Looking through a brochure for the Chevy Mid-size trucks and there are a lot of numbers in there, but I could not find any max towing capacities listed.
What is the GCWR for the 5500 4X4 with a 6-speed (I will never purchase a automatic for towing)? What is the max trailer weight.

I did see a 5500 4X4 today at a dealer in Manchester NH and have to say that it is quite a large truck (can't believe its only rated at 19,500, seems that the 5500 should come standard with the Duramax 7800 (or Cummins ISC) and Eaton/Fuller 6 speed and not the 6.6 L engine, but then I have never driven one.

I'm tired of waiting for Dodge to make a 5500 and my needs for what I use my truck for can't be ignored much longer. I would like to get rid of my 9K GVW dump trailer and haul in a fixed body, but need 4X4. (I have other trailer as well ... reason for the question).

What is the GCWR for the 5500 4X4 with a 6-speed (I will never purchase a automatic for towing)? What is the max trailer weight.



Hi M1A, Welcome tothe Diesel Place!

Well, technically, take the weight of the truck, probably about the same as my 4500 (12,080) and subtract that from your GCWR (26K) and the remainder is what your towing capacity for the max trailer weight.

With my toyhauler, I can't get close to that weight. I am always running about 27.5K or so.

I don't believe that the 5500 is available with a 6 speed. Only the allison. Also, the engine is only the LLY. The 6500's you have more engine options but then you run into the 4x4 issue.

TechProf

When you say "engine is only the LLY" are you refering to the 6.6L Duramax? What does LLY mean?
Anyway, the salesman guy did say you could get one with a manual, but I just found in the brochure that the manual is only in the 2WD ... Salesmen will say anything.
If that is the case then I am out of luck. I don't understand whay they will not offer a manual (especially an Eaton) in the 4WD .. that is too bad. From what you say, the 5500 can tow pretty much whatever you through at it ... so that is good, but the tranny issue is not. (My last GM product was an 1988 2500 w/350 V8 and 4-speed auto - if I could have pushed it off a cliff and got away with it I would have. Biggest piece of junk I ever owned).

Thankyou Techprof1 for your response. Hopfully GM will loosen up on their options for the 2006 models.

My 5500 with a simple 11' steel flatbed and plow mount (just the truck side), a/c and few minor options tares at 10,250lbs 26000-10,250= 15,570lbs minus me... "technically"

As long as I don't exceed axle ratings, I have not paid too much attention to the 26kGCW The rear is rated for 13,500 on the 5500 4x4 and the front is 8,000.

I have had it up to 33,000 GCW with no issues. No raised tranny temps at all.

Buy the 5500 duramax allison trans, just make sure you get the exhaust brake. Go find one and drive it. When the exaust brake kick's in on dowhills, you will never buy another stick.!!!!!!!

can't get the brake with 4x4 for some reason?

90% of c5500 buyers dont need 4x4.. higher gears more things to break and maintain. You have to fit your realistic needs to the capacity of a potential truck.

My 5500 with a simple 11' steel flatbed and plow mount (just the truck side), a/c and few minor options tares at 10,250lbs 26000-10,250= 15,570lbs minus me... "technically"

As long as I don't exceed axle ratings, I have not paid too much attention to the 26kGCW The rear is rated for 13,500 on the 5500 4x4 and the front is 8,000.

I have had it up to 33,000 GCW with no issues. No raised tranny temps at all.

I agree with you on the 26K. Pretty under-rated. I too have had about 32-33K. Axle weights were in check. No problem with tranny temps. I have had to watch the EGT's however pulling up the steep grades but nothing out of the norm.

4X4 is a necessity for me. My neighbor and I currently use my current truck and 9K Hydro-Dump trailer on new home sites to load up on wood (from the lot being cleared). New home sites are an absolute mess and almost always I have to put the truck in 4-Low to pull the trailer out of the site ... loaded to the gills.

Also, a manual transmission is a must ... I will NEVER trust an automatic transmission again ... automatic transmissions are NOT for towing, but for cars. Never had one that lasted over 40K and an old '88 Chevy I had with a 350 V8 could barly pull a 3K boat my father-in-law use to have. The only auto that seems good is the one my neighbor has in his Oskosh front loading mixer ... routinly make deliveries of 11 1/2 - 13 yards.

Why will GM not put a manual behind their 6.6 diesel? It makes no sense. And as stated before, no exhause brake option on the 4X4, but only on the 4X2 ... does that make any sense?

Its very disapointing cause the 4500/5500 series GM's are what I'm looking for in a large frame truck with capasity to spare.

Maybe 2006 will see some better options availability.

this is not your grandmother's tranny...this is an allison....been in the trucking industry as a leader for many years...trust me and everyone else in here....the allison is the way to go......

it is the way to go....either that or do a build out with a mack or international 4x4....85k minimum and you won't want to take it to get groceries....your choice...but the jury is in on this one :ro)

this is not your grandmother's tranny...this is an allison....been in the trucking industry as a leader for many years...trust me and everyone else in here....the allison is the way to go......

it is the way to go....either that or do a build out with a mack or international 4x4....85k minimum and you won't want to take it to get groceries....your choice...but the jury is in on this one :ro)

Automatics are controled by a computer, manuals are just that, controled by ME. I don't brake down, computer always do .. I know I'm in the industry as my full time job. Its bad enough we have to trust computers in the engins now, to have one in controling the transmission is very scary.

As I said, maybe 2006 will bring additional offerings ... I will be keeping a watch for them.

M1A, I have not had any experience with the 1000M thats hooked-up to the Duramax yet, but I have two articulated (BELL Industries) off road 6x6 dumps that haul 40 ton easy in all types of terrain and outragesous grades and they both have over 2500 Hours on each with different drivers all of the time both are tiny looking allisons hooked up to Mercedes-Benz 360 HP 6 cyl. and they are mashed and go at least 50-60 times a day full loads and have never ever had a failure or reports of slipage and they are fully electronic. I wish I had these before I spent 100 of thousands on conventional trannys. Maybe you should come and try one of these out for a day, they will blow you away when you see how you can stand on them and not worry. I know 90% of my conventional tranny problems were HUMAN ERROR and they failed more then computers. Also not to say how many missed shifts that blew out power dividers and differentials,ujoints,drive shafts, snaped axles and that is HUMAN Failure not computer related.

M1A said:
Also, a manual transmission is a must ... I will NEVER trust an automatic transmission again ... automatic transmissions are NOT for towing, but for cars. Never had one that lasted over 40K and an old '88 Chevy I had with a 350 V8 could barly pull a 3K boat my father-in-law use to have.
Why will GM not put a manual behind their 6.6 diesel? It makes no sense. And as stated before, no exhause brake option on the 4X4, but only on the 4X2 ... does that make any sense?
Its very disapointing cause the 4500/5500 series GM's are what I'm looking for in a large frame truck with capasity to spare.
Maybe 2006 will see some better options availability.[/quote]
-------------------
Well,
If you do your homework and talk to real people who use the Allisons daily, you will wish you had one. There is no relation to any current transmission to any old 1988 you might have hated, much less the commercial Allison products. Their reliability and torque capability is beyond anything you have now or any of the standard competitors. You might also find the manuals you wish for will not hold up under the torque you want to have--which is cake for the Allisons.
Check em out, and leave the "old days" in the past the other bad memories. It ain't 1988 any more.
BC

Well,
If you do your homework and talk to real people who use the Allisons daily, you will wish you had one. There is no relation to any current transmission to any old 1988 you might have hated, much less the commercial Allison products. Their reliability and torque capability is beyond anything you have now or any of the standard competitors. You might also find the manuals you wish for will not hold up under the torque you want to have--which is cake for the Allisons.
Check em out, and leave the "old days" in the past the other bad memories. It ain't 1988 any more.
BC

I understand that a lot of people like autos and thats great, but as I said I will NEVER (as well as my wife and she is even MORE adiment), pruchase an automatic. I hate it when I have to drive a car/truck with one. I have no control over the thing other then the brakes. I would hope that the "Big" three would start offering 7, 9, or even 13 speed manuals. I would buy one in a NY minute. Picking your gear and keeping the truck in the appropriate RMP range is the way to go in my opinion. I feel connected to the road all the time, not disconnected by a tub of trans fluid. And forget about down-shifting with an automatic. And when towing with an automatic and you need power up a hill or to pass, when I have hit the "Go" pedel, all I have ever experienced is a lot of noise, a jump and rpms and no speed increase.
And as I said before, I will trust myself over any computer in a car/truck anytime any where. I am the type of person who wants manual windows/locks/mirrors and bench seats (and NO electronic ignition keys). Just an old F@rt at heart.;)

With the "news" that a larger 6.9L Duramax and more power for 2006+, I will still hold out hope for an Eaton option.

I understand that a lot of people like autos and thats great, but as I said I will NEVER (as well as my wife and she is even MORE adiment), pruchase an automatic. I hate it when I have to drive a car/truck with one. I have no control over the thing other then the brakes. I would hope that the "Big" three would start offering 7, 9, or even 13 speed manuals. I would buy one in a NY minute. Picking your gear and keeping the truck in the appropriate RMP range is the way to go in my opinion. I feel connected to the road all the time, not disconnected by a tub of trans fluid. And forget about down-shifting with an automatic. And when towing with an automatic and you need power up a hill or to pass, when I have hit the "Go" pedel, all I have ever experienced is a lot of noise, a jump and rpms and no speed increase.
And as I said before, I will trust myself over any computer in a car/truck anytime any where. I am the type of person who wants manual windows/locks/mirrors and bench seats (and NO electronic ignition keys). Just an old F@rt at heart.;)

With the "news" that a larger 6.9L Duramax and more power for 2006+, I will still hold out hope for an Eaton option.

As others have said, you NEED TO GO DRIVE AN ALLISON EQUIPPED VEHICLE. The allison shifts like a standard, downshifts like a standard, a man is the grade braking feature wonderful. I WILL NEVER BUY A STANDARD AGAIN as long as I can get an Allison Auto. My father, who felt the same as you about the auto, converted and bought an allison equipped truck. He has nothing but PRAISE for the Allison.
:rant:

P.S. Maybe you should really be looking at a used class 7 or 8 instead?

I need to keep below 26,001 so a class 6, 7, 8 is out (I don't have a CDL), but need (or have a strong desire for) the class 5 payload in 4X4.

I wish it was like ordering a Pete or Kenworth where you can spec out the engine, tranny, axles.

We'll see what 2006 brings, just hope something good before I have to rebuild my NV4500 ... though Standard Transmission does have some good deals on remanufactured trannys.

Like I said ... I'll be keeping an eye on the 5500 this Fall (would be nice to see the 7800 engine offered).

And as I said before, I will trust myself over any computer in a car/truck anytime any where. I am the type of person who wants manual windows/locks/mirrors and bench seats (and NO electronic ignition keys).

M1A, You can't buy a new vehicle today without a computer - gas or diesel. Why are you looking at next year's model if you don't want a vehicle with a computer. You crack me up. :lol: It is a result of the computers that we are getting the power and torque out of the duramax engines as well as controlling the transmissions functions.

M1A

Couple of mis-info to correct. You can only get the DMAX 7800 or Cat in the Class 6 and up because of the heigth of the hood. They don't fit under the Classr 4-5 trucks. The 6500 can be ordered at a GVWR of 25,500...NO CDL, in 19.5 (lo-pro) or 22.5 wheels.

If a 4x4 is necessary, Monroe Truck Equipment (MTE) can mod a class 6-8 GM as a ship through right from the GM factory. The conversion was roughly $10K for a Spicer offset differential front axle and transfer case in 2003. Probably a bit more now, but if you have to have it....$$$ is not an issue.

Call a commercial dealer for The GM Facts and a quote. It will reduce the frustration and confusion. I can reccommend on in MD that will give you the straight skinny if you wish: Rick Kramer, Dovell & Williams Truck Center, (410)766-8132 Ext. 105, and tell him "The Big Red 5500 Crew Cab" sent you. He won't push you into anything and will tell you all you need to know.

RF

M1A go to Navistar get a DT-466 with a 6 or 9 speed

:blahblah: I can see that one can not teach an old dog new tricks. The Allison is great, I love hearing it downshift when you slow down for a traffic signal - very cool. Thinks a lot faster than a human could. Always in the correct gear, no clutch chatter, best part, you don't loose the boost between shifts! :exactly:

'03, thank you for the info ... one thing though about a class 6 and a 4X4 modification is $$$$$$$$. That would explode any budget I would have. Also modifications would most likely void warranties.



Harv61 ... the Internationals are nice ... I do like a lo-pro 4300 with the 6 or even better 9 speed Eaton, but again no 4X4 unless one wants to pay huge $$$ for modifications.

The 5500/550 series (I guess you call them 2 ton trucks?) is right up my alley ... not too big, not too small, just right sized. I will be keeping an eye out on what 2006 will bring.

And Arguy ... you forget one thing about manual transmissions ... there is an element of fun in driving them ... and the more gears the better.

Automatics are controled by a computer, manuals are just that, controled by ME. I don't brake down, computer always do .. I know I'm in the industry as my full time job. Its bad enough we have to trust computers in the engins now, to have one in controling the transmission is very scary.

As I said, maybe 2006 will bring additional offerings ... I will be keeping a watch for them.

MIA....have you tested one yet???one can lead a horse to water...stop griping and go test one...if you still feel that way atleast.....you have the experience to refer to all of your posts...no disrespect but come on man....go drive one before you condemn it....

MIA....have you tested one yet???one can lead a horse to water...stop griping and go test one...if you still feel that way atleast.....you have the experience to refer to all of your posts...no disrespect but come on man....go drive one before you condemn it....

If I have time this weekend I may (since my wife is away this weekend). Only thing is the only dealership I know who has one (Dobles in Manchester NH) is a dealership I wouldn't send my enemies to ... they are terrorible for service ... they even refused to look at a friend of mines Tahoe for a recall cause they didn't have the official letter from GM(bought it used), their VIN checked out at a nother dealer, but Dobles would not even look their VIN up to see if it was on a recall list ... it was for a safty recall at that.

But I have to say ... I really really reallllllly HATE automatic transmissions, so I would have a huge chip on my sholder test driving one.

the 5500 really need to have a 6 or 7 speed Eaton.

M1A

You should be dealing with the COMMERCIAL TRUCK DEALERS!!!! Car salesmen and service departments can hardly find their @$$es with both hands in their back pockets, but can smell your $$$ from a mile away. Here is are three commercial GMC dealers in your area. Call them up first, then ask if they have a class 4 or 5 DMax/Ally on their lots for you to test drive. Does'nt matter if its bare, a box van, 4X2 or 4X4. All you want to do is test the performance of the allison tranny.

YANKEE GMC
Distance: 15.2 miles

24 HALL ST
CONCORD , NH 03301
BuyPower Manager: Kelye Sheldon
Phone: (603 ) 226-2000
Fax: (603 ) 226-2001

WYMAN'S CHEVROLET-PONTIAC
Distance: 25 Miles

166 W MAIN ST
HILLSBORO , NH 03244
Phone: (603 ) 464-5544
Fax: (603 ) 464-5936


RON CURRIER'S HILLTOP CHEVROLET, INC.
Distance: 33 miles

385 STATE RD 108
SOMERSWORTH , NH 03878 -2018
Phone: (603 ) 692-2121
Fax: (603 ) 692-6477


DI PRIZIO GMC TRUCKS, INC.
Distance: 39.0 miles

RTE 153-10 KINGS HWY
MIDDLETON , NH 03887 -6217
Phone: (603 ) 473-2372
Fax: (603 ) 473-2282

FAIRFIELD'S PONTIAC, CADILLAC, BUICK, GMC TRUCK, INC.
Distance: 42.8 miles

434 WINCHESTER ST
KEENE , NH 03431 -0684
BuyPower Manager: Adam Dance
Phone: (603 ) 352-7700
Fax: (603 ) 352-8870

If you still want a ZF-6, then spec one out and ask about the "ship-through" to Knaphede or Monroe. Still think that you need a 7-speed spicer tranny on a diesel? Then get a F*** built Freight-shaker (at $70,000+) Medium Duty on a low-pro chassis. Adding the AWD or 4WD will only run around $20-30K.

Been there --- Done that --- Bought a GMC, and am super happy!!!

RF

Whell said my good man..:beerchug: