How heavy can I "reasonably" tow?

[PatrickCampbell]

Horsepuller, your truck is exactly what you need to pull that much.



You are good. Make sure you do safety checks all around. Brakes, brake controller, TIRE AND TIRE PRESSURE, hitch, safety chains, etc.



What most people don't understand is that DC's "GCWR" figures are not really how the DOT/FMCSA figures your GCWR. FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association. Your effective "gross combined weight rating" is not what Dodge says, but the GVW of your truck (11,000?) plus the GVW of your trailer (14,000?). Dodge's ratings have to do with their liability and don't forget, WARRANTIES. They don't want you pulling 23,000 # because they don't want to buy you a new transmission, clutch, etc.



With a dually, you will pretty much never go over the weight ratings of your rear axle. Keep the tire pressures up as necessary, get a good brake controller (Jordan or Brake Smart). The exhaust brake is a great step too showing you are concerned about safety.



Be safe and enjoy.

 

[Cummins Thunder]

That link posted by Klenger makes me feel bad..... My truck is only RATED to tow 9,000lbs!!! Damn 3. 55's!! #@$%! The new Durango's are rated at like 8k towing!!



Good thing they only label the GVWR on the door





Patrick, You are saying that if I get weighed at 18,000lbs GCWR, I won't get in trouble with DOT because my truck has a 11,000lb GVW on the door and my trailer is rated at 10,500lbs this giving me a 21,500lb LEGAL capacity? Please tell me it is so!!

 

[PatrickCampbell]

In theory that is correct, you need to not be over your tire ratings though too.



GCWR is the Gross Combination Weight Rating. This is used for combination vehicles, combining the GVWR of the power unit plus the GVWR of each vehicle in the combination.

 

[Cummins Thunder]

In theory that is correct, you need to not be over your tire ratings though too.



GCWR is the Gross Combination Weight Rating. This is used for combination vehicles, combining the GVWR of the power unit plus the GVWR of each vehicle in the combination.

Ok, Thanks for the reply! makes me feel better as I don't mind towing over the rated 9k limit, but I want to be legal in case of a wreck or other situation... .



Thanks again.

 

[Horsepuller]

Thanks for replying with some good useful and postive info. Much appreciated.