Hello all,

I am upragading my current 1500 to a 2500/3500 Quad Cab, LWB 4x4. I do not tow all that much yet, but I will eventually. Do both get about the same gas mileage? I thought the 3500 would get a little less miles per gallon due to its weight but the dealership guys say they are exactly the same. I appreciate any info!

Chris

 

the two things you can get with the 3500 over the 2500 is a higher GVWR and GCVWR, and dual rear wheel.

the two are yes the same, but the 3500 has an added leaf spring for extra load. but there are ways to make a 2500 able to haul more than a stock 3500

 

If you intend on eventually hauling a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer, consider the 3500. I tow a 5th wheel with my 2500 and am right at the limit of GVWR and my 5th wheel isn't one of the largest ones on the market.
Regards, Glenn

 

Now, does the 3500 have stronger axles, or is that just gas vs diesel axles in the 2500?

 

the 2500's and 3500's have the same axels, the AAM 11.5's in the back and AAM 9.25's in the front.

the 1500's have the AAM 10.5's

 

i added an adjustable set of helper leaf springs (Hellwig)to my 04.5 2500. these are easy to adjust with bolts and enable you to surpass the stock 3500's capacity. i can't remember exactly how much additional payload or towing these add, but for a couple hundred bucks you can have a 3500+ when you need it and the softer ride of a 2500 when you are towing/hauling.