1/2 ton or 3/4 ton vehicle?
Hi friends, We have a 2009 GMC Sierra ext cab, Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel. We can see that the previous owner had a fifth wheel in the bed. Is our truck considered a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton? Thanks
Forum Discussion
romore wrote:
The big issue with 5th wheels is pin weight, you don't want to exceed the GVWR on the rear axle. With a 2500 this would limit the max weight at around 10,000 allowing for a pin weight of 20% or 2,000 lb. A tt can be heavier without exceeding the tow limit of the truck because the tongue weight is less.
Don't forget the tire's capacity. The OEM 245/75R-16 tires on my '02 D'max are 3,042 lbs capacity, which is slightly =under= the RAWR. By going to a 265 tire, that puts me several hundred lbs =over= the RAWR. I have a lot more concern about my tires than I do about the rear axle. Yes, they are taller, and put me 4% under indicated speed and odo, so I do have to take that into account. I wouldn't be worried about staying at 80% of "spec" capacity. I'd load right to the limit, if not slightly over, and not worry about it. Hardware-wise, the 2500 and 3500 share a =lot= of the same suspension components.
Lyle
