Towing capacity - 1998 12v 4wd quad cab?

[sdaves]

I am looking at a 1998 12v quad cab short bed 4wd automatic.



Stupid me forgot to look at the door sticker for towing capacity.



Question is - what is the towong capacity for this truck? I am wanting to tow a bobcat with tracks and trecncher. Approx. weight with trailer would be about 12k-12. 5k lbs plus truck weight.



Thanks

 

[rwilliams4]

GCWR of '97 3500

I have got a '97 3500 and the GCWR is 16,000 lbs. I bought a heavy trailer and had to have the transmission upgraded (DTT TC and VB and upgrades) and have an exhaust brake. I hope I can get away with the low GCWR for a while. My total weight is about 19,000 lbs.

 

[FParisi]

The door sticker on my 95 doesn't list the gcwr but a Dodge brochure I have for 98 lists it as 16,000 for 3. 54 and 18,000 for 4. 10 rear axel ratio.

I tow a 12,000# 5th, total wt. = 18,800. Soon to have DTT upgrade but it tows great on all but the worst hills.

 

[BigMike]

Call DC. Give them your VIN# and they can tell you your GCWR. Believe me, it will likely be different than your sticker or whatever came with your truck. They are always all over the map. A 98. 5 that is exactly like a 99 could have two different weights. My sticker said 16000. DC told me 20000, which makes a lot more sense. They will even send you something to confirm correct rating.



Good luck!

 

[tschwab]

Mine is rated at a GCWR of 16,000. It all depends on your rear end ratio. Not sure if a SWB tows any less than a LWB.

 

[Okie-Go]

I had a 98 2wd long bed. I pulled trailers that would weigh 15-16k without much problem. I think you will have to upgrade the auto transmission before long if you tow that much on a regular basis.

 

[GAmes]

It not only depends on the rear axle ratio but what state it is from. rwilliams 97 from Ca is GCWR 16,000 but the 97 automatics from Tx GCWR is 18,000. The Tx 97 5 speed is 20,000 GCWR with both the 3. 5 and 4. 1. If the owners manual is still in the truck it will give you the numbers for that combo.