Truck Capacity?

[RClark]

If the CGVW is the same , the rear axle, etc. is the same with the diesel,

and I don't feel the need for DRW, why would I need a D-3500 to tow a 13,000lb 5th wheel instead of a D-2500?

 

[Thomas]

How much weight, per wheel, will you be putting on the single rear wheels vs. the dual rear wheels?

 

[RClark]

Probably about 25-2600 lbs.

On my present truck with SRW I can tow at 60-65 PSI in a E rated tire

 

[klenger]

The 3500 has a higher GVWR for the truck. Also, if you get the HO 6 sp. with 4. 10's, the CGVWR is 21,500.

 

[Pit Bull]

Plus the DRW's look Cool

 

[HEYBOSS]

You can not beat a dually for that size 5th.

I would say you're pushing the envelop with the 2500, even with the 3500 auto you're going border line if not over. My 2cts.

 

[RClark]

I'm stuck with the Auto due to SWMBO. (She Who Must Be Obeyed)

Right now I'm pulling the trailer with a 93 with 3. 54. I'm running about 5500 overloaded.

 

[rkressg]

DRW

I wish I had a DRW truck. When the first rig passes you on the interstate doing 15 MPH faster than you and you are towing a long and heavy trailer, you'll appreciate the DRW. having 2 more wheels back there really calms down the trailer. My work trucks, Ford 550 DRW are much calmer on OTR with a loaded 24' box @ 10,000 then my 2500 is. Don't get me wrong, I love my Dodge but a dullie is the way to go if you are going to pull a 13,000 lb 5th wheel.

 

[RClark]

Just heard from my dealer. THe 2500 with the 4. 1 is only rated at 18,000 and the 3500 at 19000-diesel & auto. This is lower that the brochure and what Dodge posts on their web site.

I have heard that there are places that you can get the truck upgraded and certified for a higher GCWR.

Anybody have any good info on that?

 

[cwsoules]

Truck Towing Capacity

The GCWR of a 2000 2500 and 3500 is the same at 18,000#. The differance is the GVWR my 2500 is rated at 8,800# and the 3500 quite a bit more. (Sorry my data is not with me. )



I tow a 29' Automate that weighed 10,500 enroute back to California after being gone for 8 months. The entire rig weighed 17,600#, 400# under the GCWR. The load on the truck was 9,200# 400# over the GVWR. If I had purchased a 3500 I would have been within the GCWR and GVWR.



I recommend you weigh your Automate and see exactly where you are. The GVWR of my Automate is significantly above 10,500# and is part of Automate's ability to build a bullet proof rig that you can really load down. I can not see where my better half could have stored more stuff to bring us up to the GVWR of our 5er.



I am going to try to restrict the weight onboard to keep it down to about 10,000#, but I am not certain I can get the truck's load down to 8,800# wit5hout shifting too much load back over the 5er's wheels.



If I had really understood loading I would have gone for a 3500. And if my rig had been any bigger I would have looked really hard at a used MSD with a cummins diesel.

 

[RClark]

Thanks. I already have weighed it and it is 11,000 at the axles with about a 2,000 pin weight. SWMBO is relictant to get rid of her stuff so I'm looking at mine.

I might be forced into a F-350. 20,000 GCVW, Captains chairs instead of the bench seat, lower price, better more stable towing mirrors, factory steps, and some other features that Dodge takes a LLLONG time tio get around to.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I love the Cummins, but you won't be making a "bad" decision by going with a powerstroke... just keep tabs on the known cooling/cavitation issue and keep good oil in it, and it'll last you a long time...



my buddy had a 99 PSD that, I hate to admit, I was in love with!! it was a LB/crew/dually... I'm a Cummins man, but put it in a Ford Crew Dually and I'm in heaven!



Forrest

 

[Cobra]

RClark,

Not that the Ford wouldn't be a good choice, but, don't buy just for the GVCW. The 2001 and 2002 Dodge has a GVCW of 20,000. The weights have changed from year to year and some were higher or lower depending upon transmission and gear ratio. So look at the newer Dodge if you prefer the Cummins.



I do agree with Forrest Nearing. If I could get a Cummins in a GM truck I'd be in heaven. But I can't so I'll stick with DC for now.

 

[RClark]

I've looked at all the specs. The brochure and what you download says that they have a GCVW of 20,000. BUT, when you get down to the DEALER specs you get a different story. 2500 is 18,000lbs and the 3500 is 19,000. I've got this from 2 different dealers and from Dodge when I asked them a direct question.

I know that either one will handle what i've got. My 93 is doing it now. I'm just trying to stay legal (?)

 

[RustyJC]

If you're looking at 13,000 GVW of the 5th wheel, (11,000 axle weight + 2,000 pin weight), I don't think a 20,000 GCVWR is going to keep you legal if your goal is to remain within all manufacturer's ratings! We tow a 13,500 lb GVW 5ver and are running 21,380 GCVW (21,500 GCVWR) and 10,480 GVW on the truck (10,500 GVWR) with fuel, passengers, cargo, hitch, etc.



Rusty

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

Why are there differences in GCVW between the 4. 10 and 3. 54 trucks.



I have hauled a big trailer a couple times and I'm sure I exceeded 18k total.



I am sure the trucks are identical except for gear ratio, so why the difference?

 

[RClark]

Mark, I have no idea. With the diesel both have she same axles and springs. I guess its the DRW. Even my dealer didn't know.

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

the 3. 54 DRW HO/6SP truck has 18-19k GCVW and the 4. 10 DRW HO/6SP has a 21. 5k rating... . how would gearing make a difference in capacty. I know thw 3. 54 truck pulls the 21. 5 fine. . I pulled it with mine.



Anyone know why?

 

[klenger]

The 4. 10's would put less stress on the drive train towing at max GCVWR, therefore higher capacity. At least that's my story.

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

The higher gears just make me drive faster to keep from downshifting



seriously... its the same size ring gear. The capacity for the axle should be the same. The brakes are the same and the axleshafts, housings and carriers are identical.



sorry. . i'm still in the dark on this one.