Question about 2500 HD for Overland Platform

[COCOtoyo]

Hello,

I am looking at the 2500 HD as an overland platform. I like the looks of the chevys and the fact that I can get a double cab with a short bed, in order to have a shorter overall truck compared to the fords.

My question is about the lifts and how durable/ reliable options like this would be:
Would lifts like this 4" cognito lift or 5" BDS enable full articulation and good off roading, or are they more cosmetic?

Apologies I know nothing about these lifts.

The truck will be used for full time living, putting a pot top camper on, remote camping, forest service roads, occational mountain pass, etc...

Would this be a good option, or is a solid axle a must for a capable full size rig with 37s?

 

[mog]

I can not speak to the Chevy platform, but CJC Offroad carries suspensions for them along with Dodge and Ford (which seems to be their specialty) . I watch a lot of their YouTube videos on the Dodge platform and I am impressed with their information and candor. You might contact them directly as friends who have used them are impressed with the customer service and not focused on 'upselling' if you don't need it.
Website - https://www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/2500-3500-hd
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CJCOffRoad/featured

disclaimer - no relationship with CJC Offroad

 

[AstroQuest]

4" Cognito or 5" BDS lifts will improve clearance and off-road capability, but they won’t match the articulation of a solid axle. For full-time overlanding on 37s, a solid axle is more durable and reliable, especially for rough terrain. However, the Chevy 2500 HD should still handle your needs well if the lift is properly installed.

 

[crazysccrmd]

If you get a 2500 make sure it's a gas engine. With a diesel you're right back in 1/2 ton payload capacities.

 

[CCH]

My stock '22 2500HD gasser inadvertently took on a trail it shouldn't have -- don't trust maps and make better decisions. Would I have preferred a softer ride? Yup. Would better articulation have made things better? You bet. Should I have been in an ATV? Absolutely! However, the truck surprised me with its capability. It will go the places you describe without any problems save a really tight mountain road (I'm picturing Colorado passes generally considered Jeep trails.) It will not turn around tightly.

 

[DirtWhiskey]

I have a 3500hd. I HATE the way Chevy frames sag down in the cab area. The body hangs way lower. The IFS is fine but much more complex. Rams have the best turning radius of the big 3 by far. If you're going to load a camper get a 3500 or 350 zero doubt. Same trucks higher GVWR. I see virtually no downsides of going to one ton except if you always ride light. If you're camping for a long time and carrying more than 2 humans, you're not light.

 

[Todd780]

Would this be a good option, or is a solid axle a must for a capable full size rig with 37s?

Depends. What kind of terrain will you be traversing?

A stock Power Wagon, GM AEV Bison or Ford Super Duty Tremor are likely more capable than most people need and they don't come from the factory big lifts and 37" rubber. However, depending on how you want to set it up, the Power Wagon's payload might not be sufficient.

For reliability sake, personally I would keep it as close to stock as possible.

Maybe upgrade tires and add skid plates, rocker protection and stout bumpers if need be.

For me a stout front bumper is more for protection against animal strikes while on the highway should your intentions call for a lot of highway miles.

 

[GeorgeHayduke]

You know the Ford supercab short bed is actually shorter than the Chevy/GM double cab right? Unless by double cab you actually mean crew cab in which case they're nearly identical in length. Ram crew cab is basically the same length as the Ford and GM extended cabs so if you're prioritizing length I'd take a hard look at spec sheets.

 

[Trestle]

If you get a 2500 make sure it's a gas engine. With a diesel you're right back in 1/2 ton payload capacities.

3500 Rams don’t have this issue, but the 2500s do (or did when I was looking in 2022). 3500 Diesel Ram engines are about 500# heavier than gas, and they increase the GVW by that same 500#. They did not do that on the 2500 at the time. Also 2500s are on coils in the rear. Nicer ride when unloaded, but point loading the frame and a narrower window of capacity than a leaf spring 3500 which starts to play a factor when you go up in weight. Whatever you think you need in terms of weight capacity, go up a notch. Unless you have weights of everything, you will be surprised how quickly it adds up. Especially if full timing it, carrying lots of spares, water, etc. for such a long trip. Better to have head space of the larger capacity in just about all aspects except unloaded ride quality. How many run at half or less capacity when travelling full time? Never met anyone who has so far.

 

[crazysccrmd]

3500 Rams don’t have this issue, but the 2500s do (or did when I was looking in 2022). 3500 Diesel Ram engines are about 500# heavier than gas, and they increase the GVW by that same 500#. They did not do that on the 2500 at the time. Also 2500s are on coils in the rear. Nicer ride when unloaded, but point loading the frame and a narrower window of capacity than a leaf spring 3500 which starts to play a factor when you go up in weight. Whatever you think you need in terms of weight capacity, go up a notch. Unless you have weights of everything, you will be surprised how quickly it adds up. Especially if full timing it, carrying lots of spares, water, etc. for such a long trip. Better to have head space of the larger capacity in just about all aspects except unloaded ride quality. How many run at half or less capacity when travelling full time? Never met anyone who has so far.

Yep. Not exactly apples to apples (nice trim adds a lot of weight) but my ‘18 2500 diesel Laramie had a 1950lb payload and my ‘22 3500 diesel Tradesman has a 4250lb payload.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

Why not a Ram Power Wagon with a Carli Suspension System?
- From the factory you get Front/Rear Lockers, 12,000lb Warn Winch, and a Disconnecting Front Sway Bar
- Put a Carli Commuter Suspension Lift on the truck and run 37” tires

Carli Suspension 2019+ 2500 Power Wagon Commuter System

The Carli Suspension 2019+ Power Wagon Commuter System is the perfect daily driver Power Wagon suspension system, or the perfect starting point for future suspension upgrades. This system is designed and tuned entirely around on road comfort, and uses Carli custom spec shocks as well as a...

www.cjcoffroad.com

 

[p nut]

Why not a Ram Power Wagon with a Carli Suspension System?
- From the factory you get Front/Rear Lockers, 12,000lb Warn Winch, and a Disconnecting Front Sway Bar
- Put a Carli Commuter Suspension Lift on the truck and run 37” tires

Carli Suspension 2019+ 2500 Power Wagon Commuter System

The Carli Suspension 2019+ Power Wagon Commuter System is the perfect daily driver Power Wagon suspension system, or the perfect starting point for future suspension upgrades. This system is designed and tuned entirely around on road comfort, and uses Carli custom spec shocks as well as a...

www.cjcoffroad.com

You also get 1,500lb payload…

 

[iwillnc]

I have a 3500hd. I HATE the way Chevy frames sag down in the cab area. The body hangs way lower. The IFS is fine but much more complex. Rams have the best turning radius of the big 3 by far. If you're going to load a camper get a 3500 or 350 zero doubt. Same trucks higher GVWR. I see virtually no downsides of going to one ton except if you always ride light. If you're camping for a long time and carrying more than 2 humans, you're not light.

This, this is a highly underlooked aspect of GM 3/4-1 ton frames, they hang super low. I think it’s been greatly improved on the newest generation but this has been a pretty big issue for several generations.