Chevy Silverado 2500HD vs 3500HD

RodgerS · 01-06-2016, 06:16 PM

Do the daily driver characteristics suffer with respect to the 3500HD compared to the 2500HD?

Thanks

KYCAMPER · 01-06-2016, 06:58 PM

When trying out the GM HD trucks I only drove 2500's. I ended up buying a 3500. I don't remember a noticeable difference. Take a look at the HD rear springs. On my 3500 the stiffer springs don't engage until the lighter springs have "squatted" into them. I would compare the setup between the 2. My guess is unloaded the truck sits on the softer springs on both the 2500 and 3500??

RodgerS · 01-06-2016, 07:20 PM

Thanks. I plan to compare the set ups, but was more interested in your how-your-butt-felt comment as the most meaningful.

I'm rethinking this because if I can accept this truck as a daily driver, that would make me think a lot harder about this option vs a Seneca or used premium diesel pusher. The only thing that made me shy away was my wanting to avoid a traditional rough ride. Edd505 got me to rethinking this.

I did take a ride in a Ram 3500 with rear airbags, unloaded, and it was not as bad as I expected.

Old skipper · 01-06-2016, 07:51 PM

I find them comparable year to year with the ride of the new model better than my 2008. Best thing I can say is go down and drive a couple. Personal preference is the 3500 long bed crew cab.

RodgerS · 01-06-2016, 08:55 PM

"Personal preference is the 3500 long bed crew cab."
That makes sense to me, and probably the diesel, based on what I have read about suitable trucks. I also understand the diesel will come with an exhaust brake matched to the transmission. The crew cab matches my Boxer dog as well.

I will go for a ride, but I'm doing a bit of research first since it is raining at the moment.

Once I have established that I have an acceptable and understandable choice, I will go looking for a matching fifth wheel. Don't want to buy the truck first.

nhfire152 · 01-06-2016, 09:08 PM

LOVE my 2015 2500HD Duramax. Should have gone diesel years ago. The truck is an animal, hauls and plows snow with ease and is comfortable to drive.

ROC-REQS · 01-07-2016, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodgerS

Do the daily driver characteristics suffer with respect to the 3500HD compared to the 2500HD?

Thanks

Hi RodgerS,

I've owned both - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD D/A and now 2014 GMC Sierra 3500HD D/A. Both SRW and Crew Cab. The 2500HD had the SLT package and the 3500HD is an SLE.

Even though the 2500HD was a more plush model then the 3500HD I have now, I've found the ride very comparable between both. I have not noticed any difference in ride and comfort.
I use the truck as my daily drive when not using it as a tow vehicle.

The 2014 definitely gets better fuel mileage then the 2006, but that's from the engine tweaks GM has made between 2006 & 2014.

A person once asked me:
"Have you ever heard anyone say they wished they had a smaller tow vehicle?"
Something to keep in mind when looking to purchase a tow vehicle.
It's always good to have more then you need, better towing, better stopping.

Hope this helps some.

ROC-REQS · 01-07-2016, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodgerS

"Personal preference is the 3500 long bed crew cab."
... probably the diesel, ... I also understand the diesel will come with an exhaust brake matched to the transmission. ...

Once I have established that I have an acceptable and understandable choice, I will go looking for a matching fifth wheel. Don't want to buy the truck first.

RodgerS,

Definitely, if you can afford it, diesel is the way to go.

My 3500HD has both the exhaust brake and StabiliTrak, where the 2500HD didn't have either.
The exhaust brake along with the Allison transmission's grade brake is excellent.
And the StabiliTrak along with 4x4 performs great in the snow. The StabiliTrak feature keeps the truck from fish-tailing when on snow covered roads.

Pay close attention to trailer's GVWR and estimated loaded weights when picking out your matching fifth wheel.

My 3500HD SRW short bed is very close to weight limits on the truck's GVWR and Rear GAWR with my trailer loaded based on measured weights from a CAT scale.
Probably would have been better off going with a DRW, but didn't want the DRW because of using the truck as my daily drive vehicle. Just my personal preference.

I'm not sure if a 3500HD long bed has a different GVWR or Rear GAWR then the short bed.

Though the advantage of a long bed is you don't need a FW slider hitch.

Good luck.

Grumpy · 01-07-2016, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROC-REQS

My 3500HD has both the exhaust brake and StabiliTrak, where the 2500HD didn't have either.
.

My 2500HD has both.

RodgerS · 01-07-2016, 07:45 AM

Originally, I was considering a Volvo 610 semi-hauler, then exploring the Seneca. Having made a mental leap towards thinking of the Silverado as a reasonable daily driver, the rest has followed. Also went from new to used mentally as I built up my service/maintenance skills.

Many have indicated that a Class A with a toad is, in regards to set up and break down, not that different from a truck and 5th. I lack the experience but can see the logic in it.

Pitting a choice between a premium used dp and a new Silverado with a new or barely used full-time quality 5th has some strong attraction.

This thread has provided a short list of the basic issues and I'm aware one can add rear air bags as well to the Silverado.

I had assumed I would be traveling quite a bit, but am now becoming more skeptical as I tend to be more location focused rather than journey miles focused. I think that also mentally and practically tends to shift me from Class A to a not long 5th.

Looks like the rain is starting to slow down, so I will try to get some truck seat time.

My father, who passed many years back, made the common mistake of buying a 1/2 ton truck and then having to compromise and camp without the trailer he wanted. I may end up following him and my mother, as to usage, in that they use to spend a whole season parked in a state campground, with partial hookups. They simply used the campground toilets and showers.

My mistake might be buying a too short 5th, so still working that problem.

I also don't have a lot of pull towards staying in a private campground and socializing all that much, nor does status stuff draw me. So, you can see how this is naturally flowing in a different direction that where I started.

Bassdogs · 01-07-2016, 08:36 AM

2500vs 3500: New twist to consider, is that dual rear wheel set-up as a daily driver. I have seen hundreds of the 3500 duals with a wheel well cover ripped off. If you don't need the added weight capacity I'd stay with the 2500 or 3500 with single rear wheels.

ROC-REQS · 01-07-2016, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Originally Posted by ROC-REQS View Post

My 3500HD has both the exhaust brake and StabiliTrak, where the 2500HD didn't have either.
.

My 2500HD has both.

Sorry - meant my 2006 2500HD didn't have both.

spoon059 · 01-07-2016, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodgerS

Do the daily driver characteristics suffer with respect to the 3500HD compared to the 2500HD?

Thanks

No, they will both drive the same as a daily driver. They both have the same frame, wheel/tire combo and are both leaf springs. Only difference between the 3/4 and 1 ton is the overload spring. Regular driving around town won't engage that overload, so you won't be able to tell the difference.

NC Hauler · 01-07-2016, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

2500vs 3500: New twist to consider, is that dual rear wheel set-up as a daily driver. I have seen hundreds of the 3500 duals with a wheel well cover ripped off. If you don't need the added weight capacity I'd stay with the 2500 or 3500 with single rear wheels.

:scratched: Iv'e been driving Dually's as daily drivers since 2005 and never had anything happen to "wheel well cover"(?), fenders, or anything else for that matter. I own a dually because I tow heavy...Guess it's what you get use to.

To the OP, I'd go with a 3500SRW if that'll work for you because you get more payload, GVWR and GCWR, for not much more money, so if you decide one day to tow heavier, you may already have the truck for it.

Sledgehammer · 01-07-2016, 05:29 PM

We have several DRW trucks at work, no issues with the width on those for me either. The rear fenders are no wider than the trailer...and the mirrors are the widest part of a srw or drw. I have seen a fair share of busted rear fenders though. If I had to guess I'd say the majority of those came from not swinging wide enough in tight spots. Its what ever you get used too.

F14man · 01-07-2016, 06:30 PM

+ 1,

gtsum2 · 01-08-2016, 03:53 AM

I skipped the 2500 and went straight to 3500 srw. It is my daily driver (41k in 1 1/2 years). I Had a 2013 half ton I sold when I ordered the 3500 and make no mistake their is a big difference in ride quality when unloaded and on rough roads.

I would determine what fifth you want first and then decide if you need srw or drw. I bought a heavier rig then expected and am at max limits of my truck, and while it had handled it fine the 5100 miles I towed it this past year, there is no question a dually would be a better fit for it.

DrtEmaxChvy · 01-08-2016, 08:02 AM

So let me ask a couple of questions please.

What's the year range? What are you towing!
I purchased a 2015.5 LTZ Z71 CCSB 2500 duramax
It's my daily driver and the truck is a work horse.
It's max tow (5th wheel is 17500) where as the 3500 SRW was maybe 1000 more than that.
The ride is great and the truck is manageable in every day situations. I can park it darn near anywhere and the features are excellent. Far better than my 2014 2500 in many cases.
Contrary to popular belief you do not need to go overkill on your tow vehicle.
In November I towed 15789# of horses in our gooseneck and the truck did superb.
Ask yourself what your plans are.
Also if the truck is going to sit don't buy a diesel, especially with all the emissions on them. It will be a headache. Buy a diesel if you're going to drive it and work it.
The guys who buy diesels because the want a diesel and use them for grocery getters (especially the new ones) have problems.

DrtEmaxChvy · 01-08-2016, 08:06 AM

Some samples

Camper_bob · 01-08-2016, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrtEmaxChvy

snip...

Also if the truck is going to sit don't buy a diesel, especially with all the emissions on them. It will be a headache. Buy a diesel if you're going to drive it and work it.
The guys who buy diesels because the want a diesel and use them for grocery getters (especially the new ones) have problems.

This is precisely why I didn't buy a diesel when it came time to trade in my 1/2 ton GMC. No way I could ever use it how it was designed with a short commute and only towing 8-10 times a year...

Diesels are great, but if you aren't using it, it's only so much extra money and iron.

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