Ive got a 30' sandpiper fifth wheel that has a GVWR sticker that says 12000 lbs.


I'm wondering based on GVWR and GCWR of the 2500 and 3500 crew cab long bed diesel 4x4 trucks, will the 2500 be enough or will I need to have the 3500 to stay within manufacturers recomended ratings.


I know people pull larger campers with the 2500 but I'm interested in stay within the suggested limits from chevrolet.


thanks for the info

Enough advice from me... read below for good info.Edited by: SpoolinTurbo

12,000? a 2500 or a 3500 will pull 22,500 on a 5th wheel.

I fully agree that as long as it is a 8.1 with 4.10 gears or a Dmax with stock gears, 12,000 lbs is not a problem for a 2500 series truck. I would not recommand it with a 6.0 without a aftermarket axle ratio change to at least 4.56. The 6.0 is a good engine but with 12000 lbs and even a 4.10 there would be some weak moments as while 6.0 has the HP it lacks the torque of the other two engines and has to make up for it in gearing.

A couple of thoughts here...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


According to my owner's manual, max trailer weight on a 2500HD is 12,000 lbs, with a GCWR of 22,000 lbs in any style of truck with an Allison transmission. The real weak link of the 6.0 gas is the transmission, lack of power is an annoyance.


3500 trucks, and this is for DRW since the SRW was not out when mine was built, shows 12,000 lbs for the trailer on 4x4 models and 15,000 lbs for Dmax 2wd, with 15,200 lbs for the 8.1 gas engine. All models of the 3500 shown in my manual have a GCWR of 22,000 lbs.


It also shows a pin weight of 15 to 25% with a max of 2500 lbs for the 2500HD, and 3500 lbs for the 3500 DRW.


Add to the question the fact that trailer manufacturers seem to be notorius for understating weights and I think I'd be careful about trying to tow your 12,000 lb GVWR trailer with a 2500HD.


Or at least that's the way I read it...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif


edit info:


These figures are all for fifth wheel trailers, not TT'sEdited by: Zeeb

There is more to consider when towing an RV than just "Can my truck pull it?" As far as just pulling, I think either would be fine, but get that trailer in a crosswind on an overpass and you will be glad of the 2 extra wheels out back. If you're gonna do a lot of towing I would go with the DRW the caveat being tryin' to park that badboy in a tight spot and maybe 1 or 2 mpg. I opted for the Dually..http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif
JP


Oh, and make sure it has option G80 (rear locking differential) which ever one you decide on.

Ive got a 30' sandpiper fifth wheel that has a GVWR sticker that says 12000 lbs.


I'm wondering based on GVWR and GCWR of the 2500 and 3500 crew cab long bed diesel 4x4 trucks, will the 2500 be enough or will I need to have the 3500 to stay within manufacturers recomended ratings.


I know people pull larger campers with the 2500 but I'm interested in stay within the suggested limits from chevrolet.


thanks for the info





smote,


You won't have any problems with 12,000 on the fifth wheel, unless your hitch is rated for less. The 2004 Silverado booklet say for 2500HD and 3500 fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailering:


2500HD Crew Cab Long Box 4x4 Duramax Disel 6600 V8 Auto and Manual with 3.73 Axle Ratio:


Max trailer weight 2500HD=13,800 3500=14,600


I personally towed over 21,000 combined across the rockies with no problems.


Dennis

Does anyone know what the GVWR and curb weights are for the 2500 and 3500 in the crew cab 4x4 diesel configuration?

IIRC, the 2500HD is 9200 lbs GVW.


You need to consider that there is also a 3500 SRW now, which I believe is 9600 lbs?


The 3500 DRW is 11,400 GVW and I've not weighed mine, but estimate it's real close to 8,000 lbs. Got to get it weighed one of these next days. I'm not sure curb weight will be real valuable to you since you can't really operate in that condition, and I think not all optional equipment is included in those figures.


Right now I'm trying to figure out why baimpala has higher weights listed in his owner's manual than I found. Got to do some more investigating there.

Zeeb,


Not sure either, but it was the little booklet thingy that you get at the dealers, not the owner's manual. I thought that at one time I had cross referenced them and my owner's manual and they were the same. It was just what I had handy next to the computer. . . . my owner's manual probably says exactly what your's says. . .


BTW, the ball hitch weights are all the same for smote's configuration at 12,000 in the booklet I have in front of me.

Smote,


If you want to know what the General's recommended cargo carrying capacity(CCC = max pin weight or camper weight) is, just look in the glovebox of the truck you're interested in and you will see the CCC label for that particular truck.


The label will be based on truck weight with options and the weight of the max number of passengers the truck will carry @150lbs each I believe.


Once you know the pin weight of your trailer you will have a better idea of which truck you'll need.


Regards,


David

There is very little difference in the capacity of the 2500 HD and the 3500 HD deepening on the body con fig. LWB SWB Club Cab , Extended Cab, and 4 x 4. I pulled my 36' Kountry Star form Ms. to Oregon and back 5300 + miles up and down some nice mountains and through some pretty good winds in Kansas. Had no problems at all, well pleased with my 2500 HD. D/A. It is stock and has 48,000 miles. I am pulling the max weight If I has to buy a 5er again I would cut to a 34' or little less weight, but I am not afraid to hook up and go any where with the one I have. I know the 3500Hd gives you a little more stability but I use my truck to go work and don't like the extra size of the dually.

IIRC, the 2500HD is 9200 lbs GVW.


You need to consider that there is also a 3500 SRW now, which I believe is 9600 lbs?


The 3500 DRW is 11,400 GVW and I've not weighed mine, but estimate it's real close to 8,000 lbs. Got to get it weighed one of these next days. I'm not sure curb weight will be real valuable to you since you can't really operate in that condition, and I think not all optional equipment is included in those figures.


Right now I'm trying to figure out why baimpala has higher weights listed in his owner's manual than I found. Got to do some more investigating there.





Maybe hes looking at the tow Specs for a gas engine equipped truck, which will give you higher tow ratings also 2wd will raise it also, I just looked over my 2004 GMC Trailering Guide, and its saying that a 2500-HD/4WD, with a Vortec 8100 and 3.73 rears has a Max trailer weight of 13,900.Edited by: BuckeyeQuicky

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%"><T>
<T>
<TR>
<TD bgColor=#dcdde5>SILVERADO 2500HD AND 3500 FIFTH-WHEEL TRAILERING</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD bgColor=#ffffff>The vehicle owner is responsible for obtaining the appropriate equipment required to safely fifth-wheel tow both the trailer and the load that will be towed. Ask your Chevy dealer for advice about the proper trailering equipment for your new vehicle.</TD></TR></T></T></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width=575><T>
<T>
<TR vAlign=center>
<TD colSpan=3> </TD>
<TD align=middle colSpan=3> </TD>
<TD align=middle colSpan=3> </TD>
<TD align=middle colSpan=3> </TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=center>
<TD colSpan=3> </TD>
<TD align=middle colSpan=3> </TD>
<TD align=middle colSpan=3> </TD>
<TD align=middle colSpan=3> </TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=center>
<TD bgColor=#dcdde5 colSpan=3>
<DIV align=center>ENGINE</DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD align=middle bgColor=#dcdde5 colSpan=2>VORTEC 6000 V8 </TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD align=middle bgColor=#dcdde5 colSpan=2>VORTEC 8100 V8 </TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD align=middle bgColor=#dcdde5 colSpan=2>DURAMAX DIESEL 6600 </TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=center>
<TD bgColor=#dcdde5 colSpan=3>
<DIV align=center>TRANSMISSION</DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD align=middle bgColor=#dcdde5 colSpan=2>AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL</TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD align=middle bgColor=#dcdde5 colSpan=2>AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL</TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD align=middle bgColor=#dcdde5 colSpan=2>V8 AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=bottom colSpan=2>
<DIV align=center>MODEL</DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom>
<DIV align=center>BOX LENGTH (FT./IN.)</DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle>MAX. TRAILER WEIGHT (LBS.)<SUP>1</SUP></TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle>REQUIRED AXLE RATIO</TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle>MAX. TRAILER WEIGHT (LBS.)<SUP>1</SUP></TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle>REQUIRED AXLE RATIO</TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle>MAX. TRAILER WEIGHT (LBS.)<SUP>1</SUP></TD>
<TD vAlign=bottom align=middle>REQUIRED AXLE RATIO</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=bottom colSpan=12>http://www.chevrolet.com/images/shim.gif</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=top>
<TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff rowSpan=5>2500HD 2WD/4x4</TD>
<TD vAlign=top>Regular Cab</TD>
<TD vAlign=center bgColor=#dcdde5> 8'</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#dcdde5>


10,600/10,300 </TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#dcdde5>4.10
</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#dcdde5>14,100/13,900
16,100/15,900
</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#dcdde5>3.73<SUP>2</SUP>
4.10</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#dcdde5>15,900/15,700
</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#dcdde5>3.73</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=top bgColor=white>
<TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff rowSpan=2>Extended Cab</TD>
<TD vAlign=center bgColor=#ffffff> 6'6"
</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> </TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>10,300/10,100</TD

There is more to consider when towing an RV than just "Can my truck pull it?" As far as just pulling, I think either would be fine, but get that trailer in a crosswind on an overpass and you will be glad of the 2 extra wheels out back. If you're gonna do a lot of towing I would go with the DRW the caveat being tryin' to park that badboy in a tight spot and maybe 1 or 2 mpg. I opted for the Dually..http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif
JP


Oh, and make sure it has option G80 (rear locking differential) which ever one you decide on.

DRW truck has a lower tow rating than the SRW one. Figure that one out.

A couple of thoughts here...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


According to my owner's manual, max trailer weight on a 2500HD is 12,000 lbs, with a GCWR of 22,000 lbs in any style of truck with an Allison transmission. The real weak link of the 6.0 gas is the transmission, lack of power is an annoyance.


I am not sure how you figure this, We got along fine for 40 years with a THM400 and it has seen use in cars, trucks, motors homes with GVW's up to 20,000lbs or more and performed well. THe 4L80 is just a THM400 (which is one of the finest trannies ever made) with electronic control and a OD section added and nothing more. While it is true that it is not used behind the Dmax, it is not because it could not be beefed up to handle it as much as the fact that 4 speeds are not enough to suit the Dmaxs limited RPM range with good torque hence the five speed. To suggest that you need a $2500 allison to pull a 12000lb trailer is per BS as they were pulled long before that tranny was made. Engine power and final drive ratio is the limiting factor here, not transmission. The fact that GM in the past has only sold 8.1's with allision is more a factor of profit than a weakness of the 4L80.

Well I don't about the thm400 other than I have them go out with 75K+ mile on them. And you may not need a $2500 Allision to pull a 12000 lb trailer but it is sure nice to have the durmax/allison combination to work with. I have been working with Chev truck pulling farm equipment for 35 years and I am glad to have combination to pull my 5er.

To suggest that you need a $2500 allison to pull a 12000lb trailer is per BS as they were pulled long before that tranny was made.


I don't recall making that suggestion, but if you say so, it must be true...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gifEdited by: Zeeb

The truck certainly has the power to pull that load, but that is not the real question if you want to stay within the specs. Forget about the GCVW. That's fantasy land for most. That number rarely will enter your actual calculations because of other more important limiting factors. Figure out what your truck weighs as you will typically use it. That includes a full tank of fuel, your expected passenger load, the hitch, and any other stuff you will carry in the truck. Subract that number from the GVW of the truck. The difference is the amount of pinload you can put on the truck. My truck weighs right around 7,000lbs ready to hitch up my trailer. That leaves about 2,200lbs for pin weight. If your trailer carries 20% of its weight in the pin and your truck weighs about the same as mine, you are going to be over your truck's payload by about 200lbs. Many, many people regularly tow loads over their trucks' rated capacities and have no problems. If you have an accident while technically overloaded, however, don't be surprised if someone doesn't attempt to shift the blame onto your shoulders for operating your vehicle in an unsafe condition.

TC

The truck certainly has the power to pull that load, but that is not the real question if you want to stay within the specs. Forget about the GCVW. That's fantasy land for most. That number rarely will enter your actual calculations because of other more important limiting factors. Figure out what your truck weighs as you will typically use it. That includes a full tank of fuel, your expected passenger load, the hitch, and any other stuff you will carry in the truck. Subract that number from the GVW of the truck. The difference is the amount of pinload you can put on the truck. My truck weighs right around 7,000lbs ready to hitch up my trailer. That leaves about 2,200lbs for pin weight. If your trailer carries 20% of its weight in the pin and your truck weighs about the same as mine, you are going to be over your truck's payload by about 200lbs. Many, many people regularly tow loads over their trucks' rated capacities and have no problems. If you have an accident while technically overloaded, however, don't be surprised if someone doesn't attempt to shift the blame onto your shoulders for operating your vehicle in an unsafe condition.

TC


Exactly...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif

Zeeb,


Any thoughts on the numbers in our owner's manuals vs. the chevy web site and the other references?


Just wondering,
Dennis

There is more to consider when towing an RV than just "Can my truck pull it?" As far as just pulling, I think either would be fine, but get that trailer in a crosswind on an overpass and you will be glad of the 2 extra wheels out back. If you're gonna do a lot of towing I would go with the DRW the caveat being tryin' to park that badboy in a tight spot and maybe 1 or 2 mpg. I opted for the Dually..http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif
JP



Oh, and make sure it has option G80 (rear locking differential) which ever one you decide on.




DRW truck has a lower tow rating than the SRW one. Figure that one out.


I'm sure it's because the DRW is heavier from the git-go than the SRW. The extra weight of the double wheels and the full 8' bed adds some poundage to the DRW and that extra weight comes right off the towing capacity max.


JP

Zeeb,


Any thoughts on the numbers in our owner's manuals vs. the chevy web site and the other references?


Just wondering,
Dennis





I was thinking about checking the GMC site as well as the information booklet I picked up before ordering my truck, and comparing them to the owner's manual.


Then I guess I'll give the infamous GM Customer Assistance line a call, that I'm sure will shed some light on the question...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


Haven't decided yet what to do after that.

I pull every weekend all summer long with my 3500 and love it. I had a 2500hd and get a good laugh each time I read a 2500hd owner say it is just as good as a 3500. NOT! Huge difference for me. I weigh in at 23900 pounds fully loaded and my large as* in it.


If you don't mind the dually go for it, but if size is an issue then consider a smaller fiver. Why go right to the max like I am.


Just a note, my 2500hd duramax pulled the fiver no problems at all. We forget about stopping in these posts. My 3500 is not modified at all for power and my 2500hd need this and that to keep it from bounching a lot in the as*end while towing.


Be safe, consider the 3500 drw or srw. You will not be sorry. I am sure happy I made the move to the 3500 duramax. Night and day between the 2 trucks. Don't kid yourself.


Camping is no fun when your taking your life or others into risk. The 3500 will pull like crazy for you and give you a safety margin. Check out my pictures for the setup I have now.


http://photos.yahoo.com/duramaxscott


Edited by: dmaxscott