Looking at new truck

[Junkyard Jim]

You can add air bags to the rear of a 2500 to level out the ride and stay out of that commercial vehicle rule. I have a set on my '05 2500 GMC and love it. The motor, tranny and gear ratio is where you get your power. Suspension gives you stability. The rest is just wrapping paper. Since I only haul heavy half the time, it works out good to have the ability to air up when needed.

I bought an '05 because it was after the injector issue and before the re-gen stuff started. Research that re-gen stuff on the different makes. I was talking to a guy that says his goes into "limp" mode and he has to pull over for it to do it's thing. I wouldn't like that. I believe he had a Dodge. They may all have to do that by now, but it is definately worth looking into.

 

[schmism]

2500 plus airbags does not get you bigger bearings, or brakes or tires or rear GAWR all of which is key when your pushing heavy pin weights from 5th wheels

You can add air bags to the rear of a 2500 to level out the ride and stay out of that commercial vehicle rule. I have a set on my '05 2500 GMC and love it. The motor, tranny and gear ratio is where you get your power. Suspension gives you stability. The rest is just wrapping paper. Since I only haul heavy half the time, it works out good to have the ability to air up when needed.

 

[farmer2009]

Research that re-gen stuff on the different makes. I was talking to a guy that says his goes into "limp" mode and he has to pull over for it to do it's thing. I wouldn't like that. I believe he had a Dodge. They may all have to do that by now, but it is definately worth looking into.

Ha. That's good to know. I've talked to semi drivers that say they have to pull over or stop unloading to regen. Hydraulic unloading trailers. They hate them. I didn't think pickups had that problem.

I've got an 06 Chevy gasser. You'll love the ride quality. I can't walk after a two hour trip in a F250. Back kills me. No problems with the Chevy after 4-6 hours. GM trucks can do the same as the others. They just ride better. It's all in setups. Happy shopping.

 

[Fordman1981]

2500 plus airbags does not get you bigger bearings, or brakes or tires or rear GAWR all of which is key when your pushing heavy pin weights from 5th wheels

I don't know about other manufacturers but I do know ram 2500 and 3500 SRW are identical except for the rear springs. Same part numbers for brakes, bearings, or everything else except the rear springs. It's a shame a 2500 can't be taken to a dealer or an up-fitter and have the rear springs changed them have it re classified as a 3500 if the need arises for people who bought a 2500 and later finding they need more payload and don't want to buy a new truck.

 

[Junkyard Jim]

Fordman1981 beat me to the response I would have given schmism.

Although it hasn't come up yet, the next thing I usually hear is that the newer Allisons have the six speed tranny so they pull better. For the record, gear ratios in the five speed and six speed are the same through the "first" overdrive. The sixth gear is a higher geared overdrive, so it has nothing to do with pulling, more to do with fuel economy when empty.

 

[Btown]

The GM trucks will do all that the others will do. Sheesh. The 2500s are limited in payload by trying to keep under the 10,000 weight limit. Some states require commercial plates at that point. In MA you need a waiver to register an F350 with personal plates now. The 3500 is nearly same, just with rear overload springs. Ride is the same. I think axle choices and trim packages are limited though. Get the 3500. You'll be happy you did.

That's news to me. A duelly in MA needs commercial plates due to the definition of commercial vehicles in MA. More than 4 tires touching the ground is commercial (there is more to it) . A single rear wheel one ton does not meet that definition so it should not need to be registered commercial. Unless there was a change in the law that I'm not aware of. Some of the inspection stations will try to scam the more expensive inspection for vehicles over 10K, but if it is not registered commercial it should be $35.

 

[crashz]

I think Ford started this in 1999 with the first generation SuperDuty trucks. GM and Dodge followed suit. Makes sense, derating the 3/4 ton trucks as it simplifies the parts stream, no additional support or design needed, and markets well.

 

[ch1ch2]

I have a '05 Chevy 2500HD and have been looking at getting a new truck. It pulls great except when I get into the mountains, the diesels run off and leave me behind. I have decided to buy Chevy or GMC. Tossed around 2500 or 3500 and the only difference would be the rear springs. Now the 2016 are coming out and I understand they have made changes in the engine so I am waiting to see more on them, I get confecting stories from dealers.

So, to help you I can say unless you are going to be hauling in high altitude, go with gas, and definitely consider Chevy/GMC.

 

[Diamondpilot]

2500 plus airbags does not get you bigger bearings, or brakes or tires or rear GAWR all of which is key when your pushing heavy pin weights from 5th wheels

Agreed. It may handle the load but get pulled over withe the GVWR exceeded and your busted.

Chris

 

[Billrog]

Here's an independent reliability study.
Four Brands Encompass Nearly 70% Of The Vehicles With Over 200,000 Miles: If you stick with Chevy and Ford full-size trucks and SUVs, Honda cars, and Toyota everything, your chances of having that vehicle past 200k is about two and a half times the industry average. Reliability Ford F-150
LONG TERM QUALITY INDEX: Seven Facts That Shatter the Myth of Reliability | Best Ride Blog