2500 vs 3500 Trucks - What's Really the Difference? We Compare Two Chevy Silverado HDs to Find Out

We dig into the true differences between a Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500. Are they mechanically different? Or is it just in the numbers?

Watch the full video and let us know what you think about the Chevrolet Silverado HD.

We have a second channel! Find it here - @TKPowersports

#trucks #chevy #HDs

[jasondow]

I really appreciate the fact that you fella’s report real heavy duty truck facts…. Not just mpg and interior seat cushions…. We buy these trucks to use ….

[nathanbaylot]

THANK YOU!!! I'm a structural engineer and have been so frustrated with the internet not knowing that payload is not really capability but a legal restriction based on class. Subbed and liked for that and making it a point.

[josecalibecerra]

For a complete noob when it comes to towing this video was super helpful thank you !

[justinclark]

As a true truck enthusiast and a diesel mechanic, i already know this information but I enjoy your channel so much, i just watch your videos anyway!!! Thank you guys for the best truck channel on the internet!!

[tikkin]

Huge kudos to you guys for explaining this in understandable language. Way too many big truck and big rv reviewers don't understand the registration limitations and how those affect that door sticker. If you want to go even further into the weeds you can look at US DOT classifications and begin to realize why some owners want full capability with (on paper) a low GVWR.

[robh]

I went with a 2024 3500HD and traded in my 2020 2500HD to get the added payload. I tow a fairly heavy 5th wheel from NY State to Florida and back each year and I was right up against the max weights with the 2500HD. The 2500HD was more than capable but if I was ever in a wreck and an attorney decided to weigh my truck and trailer and I was over weight at all, I would be in trouble so I opted for the 3500HD. I went with the LT instead of the LTZ 3500HD because all I cared about that the LTZ offered over the LT was the LED Headlights. So I saved $3, 500 U.S. on the MSRP and then bought LED bulbs for $250 and installed them myself.

[aaronhoughtaling]

Appreciated this video. It confirmed all my suspicions over the years of purchasing trucks for myself and my business. I always go just 2500. I had an older knowledgeable sales man years ago explain the very minor difference. He told me “kid, get whatever has what you want. They’re the same otherwise” lol one of those overly simple answers that is often lost today.

[mikes.]

Thank you. 2500 Custom 2024 Silverado 6.6L gas works for me towing a 34 foot Coachman Freedom Express Ultra light 292BHDS. Only extras I asked for was bed liner spray on and the same steps that's on the High Country. Kept the price reasonable at just under 57k. No sales tax in New Hampshire. I don't need frills and grills. Great presentation!.






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[jwilcox]

Thank you guys. I've read numerous blogs, watched tons of videos... you're the first to give a clear breakdown of the differences between 2500 and 3500. Love your content!

[pryme]

Good video guys. One thing worth mentioning is how much your payload can be affected depending on the trim. Case in point, that high country 2500 has a 2, 890lb payload because it’s loaded up with lots of lipstick and shiny bits. My 22 2500 WT CCSB Z71 has 3, 520lb payload because it doesn’t have all the fancy stuff but 600 pounds of payload more is significant. Also any difference in height of about an inch can be attributed to heavier spring packs with the camper and snow plow prep packs. My 2500 has both so the springs are heavier. 5600/6600 so that’s where the inch can come in.

[jamesoncross]

If I'm towing a gooseneck all the time, or doing a lot of heavy towing, I want a dually.

[rustbucket]

Without a doubt, best video I’ve ever seen if you want to know about truck differences, but also what the different weight ratings mean, especially when it comes to licensing and registration. Nice work gentlemen. I’ve been in that boat where I bought a Ram 2500, didn’t pay attention to the fact that it only had 1900 lbs of payload, sold it after 3 years to specifically get a 3500 dually to get the payload I needed to tow a big 5th wheel. Have since stepped down to a SRW 3500 Chevy. Also nice to see that the steering column trim on your truck is crooked as well…..

[louiscaniac]

The two trucks have the same brakes, engine, transmission, and drive shaft(except for length). There are two extra brackets on the frame on each side.these are used to transfer the load to the axel. This is done by an extra set of springs in the leaf spring pack that are upside down and don't make contact until the truck is loaded. The rear end gearing is the same, but the housing is different. So my 2020 2500HD Duramax High Country has a cargo capacity of 3465 and towing capasity of 18, 600 lbs. The 2024 3500 can have as high as 7, 290 lbs. It also has a maximum towing capacity of 36, 000 lbs. There are few 5th wheel RVs that I can haul without exceeding my cargo capacity. Each Chevy 2500HD or 3500HD has a sticker in the door that tells you the cargo capacity, towing capacity, hitch weight, and king pin/5th wheel weight. Remember that when you put a fifth wheel hitch in the bed, the hitch weight takes away from the cargo capacity. Your body weight is also cargo capacity. Be careful, though that Duramax can pull the weight, your setup may not.

[averagecanadians]

Great video. Just bought a 2024 2500HD and was curious how many differences there were. The number differences when it comes to towing and payload capacities are all over the place lol. I was comparing mine with the 2500 in your video. For our current RV purpose and future plans, the 2500HD is more than enough truck. We went from 2011 F150 working at about 80% capacity to 2500HD at 35%. Can't wait till camping season. Again, great videos and thanks from fellow Ontarian.

[jnich]

According to GM specs with the 2500hd, the GVRW IS 11, 350 LBS. When you add the Max Tow pkg, it increases the GVRW to 11, 750 lbs. Then of course, the 3500hd has the 12, 100 lb GVRW. Just to clarify. I looked at all of these before ordering my 3500. I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work.

[wint_]

Such great trucks! The best HDs on the road especially the ZR2.

[steelmill]

Class 1 railroader here and I can tell you these trucks hold up well in some of the worst conditions. They are loaded down from day one and normally see anywhere from 25000 to 40000 per year until they reach 275000 miles.This is minimal preventative maint, extended oil changes 10000 to 15000 miles no transmission maint and no rear axle maint.We stopped buying Dodge trucks for a while except for half tons.

[blake]

Another thing to note is that in the socialist republic of British Columbia you don’t pay luxury tax on 3500 but you do on 2500.

[Featherburner]

One month ago my 2500 LTZ crew cab long bed finally came in. I'm like your dad in the fact that I didn't want the sunroof. Option wise it's loaded. So far, I'm enjoying it very much. The reason I went with the 2500 is, that the max I'm towing is 13k-14k and my cargo weight capacity is less than 500 pounds less than the 3500.

[mastergunnerysgt]

I can put 1 ton of stuff in my 3500 van and still pull 1300 with my van with no problem of a 2012, the same year as the 2500 would drag the ground with same weight. The different suspension on these trucks makes the difference between the these 2.