3500HD SRW

[Brian W. Littleton]

I was told by a dealer albmost 2 years ago that the 3500 was going to be available with SINGLE rear wheels. Anyone know what happened.

[Black Dog]

The 2500HD, at 9200 GVWR is the equivalent of what used to be called a SRW 3500.

[Diesel Dad]

The is probably the big failing of the 2500HD. With a Duramax, crew cab, accessories (roll-n-lock, running boards, bed liner and hitch) it weighed 7,000 lbs. Add 350 lbs. for passengers and we were down to 1800 lbs. of available payload.

Our trailer has pin weight of 2500 lbs. so we had to bite the bullet and buy a 3500. I like the big dually but it is less usable than an SRW when not towing.

The equivalent Ford has a GVWR of 9900 lbs. and the new Dodge 3500 SRW is rumoured to be either 9900 lbs. or 10,200 lbs. (I suppose depending on whether the marketing guys or the lawyers have the last say). Either one would have been sufficient for 2500 lbs. of pin weight without duallies.

When will GM change the spec. or bring out a new model to compete with these guys ? :confused:

[Joe Pool]

Diesel Dad,

The main limiting factor on the 2500HD is the load range of the tires. What are F**D and D***E going to put on their trucks to get these load ratings, 12 ply or 14 ply tires? If they do, I can only imagine how rough the ride of these trucks will be.

Joe

[Colorado Kid]

Actually brand F is mearly using the 265/75R16 Lode range E tires that our 2500HD's should have come with. They're rated for 3415# each as opposed to the 3042# for our tires, providing 746 Lbs. additional rear axel capacity. Let's see, 9900-9200 is only 700, so they've probably still got a little to spare.

Why GM chose to go with the little bitty tires is one of life's mysteries.

What brand D will do I don't know at this point, but we'll be able to check soon. By the way, I believe brand F raised the GVWR of the F-350 SRW only after the 2500HD arrived at 9200#, which is what the F-350's old GVWR was. I have not checked this out as the only F-350 owner still speaking to me has DRW. :D

[Lawnboy]

Also, the Ford and Dodge are significanty heavier trucks, which when on paper will still yeild a lesser payload.

I do think they SHOULD offer a 3500 SRW with a 10K GVWR. Here in PA it would jump us over the Emissions hassles/inspections as well.

P.S. Nevermind about the emissions, PA doesn't test or dyno deisels.

[Diesel Dad]

Joe Pool,
Thought about the tire question. Even with LT245 75R16 LRE, the tires are rated at 3042 per tire. 4 X 3042 = 12168, so not sure the tires are the only reason.

There is also room to spare on the axle ratings. I would suspect if there is a real reason for the low rating, it's the leaf springs.

Regardless, only GM can decide to increase GVWR and I sure hope they do.

[CanadaKev]

Diesel Dad,
I don't think it's a leaf spring issue. The 3500's have heavier leaf springs than the 2500HD's. Plus,we have 4 pieces o' rubber across the back and the GVW's between the 35's and the 25HD's is virtually the same. In fact according to GM the 25HD has a greater payload than the 35 because they have a lesser tare weight.

Is it therefore an axle weight rating? Only thing that makes any sense.

In the trucking industry, heavier springs, more rubber, heavier rubber and increased wheel-base all factor in, to greater GVW(heavier payload).
I'm a little bit baffled :confused:
Kev

[Diesel Dad]

According to Chrome Carbook, the GVWR of the 2003 Dodge 3500 SRW is 9900 lbs. 700 lbs. more than the 2500HD.

I have read several times that the axle on all Duramax trucks is the same (American Axle 11.5"), so I guess that's not the reason for the low rating either.

Regards, Todd