Researching Welding Rig specs and have some Questions

[Greg_Stein]

Hi All,
I am 18 years old and currently in School at Tulsa Welding School in Tulsa Ok. I am trying to figure out if I can make it as a pipeline welder with my truck.
I have a 2003 Ram 2500 Quad Cab with the 47re 4x4 and am trying to figure out the meaning of all the towing ratings, and how Standard Payload, Max towing, and standard towing (see below for #) are all different weight ratings.

Weight

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Maximum Payload2630 lbs

Maximum GVWR9000 lbs


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Standard GVWR8800 lbs

Curb Weight - Rear (lbs)2637


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Gross Combined Wt Rating (lbs)15000

Standard Payload2630 lbs


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Curb Weight - Front (lbs)3358

Maximum Towing12950 lbs


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Standard Towing8650 lbs




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I want to put a flat bed on my truck that holds all of my Equipment, similar to the image below, and be able to tow a Decent 5th wheel camper, and if i truly need Dually like every pipeline pic ive seen.

If there are any retired or Active Pipeline welders I would love any advice you have as well for starting out and having a set up similar to this.

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[GAmes]

The tow ratings are all over the place dependent on what the competition claims tempered by the bean counters for warranty work, which no longer affects you. There are different manufacturer's tow ratings for bumper pull and bed mounted hitches as well. Forget about the ratings and use your common sense. A 2500 loaded down with welding gear and a "Decent 5th wheel camper" is not going to be comfortable to drive. It is done every day, legally, but as a new guy to big loads I recommend you trade up to a duelly.

 

[mpaulson]

Yes, without duals, the weight of the equipment and the pin weight will/could quickly overload the rear tires. Especially if the deck is steel and not aluminum.

 

[Wayne M.]

Our welding trucks have Miller Big Blue Diesels with air. Those units are very heavy! They are fitted to Ford F550's and the body is aluminum.
I seriously would consider a heavier GVW foundation, especially adding that you want to tow.
Good luck in your endeavors. Being that you're in Tulsa now, are you going to the Chili Bowl that's on now?

 

[Greg_Stein]

Ok, I will start to look at Dually prices in the area, Thank you.

I just moved to the area from California and Had never heard of the Chili bowl until yesterday. If its happening this weekend i probably wont partake in it as Im making a trip down to Fredericksburg,Tx friday afternoon.

 

[BSeyler]

You might head over to http://weldingweb.com/ and ask your question. There are some pipeline welders that regularly contribute, plus others who may give you some insight into what you are getting into and how to go about it.