Tow question

Agree with crikeydog...ya got what ya got and it sounds like you are willing to defend it.

I've had 3 CTDs. First one was an 01 with the auto. You state high output, which I thought was first available with the 03 at 305/555 with the manual tranny. Do you have the 47RE or NV5600 manual?

If you have the auto, my guess is that the truck won't like that weight. Mine didn't, it would heat up pretty quickly in the mountains of Colorado.

Lots you can do to increase the output of that engine and make the tranny better for townig, so in that regard you will likely be ok. You are likely well within the axle and tire ratings, but outside the ratings of the truck.

Kevin Todd wrote:
Figured that would be the answer...Picked it up in Cincinnati yesterday morning and brought it to West TN. No problems. 250K miles on the old girl and she did great. As far as my tranny, I've pulled everything from backhoes to the big fivers and she's still going strong. I'd be more concerned about that GM if I were you....course it looks like you trade regular....

From that response it's obvious you know you are way overloaded, don't really care and was looking for someone to say OK

Well you are overloaded.
A 2002 vintage 2500 4X4 is NOT in the same league as 2015 2500

You are overloaded but will not go across a scale cause you don't want to face reality

I don't understand why people ask questions like these and then get testy when people are honest with their opinions. From what I've seen most posters on here try to stay within their tow vehicles numbers. The OP does not.

To the OP: head on over to the Dodge diesel forum and you'll be much happier. They will all tell you that you're completely fine, and that truck will pull a lot more than that. BTDT.

You're all right, I knew I was overloaded. Also got a deal I couldn't turn down. I have driven this truck for 14 years and knew I would be ok. When we picked up at Colerain Sat. morning there was a guy behind me picking up a RSQS Pinnacle in a 2500 powerstroke. Ran into him on 65 coming out of Louisville and he looked fine too. I also know this is not a regular thing, I have an annual site where I rarely move the coach, just to bring it home usually early winter and store it inside until March. Yes, when we our lifestyle changes to more traveling I will upgrade my truck for sure. I get a kick out of reading a lot of the posts from the guys that say you need a topkick to go to the grocery store.....

Bionic Man wrote:
I've had 3 CTDs. First one was an 01 with the auto. You state high output, which I thought was first available with the 03 at 305/555 with the manual tranny. Do you have the 47RE or NV5600 manual?

If you have the auto, my guess is that the truck won't like that weight. Mine didn't, it would heat up pretty quickly in the mountains of Colorado.

Lots you can do to increase the output of that engine and make the tranny better for townig, so in that regard you will likely be ok. You are likely well within the axle and tire ratings, but outside the ratings of the truck.

Actually the HO came out in 2001, mine is 245 HP & 505 Ft-Lb of Torque with the six speed manual. Over 80 % of all 2001s were HO.

4:10 would help for sure. fuel mileage is awesome though, still. Going up empty with cruise at 70 I averaged 25 mpg.

Kevin Todd wrote:
I knew I was overloaded. I have driven this truck and knew I would be ok..

Then why ask the question?:R You're wanting this conversation...ah...why???

Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)

Kevin Todd wrote:
4:10 would help for sure. fuel mileage is awesome though, still. Going up empty with cruise at 70 I averaged 25 mpg.

Yeah, right. Don't believe that over head average, it's usually off by at least 2-3 mpg.

Old-Biscuit wrote:

Kevin Todd wrote:
Figured that would be the answer...Picked it up in Cincinnati yesterday morning and brought it to West TN. No problems. 250K miles on the old girl and she did great. As far as my tranny, I've pulled everything from backhoes to the big fivers and she's still going strong. I'd be more concerned about that GM if I were you....course it looks like you trade regular....

From that response it's obvious you know you are way overloaded, don't really care and was looking for someone to say OK

Well you are overloaded.
A 2002 vintage 2500 4X4 is NOT in the same league as 2015 2500

You are overloaded but will not go across a scale cause you don't want to face reality

Old-Biscuit, you are correct, but the 2nd gen RAM/Dodge 2500's with the Camper package are greatly under rated!!

I tow a 12,360 GVWR 5er currently at 11,000#+ GVW, this puts the TV at 10,000#+ usually right at 10K. I still have over 500# of "stock" rear axle rating to spare, which is based on the stock tire size of 245/75-16E 3,042# rating. If the rear axle rating was corrected for the Camper Package tires 265/75-16E's at 3,415# ea. I would have a rear axle rating of 6,830#. The package also included 3500 springs, that is all that is back there, and the rear sway bar.
The camper Package in 2001 didn't change a single weight on the VIN sticker, the VIN has the same weight ratings as the non camper package.
I have know doubt that Kevin's tow was just fine, as at at about 2,200# pin on mine Kevin may have been a bit down in the rear, but not much, and likely dry well with in the tire ratings.
The camper Package basically was the 2nd Gen SRW 3500, which was not an option until 2003.