towing

[michfan56]

I am considering to purchase a 30 ft.5th wheel, appx.dry weight of 9600.
I currently have a 2002 3/4ton 2500 truck, gas engine 6.0
The suggested tow ability is rated for 8400. Is there anyone out there
that could tell me if I can pull without having any problems?? My selling Dealer tells me I should be ok!! Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

[halfdimes]

Your trailer's dry weight already exceeds your truck's rated capacity by 14%. Once you load it up with what you need you will likely be way over. You also need to keep in mind what your rear axle rating is since 15-20% of your trailer weight will be resting on it. Also check the GCWR of the truck (truck+trailer+people+stuff). Likely you will be exceeding that number also.

Lastly, never listen to a dealer who says: "Sure, you can pull it with that."

Good luck.

[jimbo]

Don't believe the dealer. You will be way overloaded after you pack. I have saw first hand what will happen. The rear end in your tv is not designed for that tow load. I have saw numerous rear end let loose from this type of load.

[bobvaughn]

Where did you come up with the 8400 weight rating for your truck??? You did not mention what rear end you have....If it is a 3:73 then it should be 9200lbs if it is 4:10 then it should be about 11000 lbs.....there is a lot more to the equation than you have presented.....Manual transmissions can tow more than automatics etc.....No matter what the rating for the truck if you tow a 5th wheel it is more work for the truck than if you tow a trailer. That big flat front is just like what you feel when you hold your hand out the window and put your palm towards the front of the truck....

[cb5300]

I disagree with the comment that a straight drive will tow more than an auto. All of the numbers I've seen have been the same for both...Now there is a difference between 2 wheel drive and four wheel drive, because of the extra weight of the four wheel drive you lose around 500 lbs vs the 2 wheel drive.

You need to keep in mind what your total weight of your 5er is compared to what your tow rating is for your truck. NEVER exceed the rating of your truck, you are just asking for something bad to happen, from getting a ticket (if you're lucky) to a major failure. Also keep in maind that if you are towing more than what your truck is licensed for with your DMV then that ticket ain't going to be cheap.

[joncar]

we had the same drive train. (6.0 gmc,4.10 rear end,tow package)..pulling a tt..traded tt for a 8400 lb (dry) 5th..pulled o'k on flat land, not very good in small hills.. traded for a diesel, (same truck,but diesel), very happy with it, took a 6 week trip up thru the mountains this summer, really enjoyed, unit pulled well and got good mileage...joncar

[stampgirl]

Don't listen to the dealer, you never want to pull more then then what your truck is rated for. Not to mention that is dry wt. you listed, what about everything you're going to put in the 5er...you're asking for trouble. Get a bigger truck...get a diesel if you can too.

[jimbo]

You are just asking for problems. You may be ok on flat land but when you hit the hills you will be unhappy. Also the wear and tear on your tv should be taken into consideration. I can't count how many people I know that fried their rear ends while towing 5'ers while overweight. Like previous posters said you have to take into consideration people and gear you take also. Another thing to consider is manufacturers state dry weight without propane, water, and other accessories.