2500HD vs 3500HD

[bruceb58]

I just got a quote for a 3500 and a 2500 in CA with USAA. They were nearly identical with the 3500 $4 more.

 

Edited March 2 by bruceb58

[BCGM]

22 hours ago, BigBru said:

I checked with my insurance provider, a 3500 AT4  is $800 a year less in insurance than the same 2500.

I am in Canada though.

Why would that be I wonder ?

[BCGM]

There is quite a few options that you can ad on to 2500 HD truck or that come with a truck on a dealer  lot . I'm don't need a lot of bells and whistles .  I'm looking at a Chevrolet 2500 HD Crew Cab Regular Box Length 6.6 Gas engine Custom Trim  level ,maybe even a WT ,don't need anything higher than that trim level .

 

#1 Do you really need a drivers seat that has power settings ? Manual should suffice 

 

#2 I came across  one that has dual batteries and dual alternators 220 amp I think . What benefit is this set up ?  Would that not also decrease MPG ? 

 

 

Edited March 3 by BCGM
spelling

[Another JR]

On 3/3/2024 at 10:54 AM, BCGM said:

There is quite a few options that you can ad on to 2500 HD truck or that come with a truck on a dealer  lot . I'm don't need a lot of bells and whistles .  I'm looking at a Chevrolet 2500 HD Crew Cab Regular Box Length 6.6 Gas engine Custom Trim  level ,maybe even a WT ,don't need anything higher than that trim level .

 

#1 Do you really need a drivers seat that has power settings ? Manual should suffice 

 

#2 I came across  one that has dual batteries and dual alternators 220 amp I think . What benefit is this set up ?  Would that not also decrease MPG ? 

 

 

1) Power seat adjustment itself is not a big deal to me, but there are big differences in the various seats. Make sure you sit for a while in the ones you plan to get to make sure they are comfortable for you. 
 

2) There is an option for dual batteries with isolator on the gas truck (it’s standard to have dual parallel batteries on the diesel because it’s needed for starting). The standard alternator on the gas truck is 170 amps. There is an option for a 220 amp alternator. There is also an option for dual alternators - one 220 amp and one 170 amp. If you order dual batteries it requires at least the 220 amp upgrade alternator. Dual alternators will have more accessory drag and lower the gas mileage by some small amount. 
 

Order a second battery if you think you might want to run a 12 volt accessory with the truck off without depleting your start battery.  Order a 220 amp alternator if you think you will want to draw extra currents in excess of 30-40 amps for long periods of time.  Order dual alternators of you think you will want to draw extra currents in excess of 60 to 80 amps for long periods of time. Consider getting the high idle switch if you are going to want to draw high currents at idle. 
 

The sweet spot for me was dual batteries, high idle switch, and 220 amp alternator.  That should be adequate for most RV lithium dc to dc charger setups (up to 60 amps), a compressor, or winch. 

[BCGM]

16 hours ago, Another JR said:

1) Power seat adjustment itself is not a big deal to me, but there are big differences in the various seats. Make sure you sit for a while in the ones you plan to get to make sure they are comfortable for you. 
 

2) There is an option for dual batteries with isolator on the gas truck (it’s standard to have dual parallel batteries on the diesel because it’s needed for starting). The standard alternator on the gas truck is 170 amps. There is an option for a 220 amp alternator. There is also an option for dual alternators - one 220 amp and one 170 amp. If you order dual batteries it requires at least the 220 amp upgrade alternator. Dual alternators will have more accessory drag and lower the gas mileage by some small amount. 
 

Order a second battery if you think you might want to run a 12 volt accessory with the truck off without depleting your start battery.  Order a 220 amp alternator if you think you will want to draw extra currents in excess of 30-40 amps for long periods of time.  Order dual alternators of you think you will want to draw extra currents in excess of 60 to 80 amps for long periods of time. Consider getting the high idle switch if you are going to want to draw high currents at idle. 
 

The sweet spot for me was dual batteries, high idle switch, and 220 amp alternator.  That should be adequate for most RV lithium dc to dc charger setups (up to 60 amps), a compressor, or winch. 

Thanks very much for your reply Another JR !