it is helpful. I shouldn't need to rely on the helpfulness of a stranger to learn about a Ram product, but I digress.

It's nice to finally read solid information about these trucks. My local dealer has been less than helpful in this regard (and every other, actually). This forum has been a godsend.

 

[jdefoe0424]

You can use the search new inventory tool to find a truck that is similar, then take that vin and go to https://www.ramtrucks.com/towing/towing-guide.html and click the "look up my vehicle link" paste the vin and hit go.
Should give you a good idea of what your payload might be. I think I have seen some very loaded 2500 Diesels that are near 2000lb payload...very wimpy compared to the tow rating.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

 

[ThePoultryWhisperer]

You can use the search new inventory tool to find a truck that is similar, then take that vin and go to https://www.ramtrucks.com/towing/towing-guide.html and click the "look up my vehicle link" paste the vin and hit go.
Should give you a good idea of what your payload might be. I think I have seen some very loaded 2500 Diesels that are near 2000lb payload...very wimpy compared to the tow rating.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

Geez, you weren't kidding. The 2500 I configured has 1800 pounds of payload capacity, which is further reduced by a significant amount once you add a few people and equipment. That is very unfortunate as every trailer I've considered purchasing has a tongue weight between 1200 and 1500 pounds. I guess the 3500 is the only real choice at this point.

 

[jdefoe0424]

Geez, you weren't kidding. The 2500 I configured has 1800 pounds of payload capacity, which is further reduced by a significant amount once you add a few people and equipment. That is very unfortunate as every trailer I've considered purchasing has a tongue weight between 1200 and 1500 pounds. I guess the 3500 is the only real choice at this point.

Yup, I've come to the conclusion that to pull a TT with the family my next step is either a 2500 gas or a 3500 diesel. If I go diesel, I would go dually as I would like to have a big 5th wheel one day(probably 10+ years from now but hey, I can dream)

The 6.4 with the 8 speed is certainly capable, I'm sure it's worlds different from the diesel-geared 6 speed that was behind it before. So for mostly flatlands it would do well.