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2500 vs 3500 GMC

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Old 08-07-2012 | 06:08 AM
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Default 2500 vs 3500 GMC

What are the differences in SRW?

I remember an older post saying that it was just the springs in the back making a higher payload possible for the 3500. What are the real differences or options? Looking at a 2013 GMC Denali 2500 HD Duramax SRW, suggestions???

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Old 08-07-2012 | 06:35 AM
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payload is a little more. Other than that towing is the same. Personally I would stay a 2500 unless you really needed the 350, if I went 350 it would be the dually. really if your towing that 29 ft boat a 2500 is fine. I tow my 29 ft with a 1/2 ton
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Old 08-07-2012 | 06:46 AM
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All the payload differences are on the GM website. If you plan on using pretty much any aftermarket wheel / tire combo with a SRW the gains of 3500 over 2500 are pretty much negated. Not many of the aftermarket wheels and larger tires have the load capability.

I went with the 3500 SRW for the extra payload, but more for an increased safety margin with a fifth wheel because there's no way I'll max out the gross payload. The 3500 does drive quite a bit "stiffer" than the 2500 I had prior to it.

If you go 3500 and go to aftermarket wheels / tires, I suggest you check the load ratings for the wheels and tires and keep your OEM wheels in the corner of the garage in case you need them one day.

Hope what I went through figuring all this out when I did it can be of help. Bottom line is there's not much difference with the SRW unless you plan on a decent sized fifth wheel.
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Old 08-07-2012 | 07:50 AM
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You guys pretty much confirmed what little research I did on my own. My understanding is that the 3500 has a higher payload rating (bigger rear springs) for the possibility of adding in the 5th wheel if needed.

Is this correct? Then there is no difference other than the increased payload on the rear end?
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Old 08-07-2012 | 08:39 AM
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Originally Posted by frickstyle
You guys pretty much confirmed what little research I did on my own. My understanding is that the 3500 has a higher payload rating (bigger rear springs) for the possibility of adding in the 5th wheel if needed.

Is this correct? Then there is no difference other than the increased payload on the rear end?
shouldnt be or at least nothing numbers wise. probably a little worse gas in the F350. But if I could get the 350 for the same price i might take it. But I have always found that the 3500SRWS are kind of a waste, either go 2500 or dually,

Last edited by soldier4402; 08-07-2012 at 08:45 AM.
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Old 08-07-2012 | 09:30 AM
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I Just Bought A 3500 Dually And Its Outrageous Goes Down The Highway Like A Car And Will Pull Anything You Want Fuel Mileage Is In The Low 20s Unloaded And I Got 15 Pulling A 35 Donzi CC Up To Ny Last Week For A Break In ,,Should Do Better Once Its Broken In ,,The Mileage Is Slowly Getting Better ,,,Love The Truck
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Old 08-07-2012 | 11:31 AM
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I see you are in Cape Coral and do marine transport. Do you know Denny H? If so, how is he? Haven't talked to him in a long time, hope he is well.

Thanks for the advice, killer truck! I would buy the dually, but it wouldn't fully suit my needs.
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Old 08-07-2012 | 04:53 PM
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I went from an 01 2500 8.1 CC to a 07 Classic 3500 LBZ CC. Only diff is could tell is an extra leaf in rear springs.

Love it and it pulls the Cig No porblem.
I put 20s on it w E rated tires.

Now about the 20 MPG NOT ME!! maybe 14 Unloaded
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Old 08-07-2012 | 05:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Quinlan
I went from an 01 2500 8.1 CC to a 07 Classic 3500 LBZ CC. Only diff is could tell is an extra leaf in rear springs.

Love it and it pulls the Cig No porblem.
I put 20s on it w E rated tires.

Now about the 20 MPG NOT ME!! maybe 14 Unloaded
the new truck, gas or diesel?
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Old 08-07-2012 | 07:37 PM
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The rear springs are different in the 2500 vs 3500 in the number of stages. Usually the 2500 is single, Suburban, or at the most two stage in trucks. The 3500 has three stage springs to help out with ride when it is unloaded.

I prefer the positive road stability of the dually. The SRW is too prone to wind shear and bumper steer.
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