I find this question quite perplexing...

Just what differentiates the 1500 and 2500 models? I can certainly see the differences in the 3500, not a problem there.

 

Basically it's just suspension. Heavier springs, meaner axle, etc. 2500 may be eight lug as well, but, not always.

 

Thanks...

I've not ever seen a B250 or 2500 with 8-stud wheels, but that doesn't mean much.

My 1500 has a GVM of 7,250lbs, the GVM limit for importation into Australia (vehicles over 25 years old) is 7716lbs, so I can't buy anything which will exceed that. However, I'd think it likely that some 2500s would come in under that figure.

If there are owners of 1994 to 1997 model RAM 2500 vans looking on who can check their VIN plates for accurate figures I'd appreciate it. Looking online I am seeing some 'B2' vans with lighter GVMs than my 1500 so it's a bit of a case of individual items I guess.on the plates it shows the GVM as 'GWAR' with the total figure generally at the top and front and rear figures shown separately.

Luckily I imported my B350 (GVM 8530lbs) before (apparently) the rules changed.

 

1500-1/2 ton
2500-3/4 ton
3500-1 ton

 

I have some trouble with that...

Extensively searching the internet for pics of VIN plates from 2500s I find none with a higher GVM than my 1500.

 

Here in the states, that is accurate.... to a degree. A half-ton van will actually haul more than that... Same for the rest. It's all about the suspension/driveline/brakes. Higher weight rating gets heavier suspension, and larger brakes. Max weight and tow ratings are listed on the data plate either on the drivers door frame, or a label under the hood.

 

Just to make things more confusing ... It was common for Ford and Chebby so I assume Dodge also ..... they would sell a 3/4 ton truck with 1 ton suspension and running gear.
The advantage is to have a heavier duty truck but it is still licensed as a 3/4 ton ..... some states have extra taxes for 1 ton and larger trucks.
My father inlaw has a 1 ton truck that looks like a 3/4 ton and titled as a 3/4 ton but is a 1 ton and he uses it to pull his 5th wheel trailer.

I had a 3/4 ton Ford van with 1 ton suspension .... from the factory it was setup as a passenger van and was used as a airport shuttle to move passengers around.

My current chebby truck is a " Heavy duty 1/2 ton" I have larger wheel bearings and other items then a normal 1/2 ton.

So there can be set differences between a 1500 and a 2500 .... that does not mean every truck follows them,

 

all this is true^^^^^^^^^^^

 

I know that the B350 campervan I bought was a one-ton, it had larger wheel studs and nuts and presumably heavier springs, the Dana 60 rear end with larger-style hubs - as distinct from the 9¼ rear in my original B350, which I was told in the first place is a three-quarter ton van.

But this all makes a bit of a mockery of the '1500' and '2500' designations and makes them harder for me to understand.

And HeyYou... just to reiterate, we never had any of these vans here. You could probably count the total number of vans of the B-series privately imported here on your fingers and toes.

 

I don't know that a half-ton truck, or van.... EVER was only rated for 1000 pounds load capacity. WHY they designated them that way is a mystery to me. Seems that just what the manufacturers decided to designate the.... and it appears they all agreed. (even the foreign makers that never made full sized trucks subscribe to the same naming scheme.) These days though, I one ton truck can carry WELL over 2000 pounds in the bed, and tow VASTLY more than that, with the correct equipment/trailer. I suspect, that the names are given as a 'general suggestion', and the load ratings are actually higher, simply because folks DO ignore those ratings, and frequently over load their trucks. I once put 5300 pounds of dirt in a 3/4 ton truck. WAY over limit, and the driving characteristics told me that. (I didn't think dirt weighed that much..... I was rather surprised when I saw the numbers....) The drive home was interesting to say the least. The front end was REALLY light. I took back roads the whole way home, and didn't exceed 35mph..... for 15 miles.