2500 vs 350

[Retusps]

I was all set to upgrade our TV to a new 2018 Chevy 2500. Then this new 2018 3500 SRW came up for sale on the lot. Same truck, minus the sun roof, only 3500 for $1,000 less than the 2500. Common sense says to get the 3500 but I'm wondering about ride quality of the 3500 not towing. I will be using it for my daily driver. My buddy has a 3500 DRW and it's pretty harsh not towing. Am I over thinking this ?(sometimes I'm my own worst enemy ) Towing a TT now but anticipate a different trailer in the future. All thoughts appreciated. Sorry for the long thread.

[rockfordroo]

My 2500 is pretty harsh unloaded IMHO. I suspect there won't be much difference. Drive them both, then you'll know.

[Crusadernoob]

Get the 3500 especially if you plan on another RV

[saus]

I recently purchased a 2018 F350 dually. It is also my daily vehicle. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first but now I like it a lot. You get used to it. If you think you will ever get a different camper, get the 350. It will give you more options in the future.

[DreiHunde]

Another vote for the 3500!

[rskeans]

Originally Posted by Crusadernoob

Get the 3500 especially if you plan on another RV

^^^^^THIS!^^^^^^

[10Ranger]

I've had both. Not much if any difference in ride.

[5er_tom]

The big difference comes with length of bed, and thus wheel base. Longer the wheel base, the better the ride quality, both solo and towing.

[Retusps]

Thanks to all who replied. My DW does not want long bed. I can't believe I convinced her on the 3500. Chevy is calling the 6.5 ft bed the standard bed now and thats what we are leaning towards. Happy wife.... you now the rest! Haven't seen the 3500 in person yet, so will get out to the dealership this week to drive it. Its an hour away and not as pushy as these big city sales monkeys. From what I've read the overload springs are the only difference and they don't come into play till you get a load on, and that's what the dealer said also. We are just wanting to hear from those '17 and '18 SRW 3500 GM owners on their opinions of the ride. Especially highway and Back country rough roads. Thanks again, and I will let you what happens.

[rjc1024]

I have a '17 3500 SRW with a 6.5' bed. I have a 5er that weighs about 12K. In the summer, because i tow often, I keep the tires aired up to 75 PSI. In the winter and early spring I drop them to 65 and it makes a big difference in the ride. There won't be a difference in ride between the 2500 and 3500. On back country roads it will be stiff for sure - nothing like a 1500. I don't think the ride on the highway is bad at all. But, I drove home today in 30+ MPH winds hitting me on the side with a 37' 5er in tow and it was an easy one handed drive. For me the stability during towing far outweighs the stiffness of the unloaded ride.

[Danno23]

Originally Posted by rjc1024

I have a '17 3500 SRW with a 6.5' bed. I have a 5er that weighs about 12K. In the summer, because i tow often, I keep the tires aired up to 75 PSI. In the winter and early spring I drop them to 65 and it makes a big difference in the ride. There won't be a difference in ride between the 2500 and 3500. On back country roads it will be stiff for sure - nothing like a 1500. I don't think the ride on the highway is bad at all. But, I drove home today in 30+ MPH winds hitting me on the side with a 37' 5er in tow and it was an easy one handed drive. For me the stability during towing far outweighs the stiffness of the unloaded ride.

I have a SRW 350 diesel and its my daily drive and love it. I tried the 250, and it road rough compared to the 350.

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by Retusps

I was all set to upgrade our TV to a new 2018 Chevy 2500. Then this new 2018 3500 SRW came up for sale on the lot. Same truck, minus the sun roof, only 3500 for $1,000 less than the 2500. Common sense says to get the 3500 but I'm wondering about ride quality of the 3500 not towing. I will be using it for my daily driver. My buddy has a 3500 DRW and it's pretty harsh not towing. Am I over thinking this ?(sometimes I'm my own worst enemy ) Towing a TT now but anticipate a different trailer in the future. All thoughts appreciated. Sorry for the long thread.

Looks like the only reason why the 3500 is cheaper no sun roof and who needs it.
I had a 2500 Chevy and the ride was great. It rode a lot better than previous trucks and I bet the 3500 not much different. I'd go with the 3500. Later RJD

[Gsykora]

I've got a 2014 F350 SRW shortbed and love it. Pull a 2018 CC36ck2 with it and it works great. This is also my daily driver and I love it in this role also. Truck has a surprisingly tight turning radius (as compared to my Dodge 1500), gets great fuel mileage in town (around 18mph) and is super comfortable. When towing, it starts, stops and slows down our trailer with no issues whats soever. I opted for an F350 over an F250 just for the additional capacity - plus the prices were about the same.

[spock123]

Originally Posted by Retusps

Thanks to all who replied. My DW does not want long bed. I can't believe I convinced her on the 3500. Chevy is calling the 6.5 ft bed the standard bed now and thats what we are leaning towards. Happy wife.... you now the rest! Haven't seen the 3500 in person yet, so will get out to the dealership this week to drive it. Its an hour away and not as pushy as these big city sales monkeys. From what I've read the overload springs are the only difference and they don't come into play till you get a load on, and that's what the dealer said also. We are just wanting to hear from those '17 and '18 SRW 3500 GM owners on their opinions of the ride. Especially highway and Back country rough roads. Thanks again, and I will let you what happens.

Actually the longer the wheelbase the better ride. Is the 3500 gas?

[Retusps]

No its not gas, 6.6 Duramax. I realize the long bed will probably ride better but a no go from DW who will be driving it also.

[itat]

If your only concern is ride quality, I also doubt there would be much difference. If you are looking to go diesel, I’d skip the 2500 and definitely get the 3500. Personally I couldn’t care less about having a sunroof.

[Retusps]

x2 . That's what we are thinking as well. Better to have more truck than less and have to go through all of this truck shopping AGAIN.

[JohnD10]

What kind of trailer does the OP plan on upgrading to?

That is an important question that needs to be answered before choosing the truck or whether gas or diesel.

Consider this before choosing.

The diesel guys are going to say "Get a diesel...you won't regret it!".

Or, "Get a dually...you won't regret it!".

Until those repair bills start rolling in.

I love my 2015 Chevy 2500HD gasser with the 4.10 rear end.

Gas mileage sucks...but no truck really gets great mileage when towing.

It has 73,000+ miles on it already in four years (bought it end of August, 2014) and haven't spent one dime on it, other than oil changes, a tranny fluid flush and fluid change about 6000 miles ago, and a set of new tires.

It is a trailer hauling beast and had I got a 3500 diesel, chances are I would have bought a much larger 5'ver than what I really wanted or needed.

My 5'ver weighs just under 9900 pounds loaded.

[Retusps]

We will be moving up to fifth wheel in a couple of years. We tow in the mountains so will be looking at the Chevy 3500 CC diesel SRW. Thanks again for everyones input, I'll let you know when/what we purchase.

[5er_tom]

We are in a large RV Resort in McCall, ID. It amazes me how many large 5th wheels are being towed with a 250/2500. There is a Montana with 5 slides and an F250. And a very long Vengeance toy hauler with another F250. There are several more. I guess they don't understand.