Advice given this tow weight

[TheHoov]

Check this out!! This might be able to help add a few lbs. to ur towing compacity

[TheHoov]

here is the link

Stinger Hitch | Home

[Blues]

Originally Posted by TheHoov

here is the link

Stinger Hitch | Home

Is that hitchy thing legal in all 50 states and does it come with a liability lawyer sittin on it?

[ronk49753]

Chevy 4500 Pickup - All the bells and whistles - $80K - Aaaahhhhh boys and their toys

[ronk49753]

Stinger hitch is for your peace of mind ONLY - Adding it does NOT change your stickered GVWR or GCVWR, & the cops 'll get cha!!!!!

[ellisk02]

I may be wrong, but I thought the GCWR was not for legal ramifications on the highway, but more as guidelines and protection for the manufacturer. As long as your licensed appropriately, I figured you would be good. You're only breaking the manufacturer's recommendations by about 6%.

Not to hi-jack the thread...this is on topic with haulin heavy. I bought a 2500HD because I knew it would cover my needs right now, and figured I could put a flatbed on it, do a DRW conversion on it, and maybe upgrade the rear suspension a little down the road when I need to increase my capabilities. I wouldn't expect to be able to tow as much as a bona fide 3500 DRW, but figured it could make a stout 2500. Thoughts?

[Blues]

Use airbags not springs to beef up the rear susp. you'll be glad you did! This is a 3/4 ton truck hauling about a ton. (not including the dog's weight)

[corjc]

air bags are the only way to go i used them on my 1500 they were great never saged even with my toyhauler hooked up

[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.

[pig78]

YOU WILL BE FINE, JUST DON'T RIDE OTHER'S BUMPERS. If you get in a situation where your being weighed for hauling your RV then you have other problems.