Forum Discussion

garyp4951's avatar
garyp4951
Explorer III
Mar 19, 2014

Advice on these scale weights

I've been kicking tires on a new used truck, and know I am at the max for a 2500. Current truck is 03, Dodge 2500 ccsb Cummins 345hp 4x4, 8800gvrw. I know a dually would be best, but just asking opinions. I'm looking at Dodge, and Chevy 2 to 3 years old. Being just retired, I want to get it right, and hit the road. BTW my truck does pretty good, even with almost 200k miles.

5th wheel is a 2013 Silverback 29RE 10,400 Dry

Empty: Steer 4240, Drive 2980 = 7220
Loaded: Steer 4100, Drive 5520, Trl 9060 = 18,680
Looks like pin wt. is 2540 + 9060 = 11,600 Trl. wt.

This was with the water tank empty.

14 Replies

  • I don't know what your axle weight ratings are, but your loaded axle weights are about 500 lbs under both my FAWR and RAWR. My truck is an 08 Dodge 2500 with 6.7 CTD. If this weight was ready to camp, I would say you are OK if your axle weight ratings are about the same as mine. Look at the label inside the drivers door jamb. My label shows FAWR of 4,750 and RAWR of 6,010. Good luck.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Leeblev wrote:
    If you are looking at a 5er with that much weight dry, you need a dually. Please do yourself a favor and look at the pin weight on the fiver; the GVWR of the fiver and the GCVWR (Gross COMBINED vehicle weight rating) of the truck. While I realize that the pin weight will be below the weight rating of the truck, you also have to take into account the total weight of both vehicles (GCVW) I would also encourage you not to consider the dry weight because you can't always tell what the MFGR included in that weight. It does not include propane, water, anything you put in the fiver and may not include the weight(s) of any slides or any other equipment such as generators, etc. In reality, you need to keep the weight of the two vehicles under 80% of the GCVWR of the truck.
    Now, I know a number of people will post saying things like: I pull more weight than that without ever having had a problem. I dont believe them. Stay within your proper weights and you will be much happier and with less stress.
    Look inside one of the cabinets in your kitchen to find the correct weights.


    You for SURE you DON'T need a Dually to tow/carry a 5er that "Heavy"! Some newer 2500's have enough payload to carry it, but a 3500 SRW will do just fine.
    I tow just a little lighter 5er than that with my 2500, and have no suspension enhancements other than Bilstien5100 shocks. My truck settles about 1.5" which brings it just a little better tan level.
  • If you are looking at a 5er with that much weight dry, you need a dually. Please do yourself a favor and look at the pin weight on the fiver; the GVWR of the fiver and the GCVWR (Gross COMBINED vehicle weight rating) of the truck. While I realize that the pin weight will be below the weight rating of the truck, you also have to take into account the total weight of both vehicles (GCVW) I would also encourage you not to consider the dry weight because you can't always tell what the MFGR included in that weight. It does not include propane, water, anything you put in the fiver and may not include the weight(s) of any slides or any other equipment such as generators, etc. In reality, you need to keep the weight of the two vehicles under 80% of the GCVWR of the truck.
    Now, I know a number of people will post saying things like: I pull more weight than that without ever having had a problem. I dont believe them. Stay within your proper weights and you will be much happier and with less stress.
    Look inside one of the cabinets in your kitchen to find the correct weights.