[Hook'em_Horns!]

Originally Posted by tedb

Any suggestions are most welcome...and apologies in advance for the long post...but didn't want to leave anything out.

My basic question for anyone that has experience and is towing on the heavy side are:
- would a Duramax 3500 drw climb the hills without overheating (I'm not looking to set any speed records)?
- would the overweight issue be the deciding factor?

I have a 5th wheel trailer that weighs between 17K and 17.5K lbs (Teton 36 ft). I'm currently towing it with a Volvo tractor and obviously no issues getting up and down the hills.

However, I'd like to move back into a pickup as the wife would like to get in and out easier etc...

I tow it about 5K miles per year. The Chevy appears to have a max 5th wheel tow weight of 16K lbs, the Ford 450 has a max 5th wheel tow weight of 20K lbs. So I'm legal with the Ford, and not with the Chevy. My preference however is with GM....the Ford motor and transmission concern me a bit.

Thanks for any advice,
Ted

TedB, You will be borderline on weight limits but the power train will pull it just fine with no overheating issues, nowhere near as effortless as the 1200+lbs torque of the Volvo but it’ll work.

The 3500 2wd DRW Crew with hitches is 7,500 lbs, empty wet weight. Now, after weighing your Teton with full tanks, you are confident with the 17.5k as stated, which will give you a pin weight minimum of 2,625 lbs, and that with the empty wet weight leaves you with 1,275 lbs for you, your wife, your cargo, and incidentals. Planning on an Aux. Fuel Tank will close that gap even more. At a minimum, you will need 10-ply E’s and a pair of Ride Rites, as suggested earlier and the 3 brake axles will handle the braking.

As F-450 Pickup owners have discovered with the 16k lb GVWR, another issue is your Gross Combination Weight Rating, as this will exceed 26k lbs and require a Class ‘A’ license. The Volvo has most likely been re-registered as an RV instead of a Class 7 or 8 tractor, and that would qualify you for an exemption, but that Teton’s weight exceeding 10k lbs with a non-RV has pushed you over the limits.

Some will say that the trailer has exempt status…this is not cut and dry, from the Manual as follows:

“Who is exempt from a CDL? (Certification form CDL-2
required)
4. A recreational vehicle that is driven for personal use.”

I read this literally as an RV that is ‘Driven’, as in motor home, not a trailer being pulled, as exempt.

In Texas, as in many states who adopt many of the Federal guidelines, even with an exemption you are still required to test and have a Non-Commercial Class ‘A’ license (CDL-2) for this combination rig exceeding 26k lbs.

I would say, to avoid these limitations, stay in the Volvo for the little miles driven annually, being legal, tighter turning radius, and most likely much less maintenance. Get Mom to tough it out; some of those Volvo conversions are sweet, Automatics with baths, kitchens, entertainment, and Air Ride everywhere, it sure makes for an effortless trip.


I like the Blue


Of course, if you have a commercial license, this is a mute point.