Diappointing Towing Numbers for 2006 Dodge

[glav]

I just received the "2006 Guide to Towing" booklet from Trailer Life. I am diappointed in Dodge's towing weights. I am full time RVer and truck weights are a concern for this lifestyle. I compared all three trucks for 1 ton dually, 4 doors, transmissions, rear ends and 2WD only.



Chevy is 14900 lbs with manual transmission and 3. 73 rear end and 16400 lbs with automatic transmission and 3. 73. No listing for a 4. 10 rear end.



Ford is 16100 lbs with automatic or manual and with either 3. 73 or 4. 10. Ford offers 18600 lbs with special towing packages, not sure just exactly what it, but the tow numbers are impressive.



Dodge is 15850 lbs with manual transmission and 3. 73, and 13900 with automatic transmission and 3. 73. Then with automatice transmission and 4. 10 rear end they rate at 15900 lbs. Then they don't even list the manual transmission with 4. 10 rear end. Went to the local Dodge dealer and got a book and checked it out and Dodge don't even list the 6 sp transmission with 4. 10 in their product offering. I sure hope Dodge dosen't drop this combination.



I know that there a lot of Dodges pulling 36' 5er out there. They are overweight by the "Numbers", but these trucks are working so well and handling the weight nicely.



I will probably need to replace my truck in a few years from now, I sure hope that Dodge will come out with a "F-450/F-550" equilevant. Or beef up the 3500 ? I kinda wished that Ford would offer a Cummins in a F450 or F550. I know it is available in F650, but now you are talking some serious money.



I would wish too that Dodge's decision makers for new trucks would read these posts.

Have a Happy New Year and Travel Safely

 

[SnoKing]

The new G56 6 speed has a different OD ratio, so with 4:10 it would really be tacking RPM's in 6th gear. So NO 6 speed and 4:10's anymore. SNOKING

 

[TowPro]

In fact the auto with 4:10's in OD locked up is running a lower RPM at 60mph then the G56 in 6th with 3:73's is from what I hear.

 

[Gaylord]

Hi Gene. The figures that were given in Trailer Life's Towing Guide for '06 can be misleading. Allowable trailer weights are determined by subtracting the actual truck weight, fully fueled & loaded as you would use it, from the GCWR (gross combined weight rating) of the manufacturer. The actual weight of any truck varies considerably as to what is carried. I'm sure that they use some load allowance for each truck examble they use, but in actual practice this weight varies... . and not always by a small amount, thus their figures have to be compensated accordingly. For ball park figures for comparission I'm sure they are acceptable... . but in actual practice they are not absolute.

 

[cwsoules]

That tow guide is worthless. It does not give the GVWR or GCWR. The GVWR can be found on the door post of the truck and the GCWR in the owner's manual. I can be difficult to get a salesman to provide you the info as they do not know trucks. Try going to a dealer that sells alot of trucks. They can find it if they look hard in their documentation. If they can not find it go to another dealer or ask to see another sales person.