2500 or 3500

jwcinpk · May 2, 2004

I'm looking to buy a new truck to replace the 2 older ones we have and had a few questions maybe you guys can shed a light on. Is the allison tranny cheaper with the duramax than the 6 speed manual? I've looked real close at 2 trucks local and I can't tell any difference in the 2 except the one with a manual tranny is more expensive. One dealer says there are no rebates on these trucks right now and the other says there are $3500 rebates on them right now. Who's right?

I'm gonna be using this truck to pull a small tractor loader backhoe on a fairly regular basis and to pull my big trator to and from hay jobs and for general farm towing. Do I really need a 3500 with dual rear wheels? My dad's trying to get me in a used Dodge 3500. I estimate the weight I'd be pulling at around 11,000 lbs and my trailer is a bumper pull. What problems am i gonna run into with a 2500 with that kinda weight and bumper pull trailer.

Truckman031 · May 2, 2004

The dual rear wheels will give you more stability. However, I don't know how much more since it is a bumper pull. The Allison transmisson costs around $1200 extra. The 6 speed is cheaper, but is very hard to find. You might have to order one. As far as rebates, go to Chevy.com. The rebates vary depending on your location.

newnamlawn · May 3, 2004

i drive a 03 3500 with the D/A comb. and pull a hudson 7 ton trailer on a weekly basis with no problems. I can not comment on the 2500 but i know the 3500 will do everything you need it to do. It does not sway going 75 down the freeway with about 12,000 lbs. of turf equipment on it.

BlackSilver · May 3, 2004

The advantage of the 3500 over 2500HD is weight carrying capacity. If you anticipate carrying heavy loads in the bed, then the 3500 would be the most capable.

But if your need is mainly for towing capability, the the 2500HD may serve you equally well. Both trucks, when equipped with the DuraMax engine, are rated to tow 12,000 at the bumper.

If your trailers are of the 5th-wheel/gooseneck style where a significant amount of the weight is borne by the rear axle of the truck, then the advantage shifts back to the 3500.

One other factor to confuse the issue --- the 3500 now comes in both single (SRW) and dual (DRW) rear wheel configurations.

And yet another factor in your decision..... the 3500 is not available in a short-box model.