What is the weak link?
My current truck has a tow rating of 10,000 pounds. I ordered it equipped with all the towing gizmos. In considering buying a bigger TT, the limiting factor seems to be the carrying capacity, which ...
Forum Discussion
rhagfo wrote:PUCampin wrote:
For 1/2 ton that GRAWR number is almost always limited by the springs. But first, add the 2 rear tire load capacities. Is it higher than the GRAWR? For a 1/2 ton it ill usually be higher, but if not, this is the first step.
Don't worry about the axle itself. If you look at the stand alone axle capacity, it is almost certainly higher than the GRAWR.
This leaves the springs, which are purposly made soft in a 1/2 ton to appeal to the majority of 1/2 ton buyers. Adding some overloads or air bags will add some payload capacity allowing the truck to sit more level with a load and be safer.
However, REMEMBER the brakes were designed to stop the GVWR of the truck. They are not going to catch fire and melt by exceeding GVWR by a few hundred pounds, but the stopping distance will be increase the more weight you add.
Nothing like adding a ton of weight to the Semi-Floating rear axle found on almost all 1500/150 trucks.
Lets not forget that is a 5.3 liter engine, and transmission.
Time for a bigger truck, spending money to make a 1/2 stronger is a wast of money to me. Instead invest in a 250/2500 or 350/3500, and be done with it!
First, even semi-floating axles are rated far above the typical 4000lb GRAWR rating for 1/2 tons. They are NOT going to be the first thing to break. Nor is the proven 5.3 and 6spd automatic, not the weakest link by far. It may not get them there as fast as your diesel, but it will get them there and it won't blow up in the process.
Second, NO ONE is proposing adding a TON (2000lbs) of weight. If you re-read the OP, the poster is asking about increasing cargo capacity by a few HUNDRED pounds, and what aspect they need to address. They are not asking to put a hard sided TC on their truck. Heck, the truck would probably handle a few hundred pounds over without any modifications, but a couple simple changes will make it more comfortable and safer.
Selling current truck for something bigger so they can carry a few hundred pounds more is hardly necessary or cost effective.
