Hey all.
The wife is looking to get a Jayco Eagle. Pin weight (according to brochure) is around 2100 LBS.

Our current fifth has a pin weight of (according brochure) around 1300 LBS.

What kind of pin weights are people running on there 2500 HDs without any mods? How does the truck handle it?

Also, what is the load capacity (payload) for the 2500s?

I'm running 2275# dry on the pin. I'm somewhat over weight on the rear axle when loaded up so I run 265's and keep them at 80psi and air springs to keep it level . My travel Supreme is one heavy SOB, 11,200 dry.:(
Ron

My Forest River Sandpiper 38' Toy hauler has a dry pin weight of 2140 dry. With 3 sportsman quads and topped off on fluids is much heavier but truck seems to handle it fine. Just remember to always leave plenty of room to stop..Jim

Hello, I haul a Grand Surveyor 24RKI (26') with a mfg. stated pin wt of 950lbs. Weighted over the weekend and mt tlr was 6660, TV 6725 w/fuel, DW and me and combo was 13410. I estimated the pin wt is actually 950/1000 lbs on the rear axle. TV is 2500LD, 4x4, 6.0 gasser. Hope this helps

Thanx guys.

I've got an '02 GMC 2500 D/A SB CC pulling a Wildcat 28BH w/ a pin weight of 1420lbs/ 8660lbs total. towability is wonderful. no complaints with handling or breaking

My rear axle weighed in a 6900# so I bumped to 265's and air bags.

From the scales: 1850# pin wt maxes our GVWR to 9,200#. OE except for upgraded shocks and i've towed 6K miles this year flawlessly. Cargo capacity depends on the truck's configuration. On my truck's DS door B(middle)-pillar, there is a tire loading(yellow/black) sticker that states I have a 2559# capacity.

OK Max, you asked for it!

4,700 pounds! Found out the first time on the scales. Did some immediate reloading!

Yes, I was way over.

No, I didn't think I was.

Yes, I have changed a few things and how the trailer is loaded.

The factory payload is around 1,600 I believe on mine.

If you look in the glove box, it will give a payload rating for the back of the truck.

TT

Hey all.
The wife is looking to get a Jayco Eagle. Pin weight (according to brochure) is around 2100 LBS.

Our current fifth has a pin weight of (according brochure) around 1300 LBS.

What kind of pin weights are people running on there 2500 HDs without any mods? How does the truck handle it?

Also, what is the load capacity (payload) for the 2500s?


I have the CC SB 2wd with a "hauler" steel bed. My weights as follows:

Solo: Full tank, loaded tool boxes, my wife and I.

4480 lbs front
3780 lbs rear

total= 8260 lbs.

Running 265's I have 3050 lbs left for payload on rear axle. 245's would leave me with 2304 lbs. The axle is rated for 10,930 lbs, so if I need more capacity I will buy a spare set of 19.5's for towing only.

My wildcat says 1100 lbs pin weight, actually closer to 1600 lbs. Pulls and handles great.

Our pin is close to 2k. Hardly even sets the truck down. We are at a 9k gvw so not too much room to grow. The truck handles it very well but when the time comes to replace we will be looking at the duallly.

Thanks alot guys for the info.

Sean.:)

The axle is rated for 10,930 lbs, .

How did you come up with that number?

The 2500's GVWR for the whole truck is only about 9200 lbs give or take a couple hundred. Take your loaded truck weight (I assume without anhthing hooked up) of 8260lbs and you have in rough numbers 1000lbs for a hitch or pin.

Granted increasing tire size can increase tire load capacity but that does not change the GVWR sticker on the door jamb.

How did you come up with that number?

The 2500's GVWR for the whole truck is only about 9200 lbs give or take a couple hundred. Take your loaded truck weight (I assume without anhthing hooked up) of 8260lbs and you have in rough numbers 1000lbs for a hitch or pin.

Granted increasing tire size can increase tire load capacity but that does not change the GVWR sticker on the door jamb.


The rear axle is GM rated at 6084lbs. GM gets its rating from the stock 245 tires which have a weight rating of 3042lbs ea. 2 tires x 3042lbs = 6084lbs. The axle manufacturer rates the axle at almost 11,000lbs. He'll be way over on GVWR long before he overloads the rear axle.

How did you come up with that number?

The 2500's GVWR for the whole truck is only about 9200 lbs give or take a couple hundred. Take your loaded truck weight (I assume without anhthing hooked up) of 8260lbs and you have in rough numbers 1000lbs for a hitch or pin.

Granted increasing tire size can increase tire load capacity but that does not change the GVWR sticker on the door jamb.

Mossy nailed it. The stock rating is based on the tire capacity, not the axle capacity. The axle is an AAM 1150 rated for 4,950 Kg or 10,913 lbs.

Only difference between 2500HD and 3500 DRW are 3 extra leaf springs and rear tire capacity (4 tires versus 2 tires). Same chassis, brakes, radiator, engines, trans, etc.

Only difference between 2500HD and 3500 DRW are 3 extra leaf springs and rear tire capacity (4 tires versus 2 tires). Same chassis, brakes, radiator, engines, trans, etc.

The 3 extra leaf springs make a big differance ~ 2000lbs. Put a 2500 and a 3500 DRW on lifts side by side and look close. There are some other extras and differences in the suspension. I noticed this the other day when I was getting my new wheels.

I am new to the current body style, so I dont know about the brakes, the old body style had different brakes front and back.

By the way my pin weight 3180 lbs. wet. I feel obligated to drive the DRW truck, I wish I could drive one with 4 wheels.

The 3 extra leaf springs make a big differance ~ 2000lbs. Put a 2500 and a 3500 DRW on lifts side by side and look close. There are some other extras and differences in the suspension. I noticed this the other day when I was getting my new wheels.

I am new to the current body style, so I dont know about the brakes, the old body style had different brakes front and back.

By the way my pin weight 3180 lbs. wet. I feel obligated to drive the DRW truck, I wish I could drive one with 4 wheels.

When you add AirLift airbags to the 2500HD, it (effectually) adds an additional 5000 lbs of extra leaf spring capacity (BIGGER difference). Previous posters have been dead on... axle is 11k rated... bottom line limitation is your tire/rim capacity... the weakest link. 3500 has 265 tires (rated 3400lbs). Swap the 245's (rated 3000lbs) for 265's on a 2500HD, add airbags, and it has essentially the same (load bearing) capacity as a 3500 SRW.

Breaks might be bigger on 3500-- not sure, but I don't think so. Even so, installing an exhaust break will likely equalize that aspect as well. I haven't found a need for them yet, and I've towed on long/steep grades... But never know what the future might hold....

3500's that are duallys provide greater stability, but too wide for my garage... and... they don't come with short box's either, so not only too wide but toooo long. That's why 2500 w/mods is a lot more popular...

FYI: Loaded figures:

GCW: 21,500 lbs
5er: 13,800 lbs
PW: 2800 lbs.

Paul.

Paul, I agree about the airbags, but what are you doing for the steering and front suspension? Remember that pin weight also loads the front axle, at least on the CAT scales that I used.

In LA if the DOT thinks you are overloaded on the tow vehicle, you better not exceed that tag in the door when they put you on the scales. I dont see them pulling RVers over often, but I have seen it.

I dont have the length problem but the wife does complain a little about my extra wide hips in the garage.
If she slowed down a little it wouldnt be so scary pulling in.

Paul, I agree about the airbags, but what are you doing for the steering and front suspension? Remember that pin weight also loads the front axle, at least on the CAT scales that I used.

The front suspension and steering are identical. The capacity can be different depending on cab configuration and if you bought 4x4. In my case, no difference.

Paul, I agree about the airbags, but what are you doing for the steering and front suspension? Remember that pin weight also loads the front axle, at least on the CAT scales that I used.

In LA if the DOT thinks you are overloaded on the tow vehicle, you better not exceed that tag in the door when they put you on the scales. I dont see them pulling RVers over often, but I have seen it.

I dont have the length problem but the wife does complain a little about my extra wide hips in the garage. If she slowed down a little it wouldnt be so scary pulling in.

Hi D Lafleur: My front axle weight unloaded is 4320, and loaded is 4360, a gain of merely 40 lbs. So nearly all the pin weight is being tranferred to the rear axle.

I'm not sure about which states have laws in regard to sticker weight ratings, nor which ones actual enforce it. I guess I'm hoping that I won't be pulled over, because I am over GVWR, but not GCWR. I do know that there are A LOT of 3/4 ton vehicles out there pulling fairly big fifth wheels... and depending upon how much they are loaded, and how much the truck is loaded, the weight on the same setup could fluctuate by as much as 5000-10000 lbs, and the pin weight could also probably fluctuate by 1000-2000 lbs, again, depending upon load. So how would an highway patrol officer know which ones to be concerned about, as he cannot see these load differences? My guess would be.... probably the ones that "look" like they might be overloaded (i.e. sagging, or unstable while driving). I don't meet either of these criteria, and on that basis, I hope/expect not to be pulled over and weighed.

Paul.

The simple thing to remember is your 2500HD D/A is rated for a maximum kingpin trailer weight of 3000# and a maximum trailer weight of 14,200#. As long as the trailer does not exceed those numbers, you will have no problems. These numbers are straight from GM.

Paul, you are absolutely correct on the DPS picking out the overloaded vehicles. In LA they look for the "tail wagging the dog" scenario or double trailors. I have never had a second look other than when I am going a little too fast. I think the only other time could be if you were involved in an accident.

My rig added 720 lbs to the front axle, it is interesting that you only got 40 lbs.

Was at the local accessory shop getting wheels put on the other day and my 3500 dually was on the rack next to a 2500 HD. I got to look both trucks over. The dually's front torsion bars appeared to be larger and the sway bar. I could be incorrect, it may have been tire size creating an optical illusion. At the time, I wasnt really comparing one against the other, I was just looking and trying not to get kicked out of the garage.

With my B&W hitch as far foward as it will adjust, (I believe about 5" ahead of axle), on my LB X-Cab, when I load my 2500 lbs pin weight 5ver, I only increased front axle weight about 50 lbs.

As far as the stock 245's limiting weight to 6084 lbs, I agree.
If you install 265's on PYO's, your PYO's will now be the limiter at about 6200 lbs.
I changed my stock rims to Alcoa Classics, with a capacity of 3750 lbs each. Now my rear axle is limited by my Michelin 265's at 6830 lbs.
With air bags, it should be simular to a 3500 SRW.

Paul, you are absolutely correct on the DPS picking out the overloaded vehicles. In LA they look for the "tail wagging the dog" scenario or double trailors. I have never had a second look other than when I am going a little too fast. I think the only other time could be if you were involved in an accident.

My rig added 720 lbs to the front axle, it is interesting that you only got 40 lbs.

Was at the local accessory shop getting wheels put on the other day and my 3500 dually was on the rack next to a 2500 HD. I got to look both trucks over. The dually's front torsion bars appeared to be larger and the sway bar. I could be incorrect, it may have been tire size creating an optical illusion. At the time, I wasnt really comparing one against the other, I was just looking and trying not to get kicked out of the garage.


Duallys actually have a lower front suspension rating compared to the 2500HD's. Stock 3500 DRW tires are rated for 2,600 lbs (2 tires = 5,200 lbs) and 2500HD tires are rated for 3,042 lbs (2 tires = 6,084 lbs). Just another way of comparing.

BTW, solo with my hauler bed and loaded with tools I weigh:

4,480 front
3,780 rear

265 tires give me a total rear capacity of 6,830 lbs. So I still have 3,050 lbs of rear capacity left. My 5th wheel has about 1,600 lbs pin weight, so I am still good.

If I go any heavier I will upgrade the rear to 19.5" wheels and tires rated for 4,500 lbs a tire.

With the air bags I should never "look" overweight. However, I do believe in keeping below the gross combination weight rating.
:)

And, if mounting 265's on the Factory PYO's, that may not even get you to the 265 weight rating of 6830 lbs.
All tire manufacturers that I have seen recommend mounting the 265 on rims 7-8" wide. The factory PYO's are only 6.5" wide.
I know, many people are mounting 265's on the PYO's, and claiming they are wearing OK, but is this narrow rim really de-rating the weighting of the 265?

cdhd2001,
Did the 19.5's thing, they are awesome, with the 225's they are a little taller than stock, have noticed a DRAMATIC decrease in side to side swaying in heavy crosswinds and being passed by fast semi's. I attribute this to the very short stiff sidewalls with little flex. It always concerned me before I got these when I would go up to my loaded truck with the flimsey stock tires and rock the whole trailer and truck just by shoving the side of the truck! No more white knuckle swaying!
The only drawback is you have to decrease the air pressure quite a bit to get a softer ride when unloaded.
Unloaded ride quality is a little stiffer but for me is worth the trade-off.
I remount my stocks in the winter months and change back in the spring.
The airbags also help alot.

My truck is a 2500HD

cdhd2001,
Did the 19.5's thing, they are awesome, with the 225's they are a little taller than stock, have noticed a DRAMATIC decrease in side to side swaying in heavy crosswinds and being passed by fast semi's. I attribute this to the very short stiff sidewalls with little flex. It always concerned me before I got these when I would go up to my loaded truck with the flimsey stock tires and rock the whole trailer and truck just by shoving the side of the truck! No more white knuckle swaying!
The only drawback is you have to decrease the air pressure quite a bit to get a softer ride when unloaded.
Unloaded ride quality is a little stiffer but for me is worth the trade-off.
I remount my stocks in the winter months and change back in the spring.
The airbags also help alot.

My truck is a 2500HD


I had planned to buy only 1 pair of 19.5's. Use them on rear when towing, then switch back to the 265's when solo. My towing is only on planned trips, so there won't be any excessive tire changing. Besides, the impact wrench takes most of the hard work out of tire changing. :grd:

It nice to see some real men talking trucks. I posted some max weight questions at rv.net and it was full of *****s telling me I couldn't tow this and I couldn't tow that. I wanted to get a Weekend Warrior SLC3505 and everyone told me I couldn't do it so I had decided to get an LE3105. Maybe I will get the SLC3505 after all. Since I was thinking I would get the LE3105 I just ordered the Timbren air springs. Do you guys think those will be good enough or do I need air bags. I just installed the Reese 18K Signature hitch yesterday and I have the 5th wheel harness and some Mobil 1 75W140 gear lube coming too.

Get the 35 I have a 33 Tahoe loaded is about 14k/2K pin with bags no issue... With out is another story!

Hey all.
Picked up the Eagle, the last weekend in August. Towed home from the dealer.

Truck handled it pretty well. But my newly acquired Michelins in load range E at 60 PSI weren't that great. Squatted quite a bit. Pumped up to 75 PSI and still squatted, but not as badly.....

Since we are living in the trailer untill house is built, I suspect we could be up around the 25 to 2700 LBs range for pin weight.

I had load range Cs on the truck before, for better ride. I sure do miss them......

I took the Timbrens off and added 2 full length leaf springs and plan to add 285/19.5s soon.

http://www.gorowan.com/2004ram/springs/new_springs.JPG

the 2500 manual max 2500lb 2001 year right after they say 15-25% of trailer weight loaded to trailer specs the trailer im looking to by says 2300 lbs pin weight but i calculate there gvwr #s i,m over by 50lbs , drives me crazy:help:

Fill tires with Helium:grd:

Hey all.
Picked up the Eagle, the last weekend in August. Towed home from the dealer.

Truck handled it pretty well. But my newly acquired Michelins in load range E at 60 PSI weren't that great. Squatted quite a bit. Pumped up to 75 PSI and still squatted, but not as badly.....

Since we are living in the trailer untill house is built, I suspect we could be up around the 25 to 2700 LBs range for pin weight.

I had load range Cs on the truck before, for better ride. I sure do miss them......

Exactly what we are doing. I moved the 5th wheel from the RV park to the property about a month ago. The trailer is very heavy (we live in it), but still the truck still handled it just fine. My michelin 265 E's were set a 80 psi cold and looked normal with the load. Suprised me, I was expecting a little "squish" out on the sides of the rear tires.