2020 2500HD vs 3500HD ride quality?

MrChips · September 4, 2019

I'm considering trading my 2018 Denali 2500HD Duramax off on a 2020 HD and I'm wondering if there's much difference in ride quality between a 3500HD and a 2500HD? Any input would be appreciated.

powerhaulic · September 5, 2019

3 hours ago, MrChips said:

I'm considering trading my 2018 Denali 2500HD Duramax off on a 2020 HD and I'm wondering if there's much difference in ride quality between a 3500HD and a 2500HD? Any input would be appreciated.

I traded my '18 Denali 2500 Duramax for a 2020 3500 AT4 Duramax.

i am quite pleased with the ride quality, it is definitely firm but I would not say harsh. compared to the 2500 i am very pleased

MTU Alum · September 5, 2019

The three main differences between 2500 and 3500 SRW are: rear tire pressure increases from 70 to 80 psi, three stage leaf spring, and rear shock has more force. The second stage of 3500 leaf engages quicker than 2500, so larger bumps are more firm. In general, the rolling isolation is similar and larger bumps are a little firmer.

If you choose diesel engine, you get 12" ring gear and no engine torque limiting in lower gears.

#iworkforGM

Irish80 · September 5, 2019

4 hours ago, MrChips said:

I'm considering trading my 2018 Denali 2500HD Duramax off on a 2020 HD and I'm wondering if there's much difference in ride quality between a 3500HD and a 2500HD? Any input would be appreciated.

I can't say what going from a 2500 to 3500 would be like, but I can tell you my '20 3500 Duramax is much smoother than my '16 3500 gasser was. A couple days after I got my new truck I took it back in for them to wax and detail it and they gave me a '19 3500 Duramax for a day and the ride quality is noticably better on my '20. I'm not saying there is a thing wrong with the previous generation, I just think they put an awful lot of thought into the new trucks. Heck I haven't had a drop off coffee slosh out of my cup going down my gravel road yet.

MrGraff · September 5, 2019

My 2019 was slightly rougher ride wise, perhaps more nimble in steering. Overall the 2020 is a definite improvement, 10 speed is an eye opener.

MrChips · September 5, 2019

Thanks for the feedback everyone! One more question, some guys with the 2020 2500HD trucks have mentioned that they squat excessively with a trailer hooked up, is that the case with the 3500HD as well?

CRApex · September 5, 2019

9 hours ago, MrChips said:

Thanks for the feedback everyone! One more question, some guys with the 2020 2500HD trucks have mentioned that they squat excessively with a trailer hooked up, is that the case with the 3500HD as well?

I have a 2020 2500HD that I replaced my 2017 2500HD with. I had to install Timbrens on the 2017 as my 30' trailer squated my truck below level. I won't need them on the 2020, squat is minimal, still above level in the rear and rides much better unloaded.

Irish80 · September 5, 2019

9 hours ago, MrChips said:

Thanks for the feedback everyone! One more question, some guys with the 2020 2500HD trucks have mentioned that they squat excessively with a trailer hooked up, is that the case with the 3500HD as well?

I've had about 12000 lbs behind mine on an 18' bumper pull and I did not notice excessive squatting.

MTU Alum · September 6, 2019

With the same load, 3500 will "squat" less than 2500 with the same load if that load gets into the second stage of the spring.

GM trucks are designed with a forward rake so they sit level when loaded. If you level your truck, then you will deal with squat because you took the rake out.

CRApex · September 6, 2019

My 2500 is at the dealer right now getting a power retrax. They gave me a new 2020 3500 as a loaner. The 3500 does feel a bit stiffer than the 2500 but it still drives nice. I would say if you tow a lot, get a 3500. If you just tow occationally and just prefer an HD I'd say the 2500 is the way to go.

m5guy · September 6, 2019

Honestly couldn't tell the difference in ride in the 15-19 3500 SRW vs 2500 (owned a few of them both). If the 2020's are very similar, not sure why you wouldn't get the 3500. Price is basically a wash...

CRApex · September 6, 2019

14 minutes ago, m5guy said:

Honestly couldn't tell the difference in ride in the 15-19 3500 SRW vs 2500 (owned a few of them both). If the 2020's are very similar, not sure why you wouldn't get the 3500. Price is basically a wash...

I had a 2011 3500 HD, 2015 3500 HD and a 2017 2500HD and couldn't tell a difference in the way they drove. In this 2020, like I said above, you can notice a bit more of a stiff ride in the 3500 but it still drives nice, more noticeable difference than the previous gen trucks imo.