heavy hauling

[cjohnson]

A buddy of mine is looking to get a trailer to haul his music gear around and also as a sort of lounge to relax in. Currently he is considering a 40 ft. plus cargo/car trailer with small living quarters. This thing could possibly weigh in around 15 - 16,000 pounds fully loaded. His truck is an 01', 3500,6 speed,4wd w/4. 10's. We plan to put an exhaust brake on along with some minor power-up's. Also, the trailer will be a gooseneck - want to save the bed. So what do you guys think about towing this much weight. I know legally it is an issue in some areas, but I also know most of you guys are towing over the legal "limit". What I want to know, is how capable is the truck of managing this kind of weight over relatively long distances - as this will not be "around-town" towing. Rather some pretty substantial highway miles. Thanks a lot in advance.

Craig

[This message has been edited by cjohnson (edited 03-08-2001). ]

 

[illflem]

I pull 28k loads continuously with my 3500,you MUST have an e-brake, other mods will help but you can get by without them if you don't mind going slow every once in awhile.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,BD E-brake,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[CUMINNTSTRKN]

16k isn't bad as long as your friend uses his head will towing. just becuase the truck will pull it at 80mph doesn't mean you should.

jim

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2001 eth, ez box, dd2's

 

[Okie-Go]

I agree with the exhaust brake of some kind. I have pulled a couple of triple axle Avions at 17,000 plus. It is a lot easier pulling them than it is getting them to stop.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[cjohnson]

C'mon guys, I know there are more of you out there. What's your experience?

Craig

 

[BCFAST]

Craig, I grossed around 25k with my 95 2500 5spd. and traveled all over the US. The guys are right on the money as usual. . get an exhaust brake ASAP! Nothing else is really an issue as far as holding up. He may have to address rear end sag, and make sure to keep an eye on the tires/pressures... other than that, the truck will hardly notice the load!

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97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, Green, #12 plate slid all the way forward, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, RS 9000's, PrimeLoc, Red Tops, TDR cloisonae grill badge!

 

[FD5]

The truck won't have a problem other than stopping. See "Tow a fire truck?"

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1995 2500, SLT Laramie, Xcab, auto, 3. 54, stock plate forward, 233K, Amsoiled throughout, dual by-pass filter, Amsoil Dealer, muffler and cat fell off, if you find them, there yours!!
1989 250, Cummins, auto, stock, work truck, 190K, soon to be Amsoiled
1967 Coronet 440, Steve Thomas built 360, auto, 2. 94, factory A/C, am radio, FAST!!!
1991 Camry LE, V-6, auto, 128K, Amsoiled, and is FOR SALE $4,200
1987 Celica GT convertible, auto, 67K
1989 Holiday Rambler Aluma-lite travel trailer

 

[GeneA]

In addition to what has been reported, I would suggest air helper springs: air horn; and with 4. 10 you could go for the 19" tires. I found the over/direct aux very helpful but I have the 5 speed. With the 6 speed maybe you don't need it, but it sure is great when you run in double over empty at 80mph and about 1900 rpm.

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98. 5 24v 3500 2wd 3. 54 lsd pyro & boost in A pillar DD1's E-brake by Jacob U. S. Gear over/direct O'Reilly Air Horns 105 gal aux tank 35' Prowler 5th wheel with three slides Firestone air helper springs

 

[Iceman1]

I agree with what all are saying that pulling it will be NO Problem. Your main problem will be getting it to slow down or stop and still maintain some sanity. I would strongly suggest an exhaust brake of some sort. A second problem that ya might consider is the length of your outfit. You won't b able to just park it where ever... .

Gene, I know what ya mean with the double over. Pulling our 34ft triple slide in the high side of 4th is sort of fun. Even more fun when ya can put the PWR to the road and pass whom ever.

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1997 3500 SLT, Ext cab, 5spd, TST #11, GV Aux Trans, BD exhaust, Kelderman Air Ride, 60 Gallon fuel tank, Clifford Security, Reese 20k 4way 5th wheel hitch, Boost/EGT gauges, K&N air filter, Rancho RS9000 shocks, Brush Guard, DZee full length running boards.

 

[Whitmore]

I use to pull a 5200# tripple axle trailer GN with a 18,200# backhoe behind another truck that was 7300#-3/4 ton ferd and all I can say is pay close attention and always look far down the road,take time getting up to speed as well as slowing down. Kevin

 

[Ramboy00]

I tow a 40' Alfa Gold With GVWR of 18,000. When truck was totally stock, I towed from Houston to Jacksonville, Fl and back to Austin with no problems. Took awhile to get up to speed but held flat highway speed o. k. Hit a small hill and you would slow down in a hurry. I needed modifications and am getting them. When finished (if ever #ad
), I should have a good towing rig.
"Honest, honey, just a little more and I will be through. " #ad
#ad

Phil

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'99 D3500, auto. ,2WD,3. 55 LSD, all options, Banks Power Pack w/K&N filter, '99 40ft. Alfa Gold Triple-slide 5'er

 

[LandShark]

With the weight you're talking about, your primary stopping power should be the trailer brakes, not an exhaust brake! Be sure to get brakes on all (3, I would expect) axles. Many utility type trailers only put brakes on one axle. Also, I really like 16" tires on trailers.

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1995 2500 SLT Club 4x4, auto, 3. 54, 3300 pound Elkhorn slide in camper, AirLift air springs, Ricka dual wheel adapters (used only with the camper on), K&N, DC tow hooks, Rancho RS9000, Hellwig rear sway bar.
110,000 miles and counting.

 

[Eric_77]

Just a word of advice on trailer tires 16" limit is 3040# per tire tubeless ~3100 with tubes. Go with 17. 5 for the real heavy hauling 8 lug wheels required and tire capacity >4500 and available as low boy tires to keep trailer low to ground for easy loading and better MPG.

 

[cjohnson]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I'm filing all this info and passing it on to my buddy. We're still looking for the right trailer. I'll let everyone know what we end up with.

Thanks again everyone,

Craig

 

[rickhans]

Eric_77, see my new posting about Tire weight limit. I think you may be mistaken about the tire capacity.