2002 3/4 Ton Heavy Duty Diesel Chevy 2500

Looks like ole Nathanbates114 was a 2 post wonder!

Well, unless you get a dually, you can’t get much better than a modern 3/4ton diesel (which is the vehicle being considered here). old Rams with the 48re and 6liter Flowerjokes excepted.
Making the 2002 a 2022 isn’t going to net any real driveability or safety improvements. Assuming you’re not overcoming any trailer short falls like no brakes.

Only things a newer 3/4 ton will improve is stock power (easy to fix on that LB7) and a fresher interior/more standard creature comforts in the cab.

Only thing I'm concerned a little bit about now (and I don't want to cause anymore controversy lol... but I probably will) is the TT we are interested in has a length of 38'-6". Going off of the wheel base for a 2500 3/4 ton Diesel... that's probably way over the length you should tow. With Sway Control + Weight Distribution Hitch, it should be fine? Thanks in advance everyone. I'm new to the Travel Trailer lifestyle. I want to make sure I'm being safe. Thanks again for any info/tips. I take everything into consideration.

Forums are made up with all types of folks. Some give you info requested to make a informed decision. Others will say no to a 3/4 ton pulling a 38' trailer of any type. And of course every forum has its blow hard know it all types who diss all input but his opinions are the only way to go. If you hang around , learn to read between the lines.

Anywayz...when choosing a good WD hitch for that 38' TT first read the clicky at the top of the TT forum from Ron Gratz on WD systems.
We also have several very experienced TT owners who can help you with making a good choice on brands or WD types. All WD hitches aren't the same.
And of course you will get input from my brand is best,others are junk.... and those that know little experience with the WD subject....but have a opinion.
JMO....you gotta' a stout older tow truck so keep a good maintenance program going on it.

TV trailer length ratio was developed by an RV consumer grouo many eons ago.
went something like 110" of TV Wheel base to two 20' of trailer then 3" more per foot of trailer....
then of ALL contriversial BS, no rig under 110" of WB should tow a trailer. i would think if you're towing a 19' trailer, you'd want 107" min per above ratio....
As many note, controversy can occur. This was for back in the 50'/60's when most used sedans, station wagons basically based on an equal to a DOT class 1 under 6000 gvwr pickup. OP has a class 2b 8401-10,000 gvw rig. which imho should net him another 2-3' or 22-23' if trailer at 110". if he had a DW add another 2-3'. bed mount 5w/gooseneck, another 2-4'.....

Assuming a preferred crew can, with the trailer balance appropriately front to rear, side to side. Tires inflated all around correct etc etc, They shoukd not have issues with a basic WD system. Reality, if the trailer can not be towed at 60-65 mph on a level freeway with out sway, or finger tip driving. You have an issue that needs fixing from a mechanical basis of the rigs!
Once this is correct, mow ADD the approprita WD/anti sway bars. Then and ONLY then do you have a setup that is safe to tow! A hensley stopping sway on a trailer that sways, will sway out of control if it breaks down somehow.

my 02 on this.

marty

Nathanbates114 wrote:
Hey everyone. Thanks for all of the amazing info. Im blown away by the responses... and even though there's some controversy, that's how life is and I like hearing both sides of every argument. My wife and I have found our perfect TT and it clocks in at 11,200 GVWR. Only thing I'm concerned a little bit about now (and I don't want to cause anymore controversy lol... but I probably will) is the TT we are interested in has a length of 38'-6". Going off of the wheel base for a 2500 3/4 ton Diesel... that's probably way over the length you should tow. With Sway Control + Weight Distribution Hitch, it should be fine? Thanks in advance everyone. I'm new to the Travel Trailer lifestyle. I want to make sure I'm being safe. Thanks again for any info/tips. I take everything into consideration.

Everything you said is dependent on several bits of info you haven’t divulged.
Configuration of truck.
Traveling or one time move to site. (You haven’t said if you are travelers or just living somewhere semi permanently in a camper.). The latter is assumed by most since it’s unusual to just “borrow” a vehicle for an indefinite time period or miles.
How and where you travel. 60’ giver take of combination is, well, 60’ of combination. No indication you’ve considered that, given your lack of knowledge and experience with vehicles and towing.

New? Thought you’d been a TTer for a couple years

And there’s no controversy in what the truck is rated for. Just misinformation by some people who believe it’s controversial. You’re correct in the controversy of how much more the truck is capable of than it’s base ratings. But that requires experience to correctly deduce and utilize safely.

Good luck with your new camper!

Nathanbates114 wrote:
Hey everyone. Thanks for all of the amazing info. Im blown away by the responses... and even though there's some controversy, that's how life is and I like hearing both sides of every argument. My wife and I have found our perfect TT and it clocks in at 11,200 GVWR. Only thing I'm concerned a little bit about now (and I don't want to cause anymore controversy lol... but I probably will) is the TT we are interested in has a length of 38'-6". Going off of the wheel base for a 2500 3/4 ton Diesel... that's probably way over the length you should tow. With Sway Control + Weight Distribution Hitch, it should be fine? Thanks in advance everyone. I'm new to the Travel Trailer lifestyle. I want to make sure I'm being safe. Thanks again for any info/tips. I take everything into consideration.

Manufacturers do not say a thing about trailer length, only weight.

The whole length thing is made up and arbitrary by people who want to look smart in front of others. Why do I say this? Because according to conventional "wisdom" on length, a 1500 extended cab short bed truck is "too short" but a 2500 standard cab long bed is just fine. This assessment is based SOLELY on length, no other factor.

A 1500 extended cab short bed is overall longer and has a longer wheelbase than a 2500 regular cab LONG (edit) bed. The 1500 might not be suitable to tow a particular trailer based on suspension, tires, or other factors, but not length.

Make sure you keep the heavy stuff toward the front of the trailer so it has adequate tongue weight, and hit the road!

Nathanbates114 wrote:
...the TT we are interested in has a length of 38'-6". Going off of the wheel base for a 2500 3/4 ton Diesel...that's probably way over the length you should tow

Is the truck a Crew Cab or extended cab?
Is the truck a short bed (6.5') or long bed (8')?

That's a lot of trailer for anything other than a crew cab long bed.

If I were towing that length of trailer with any regularity, I'd probably seriously consider a Hensely or PropPide hitch, which are the ultimate sway prevention hitches.

Hey everyone. Thanks for all of the amazing info. Im blown away by the responses... and even though there's some controversy, that's how life is and I like hearing both sides of every argument. My wife and I have found our perfect TT and it clocks in at 11,200 GVWR. Only thing I'm concerned a little bit about now (and I don't want to cause anymore controversy lol... but I probably will) is the TT we are interested in has a length of 38'-6". Going off of the wheel base for a 2500 3/4 ton Diesel... that's probably way over the length you should tow. With Sway Control + Weight Distribution Hitch, it should be fine? Thanks in advance everyone. I'm new to the Travel Trailer lifestyle. I want to make sure I'm being safe. Thanks again for any info/tips. I take everything into consideration.

mkirsch wrote:
OP was told by his father-in-law that truck was "rated" to tow 18,000lbs.

Owners manual states what the truck is "rated" to tow. It does not differentiate between 5th wheel and travel trailer, it explicitly states the rating is the SAME for both. 12,000lbs, period, end of discussion.

That's what the truck is RATED for. You can selectively turn on and off your blinders and come up with whatever number you want, but that is the official rating from GM. Want to tow 18000 with it? Knock yourself out. I don't care. I'm just quoting the manual.

This is yet another one of those discussions where the SAME person who blasted "Facebook Guy with the broken RAM frame" for "being over the ratings" is ENCOURAGING exceeding the ratings by a similar margin.

Either the axle is rated for 10,000lbs and none of the other ratings matter, or it isn't and they do.

Speaking of being selective, OP actually said “16-18k”. But who’s counting….since 02 2500HD ARE actually rated over 16k if the curb weight is low enough.
And as much as you want to believe the owners manual and only the owners manual, GM published 5ver ratings elsewhere. End of story.
And from a totally practical standpoint, the ratings support the capability of that truck.

OP was told by his father-in-law that truck was "rated" to tow 18,000lbs.

Owners manual states what the truck is "rated" to tow. It does not differentiate between 5th wheel and travel trailer, it explicitly states the rating is the SAME for both. 12,000lbs, period, end of discussion.

That's what the truck is RATED for. You can selectively turn on and off your blinders and come up with whatever number you want, but that is the official rating from GM. Want to tow 18000 with it? Knock yourself out. I don't care. I'm just quoting the manual.

This is yet another one of those discussions where the SAME person who blasted "Facebook Guy with the broken RAM frame" for "being over the ratings" is ENCOURAGING exceeding the ratings by a similar margin.

Either the axle is rated for 10,000lbs and none of the other ratings matter, or it isn't and they do.