Hmmm...much variability in this selection process. It's exciting although we can easily see how one option leads us down a particular rabbit hole. Let me back up a few feet and start the process over:
Earlier you expressed interest in an AEV Prospector and as we know, there are two options:
If I were still considering an AEV Prospector I would first have a lengthy and detailed discussion with AEV and ask them what the difference is. My Prospector was built at AEV near Detroit and I can tell you that production facility is nothing short of amazing. They build AEV rigs every day, have all the specialized tools, knowledge, and staff. They are professionals who can do a better job for less money, and they can arrange to have your truck delivered to you anywhere.
My guess is that AEV certified upfit dealers have completed some level of training although my first question would be - hoe much experience do they actually have and will the technician who has the certification be the one who actually is actually upfitting my truck? And here is the kicker, will they perform the work to the same level of professionalism at the same price? Maybe so but again, my belief is that AEV in Michigan can perform the work to the highest level, for the least amount of money.
Maybe call AEV for a quote and then shop the dealers and see how their quotes stack up: parts, shipping, labor, taxes, everything - lock down some numbers.
Regarding your truck - that is your choice and I respect it plain and simple. I would not consider the 6.7L Cummins HO if you are interested in a long lasting engine. If you notice, none of the
chassis cabs are available with the HO since these are used in fleets where reliability is very important. At the same time the 3500 with the HO comes with the most robust transmission, the AISIN AS69RC heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission. As we can agree, it is robust but is not the smoothest shifting or best for normal driving, and it's only a six speed. I have no first hand experience with the 6.7L Cummins paired with the 68RFE transmission although I have not heard many complaints. This would see to be the best diesel engine and transmission combination for most of us.
Also, it is important to review your state and local taxes and insurance requirements and costs and how your GVWR may or may not impact them. The 3500 can be 11,000, 11,800, or 14,000. You most likely have higher registration and insurance requirements associated with the larger ones. And if you live on property controlled by a homeowners association some have rules prohibiting vehicles over a certain GVWR.
Aside from that there are a list of seemingly small items that I would not buy a new truck without:
- dual alternators
- 380 or 440 amp
- opens the vehicle up for unlimited future upgrade
- snow chief group
- instrument panel mounted auxiliary switches - these are so damn valuable
- dash pass-thru wire circuits - same as above
- clearance lamps - they cost little now but again, open the vehicle up for future upgrade
- transfer-case skid plate - for peace of mind off road
- 5th wheel gooseneck towing prep group
- is there any possibility of you purchasing a 5th wheel trailer years from now and towing it?
- again, this costs only a few dollars now compared to much higher parts and labor later
- spray in bedliner
- such a good price from the factory and such a perfect job
- rear wheel house liners
- most upper level trucks come with this but just in case
- front rubber floor mats from MOPAR
- or an equivalent
- this is a truck and jumping in with muddy boots is never any concern
- 115-volt auxiliary switch
- for charging laptops and everything
- trailer brake controller
- again, I can not imagine owning a 3500 and not towing something big someday
- pay pennies on the dollar now and have it OEM
Hope these suggestions help and of course, many of them would not apply to a 2500 but in general, a 3500 is a different bird built for a different purpose.