3/4 vs 1 ton ride difference

[cub22908]

Will be trading 2014 Silverado 1500 for a new HD truck SRW with diesel this spring. While I will test drive both, a local test drive doesn't simulate all day in the saddle on a highway. For those of you that have driven both extensively, is there much difference in the highway ride? Prefer reports from later model trucks as I think they all have improved their ride recently. Not trying to start a Ford vs Chevy vs Ram but only 3/4 vs 1 ton. I did a search and couldn't find anything negative about 1 ton ride and either 3/4 or 1 ton meet my needs, so if ride experience about the same why not go for all the excess capacity of 1 ton! Thanks

[nomad297]

I went from a 2500 to a 3500. The ride seems to be the same except when I am really loaded down. Obviously, the 3500 handles better with a heavier load.

Bruce

[spock123]

I went from a 08 Silverado 3/4 ton to a 12 Silverado 1 ton and the ride did seen to get a little more harsh. They were both SRW, just different years.


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[CaptnJohn]

Went from 1 ton single to 1/2 ton for 5 months. Now a 3/4. I don't need the extra payload for my 5er and will stay 3/4 from now on. Not much difference on smooth loads but even interstate bumps are noticed a lot more in the 1 ton unless loaded. On I-95 in FL ran over a pot hole with the 1 ton and the rear almost went off the berm. Maybe a gasser would have not been as noticed without the weight of the diesel up front??? No difference pulling the 5er is noticed unless you need the payload. Both have same engines, transmissions, brakes, etc ~ only suspension differences and possible tire load ranges. Maybe Ram and GM are different but I only run Ford.

[KenHwy61]

The biggest change is going from a 1/2 to the 3/4-1 ton platform. The heavier trucks do ride more stiffly and on my washboard gravel road the rear end really bounces. The 3500 should ride the basically the same. You may want to check the new Ram 2500 with rear coil springs that is supposed to ride better unloaded.

[The_Rhino]

My 2011 Ram 2500 CC (w/springs & max payload of 3,000) felt pretty stiff hitting highway expansions joints until I added a fiberglass cap (250 lbs) & about 500 lbs. of sand bags to help tackle winter roads. Now the ride is pretty smooth.

As noted, the newer Ram 2500s have rear coil springs but if you upgrade to the heavier Cummins you will want a 1 ton SRW to maintain a decent max payload...

[jtownstumpjumper]

With the 1-ton Chevy or GMC Duramax/Allison crew cab standard box 4WD, you pick up a few more pounds in rating for towing a 5th wheel than with a 3/4-ton....my understanding is they are equipped the same on the rear suspension except the 1-ton has another leaf in the springs to allow for the extra load rating.....15800-vs-17000 lbs.

[heavynlori]

The length of wheelbase makes a difference in ride also

Short bed trucks ride rougher than a standard long bed

Also regular cab, extended cab and/or crew cab combined with length of wheelbase in addition to single or dual rear wheels

Lots of combinations and all are a little different


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[mike.t]

2015 Ram 2500 CC 4X4 Cummins. No trailer pretty much feel the road. Towing wonderful. Rear coils 6.5 bed

[numbersman]

I have a 2008 F-450 4WD DUALLY Lariat to pull my 38 38FL 2014 Cedar Creek. It does a wonderful job. It is definitely much harsher on the ride. I had a 2500 Chevy diesel Duramax CC short bed that the ride was much nicer. The big thing that I would add to your considerations is gas mileage. My 3/4 ton got 19 mpg unloaded and 11 or. 12 mpg loaded with my Keystone Everest. The one ton gets 14 mpg and less than 8 mpg pulling the CC. I know the CC is heavier, but the unloaded performance (which is how it is used 90% of the time) is what is disappointing and costly to me. It all depends how you will upgrade in coming years and how deep your pockets are and how close you are to retirement.

Bill and Michelle Brickey
Rockford, MI
2014 CC 38FL
2009 F-450 Lariat CC 4WD DUALLY
2015 Camped 45
2014 all summer

[Springerdad]

Originally Posted by heavynlori

The length of wheelbase makes a difference in ride also

Short bed trucks ride rougher than a standard long bed

Also regular cab, extended cab and/or crew cab combined with length of wheelbase in addition to single or dual rear wheels

Lots of combinations and all are a little different


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Ditto on wheelbase. I went from a short bed crew cab 2500 gasser to a 2500 long bed diesel. Actually got a better ride quality. I have to believe it's in the wheelbase. If you go 3500 you will be happier with a long wheelbase no matter what brand I think. I found handling with the TT in tow was better with the long wheelbase as well.

[wamafi43]

I had a 1500 GM truck for one of my trailers, the truck was fine,
but then it was a light trailer, 8000 pound fiver.
Went to a 2500 GM gas with a 15000 pound fiver, on long hills, there is no
power and you have to shift down.
Went to a 2500 GM Diesel, all the power one needs for a
15000 fiver. Since this is a single wheel truck, I noticed tire wear, edge
of the rear tires on long trips ( went to Alaska from Ontario)
Went to a 3500 GM diesel with Duramax transmission, dual
wheels.
For heavy trailers, this is the only way to go if you want to
tow a heavy trailer and be on the safe side.
You won't park the truck on a dime, but you never have to buy
another truck if you are towing fifth wheel trailers,
lots of power, lots of torque and smooth driving
with the trailer hooked up. Without the trailer the ride
could be bumpy, depending on the road condition.
All one ton trucks won't give you the ride and feel
like a Cadillac .
Good luck buying a new truck!!!

[Havasu Bill]

I have the 2016 RAM 2500 and it has coil springs vs leaf. I also put air bags on it.
I tow a 35' Cardinal 5er and it does awesome. I went from an F150 to the 2500 and haven't driven the 3500 so can't comment on that aspect.

[davel1971]

the difference between a 3/4 ton and SRW 1 ton Chevy is exactly the same when empty. You aren't touching the auxiliary springs when empty Rides great loaded. I've had both in Chevy models.

[cub22908]

Thanks for all the info. This forum is a lot of help. Sounds like ride is not that different empty and both better loaded with 1 ton better when pulling. The fuel economy difference when not pulling surprised me, I figured they would be the same with same engine and ratio. That might be the deciding factor for me. Thanks again.

[spock123]

I went from a standard bed on the 3/4 ton to a long bed on the 1 ton Silverado, both Silverado. The 1 ton to me rides harsh empty, now loaded the 1 ton rides great. But now that's just my experience. I had air bags on the 3/4 ton. If I had it to do over I would get the dually. But again that's just me


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[davel1971]

I went from a 3/4 ton to SRW 1 ton and the ride got better. I'm sure it's because I went from short to long bed. Length makes the ride better.

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by Havasu Bill

I have the 2016 RAM 2500 and it has coil springs vs leaf. I also put air bags on it.
I tow a 35' Cardinal 5er and it does awesome. I went from an F150 to the 2500 and haven't driven the 3500 so can't comment on that aspect.

That example is where you will notice the most !
i went from ram 2500 with coils to 3500 with leaf.

No doubt, the 2500 was nicer empty. Close when loaded. But, empty.. Shes a real bouncer.

[Olivermtjr]

I have a 39 ft. Serria that I have pull with a 3/4 ton and now have a Chevy High Country 3500. Both pull the trailer with not problem. The 3500 just seems to be more stable.

[ccsvolsfan]

I went from 09 F150 to a 11 F350. 350 is a little rougher riding on uneven surfaces. On good roads, 350 is a very comfortable ride. Also both are/were Lariets. When pulling 5er it is awesome.