Towing Limit

[prairiegopher]

I KNOW THIS QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED MANY TIMES, BUT AM SOMEWHAT CONFUSED BY THE RESPONSE. I AM LOOKING AT A 1999 GOLDEN FALCON TRAILER WITH A GVWR OF 13,117#. THE TONGUE WEIGHT IS 2018#. THE GVW ON MY TRUCK IS 8800#. ACCORDING TO THE SPECS IT IS ONLY ABLE TO HAUL A TRAILER APPROX. 9,450# FOR AN OVERALL GCWR OF 16,000#. BY THE NUMBERS THE TRAILER I AM LOOKING AT WOULD BE TOO HEAVY. I AM DISAPPOINTED AS I THOUGHT A DIESEL 3/4 TON COULD HAUL MORE THAN THAT. IF I HAD KNOWN DC WANTED THESE TRUCKS TO BE SO WIMPY I WOULD HAVE SAVED A LOT OF CASH AND BOUGHT A TOYOTA TUNDRA. I WILL TURN IT OVER TO YOU GUYS FOR YOUR COMMENTS





'02 2500 QUAD CAB 4X4, AUTOMATIC, 3:54 GEARS STANDARD OUTPUT ENGINE. LIGHT ALMOND PEARL METALLIC PAINT.

 

[Fireman Dave]

gopher,



I have the same set-up as you - auto with 3:54 rear. The highest ratings for the Cummins Rams are the 2wd manual transmission trucks with 4:10 rear. The ratings go down from there. 4x4 takes some away, then the 3:54 takes some away. But the biggest subtraction is for the auto trans. Now, our trucks are the same as another 4x4 truck with a stick with the exception of the rearend (and in the case of the HO engine). We have the Dana 70, they have the Dana 80. The brakes, engine, etc... are up to the task of pulling heavier weight, but the transmission is the biggest handicap for us. With a transmission upgrade, we should be able to pull just as much as the stick trucks (maybe even with the stock auto), BUT - we'll always be rated lower - even if we can pull it. There has been discussion here in the past that the rating is something to think about if you ever had an accident. There could be liability issues if you're exceeding the rating - regardless of whether you could tow the weight safely or not. So you could probably pull that trailer, but you would be illegal as far as the manufacturer's rating.

 

[Fireman]

gopher,



I can assure you that your truck can tow that trailer. I can also assure you that you will be VERY UNHAPPY. Do yourself a favor and buy a smaller trailer, or a bigger truck.



Been there, done that, bought a bigger truck (see sig)



Fireman

 

[prairiegopher]

THANKS FOR THE REPLIES SO FAR. I AGREE, IT'S EITHER A SMALLER TRAILER OR A BIGGER TRUCK. IT WILL LIKELY BE A SMALLER TRAILER THIS TIME AROUND. THE NEXT TRUCK WILL BE A DUALLY WITH THE HO ENGINE. I GUESS I'M JUST DISAPPOINTED THAT THE RATING IS SO LOW.

 

[Fireman]

Yes, you are learning like I did. I listened to alot of folks (not here) that told me the auto and 3:55 combo was great. I found out that it was horrible.



Instead of upgrading the trans. and engine power, I just got a new truck (I already had the trailer) and I'm not sorry I did.



Get a new dually/HO/6spd. while the getting is good!

Fireman