Reason for 1500 over 2500
#12
04-23-2011, 04:32 PM
I bought my 2500 used in January. When I look at prices the used 2500's with Hemi's run aboud the same as the 1500 with Hemi's. I was primarily buying the used truck as a tow vehicle so I wanted to have plenty of payload. The older 1500 QC have pretty low payload limits. I am staying with stock tire size because I am a tow with it. You have a really cool looking truck. My 2500 seems to be pretty much level as a bought it. I think the rear wheel well is about 1/2 inch higher than the front.
You'd actually be surprised with the tow ratings. Despite the fact that the 2500 has a heavier frame and a slightly larger rear axle, because they feature the same engine as a 1500 Hemi, the tow rating of a 2500 with 3.73 gears (the most common) is actually less than a 1500 with 3.92 gears. Going by my year '04, the 1500 QCSB 4x4 rating is 9200 lbs. while a 2500 QCSB 4x4 is rated at 8850 lbs.
Now if you step the gearing to 4.10, then you increase capacity to 10,800 lbs. where it does even surpass a 1500 with 4.56s which is 10,200 lbs.
Where that frame and axle kicks in is in bed payload capacity, where the 2500 Hemi kills the 1500 Hemi, 2700 lbs. to 1650 lbs. in QC 4x4 versions...
#13
04-23-2011, 05:26 PM
It was all about the money for me too. I was looking at both when I was buying my truck. If I went 2500, I would have went Cummins for the power and comparable mpgs. The initial cost, and maintenance (oil changes and such are high) were big factors in me going with the 1500. If I towed a lot, I might have went 2500, but I am happy with the 1500.