2005 Towing Specs and Transmission choices

[danmcguire]

In the January "Towing Guide" issue of Trailer Life, they showed that both the 2005 Ford Powerstroke 2500 and the 2005 Chevy Duramax 2500 have towing capacities of nearly 3000# and a GCWR of 3000 # MORE than the Dodge Cummins 2500, given all things equal, i. e. automatic transmission, 4. 10 rear ends and SRW, 2 X 4, etc. At the one ton (3500) models, all 3 trucks were rated to have the same capacity at 16,500 towing rating and 23,000# GVWR. I doubled checked the websites for all 3 trucks manufacturers and that is exactly what Dodge, Ford and Chevy show in their own literature. Why would Dodge's 2500 truck have a lower rating than Chevy or Ford's? By the way, Ford and Chevy give this rating for 5th wheel trailers, Dodge does not make any differenciation. Secondly, I noticed in Dodge's Truck website, they show that the Cummins is available only in a 4 speed automatic but nothing available in a 5 or 6 speed automatic. Is that true? I thought the H. O. version came in a 4,5, or 6 spd. auto.

 

[timjones]

Dan, The tow rating for a 2500 is about 13000. It has to do with the GWVR of 20000. 7000 for the truck and 13000 for the wagon equals 20000. As for the transmitions you get any choice of 4 speed auto or 6 speed manual. Dodge in their wisdom has yet to offer a 5,6 or variable speed automatic transmitions for the diesels.