time for a new tower

[jwakeman]

I have been using an 03 Chev 2500hd duramax Allison to pull a 2012 36RE for 2 years now.

Looking to change trucks, the spec sheets the difference between 2500hd and a 3500hd for 2013 are vary little. I want to stay with a SW for driving purposes.

Tell me real life experience, I have been happy with current truck for 10 years and do not want to blow it by picking the wrong one..

[sidney]

The new 2013 RAMS have much higher capacities than previous years. There is a big difference between the 2500 and 3500 specs.

I'd like to hear more about your towing experiences with your 2003 Chevy.

How did your 3/4 ton handle the 36RE? Any problems? Did it feel overloaded?

[jwakeman]

Took this config to the RGV twice. Got 11 mpg both years. I ran around 65 mph on cruise control and in overdrive. I would not be the fastest starter from a dead stop, but once at cruising I was comfortable passing and pulling long haul hills. 26 gallon fuel tank was a bummer, but the stops came at comfortable timing. In 25mph winds I would get pushed around a little any higher winds I would park tell they got down.

[rattleNsmoke]

If the price difference isn't too huge, step up to the 3500. Ride characteristics might not be too different empty either. You can't have too much truck.

[sidney]

Originally Posted by jwakeman

Took this config to the RGV twice. Got 11 mpg both years. I ran around 65 mph on cruise control and in overdrive. I would not be the fastest starter from a dead stop, but once at cruising I was comfortable passing and pulling long haul hills. 26 gallon fuel tank was a bummer, but the stops came at comfortable timing. In 25mph winds I would get pushed around a little any higher winds I would park tell they got down.

Thanks for sharing. There's lots of opinions here about what a 3/4 ton truck can tow. Some folks our adamant about not exceeding the GVWR (payload) others claim the limiting factor is the GAWR and tires. As far wind goes I can't imagine any difference in towing with a 3/4 ton vs. 1 ton SRW. A dually should make a difference in high wind though.

[BarryD0706]

I purchased a 2013 Chevy 3500HD SRW Ext-Cab. I'm very pleased with it. I don't think you're looking at all the specs if you don't see a difference compared to a 2500. The 3500 has about 1000 pounds more CCC!

[jeeplj8]

Originally Posted by rattleNsmoke

If the price difference isn't too huge, step up to the 3500. Ride characteristics might not be too different empty either. You can't have too much truck.

Sometimes the difference is minimal, it depends greatly on manufacturer and year. I recall that for a couple years the F250 and F350SRW were the same GVWR. For my 2005 F250, most SRW F350 have the same GVWR. To step up you needed to have a certain package (different wheels). The DRW was a major step up. Some 1 ton SRW trucks really do not have much capacity than than a 3/4.