I am currently looking for replacement for 02 2500hd gas to tow new 5th wheel toyhauler. 8900lbs empty gvw 13400.
still trying to decide between 2500 or 3500 i know 2500 can tow but i was wondering if i should just be safe and get the dually.
i can get either right at invoice so price is very close.
any ideas on pro or cons would be appreciated.

thanks James

If this is stricly tow vehicle the 3500, a DD 2500 IMO.

I tow a 33.5 ft Montana double slide travel trailer (that weighs about the same as your empty toy house). I know I do not load my trailer like you will load your toyhouse, but I went with the 3500 because of the added "safe feeling" of an extra safety margin (more weight carrying, better braking, more stable ride, less likely to blow a tire etc.) and never regretted it (especially considering I am hauling the most valuable cargo in the world - my family).

.....any ideas on pro or cons would be appreciated.



The pin weight of your fifth wheel would be the determining factor of the need for the 3500. With a GVWR of 9200# on the 2500, it'd likely be overloaded once the pin weight of a 13,400# fiver is set down on it.

My hunch is your pin weight would be in the range of 2500# - 2700# on that rig when it's loaded, too heavy for a 2500. :think:

Having said this, there are thousands of rigs running up and down our highways overloaded. Get what you feel safe with.

A 5th wheel has a suggested pin weight of 20-25% normally. By using your trailers GVWR of 13400, you are looking at 2680-3350 lbs. Go with the 3500.

I didn't get the DRW3500 and regret it regularly. It costs a lot to trade in the 2500 if it's too small.

I just took the beating of trading my '06 2500 on a '07 3500 drw... Trust me go with the dually. I tow a 40' toyhauler, it's night and day differant

I have a 2500HD and tow only 8,200lbs with a 1,400lb tongue.....on the scales I'm within 500lbs of my trucks max Rear axle weight......I can't imagine anyone towing larger than 10-11,000lbs not using a 3500 /Dually for safe driving.

Next truck will be a 3500HD dually, as mine is only now used for towing purposes....and you are always looking a towing something bigger not smaller.

Gotta love those BIG BUT trucks. Best choice.

Gotta love those BIG BUT trucks. Best choice.

X2:exactly:

Like Sniper said....you're hauling the most valuable cargo.....the family. We've got both a 2500HD and a 3500 dually, and have used them both to tow our 33' tag toyhauler. They both do the job exceptionally well, but the dually has a much more stable feeling on the open road. There's not as much sway, and it's definitely a more secure feeling. Don't think twice about getting the dually. And...they're so much more fun to park at the mall! ):h

[B]I have an 07 3500 Dually on order right now to tow a Cardinal 34qs 5er (12000) dry weight. GET THE 3500 Dually ......you won't regret it!!!!

Thanks for the help i am going to get a 3500drw 4x4 hopefully sometime this week.
I appreciate all the help if definately made the decision easier.

Thanks James:D

Thanks for the help i am going to get a 3500drw 4x4 hopefully sometime this week.
I appreciate all the help if definately made the decision easier.

Thanks James :D

Once you get it, pics please!!