How heavy is TOO heavy? GVWR on a 2500
Alright guys I'd like your input on something I can't stop arguing both ways. Current rig is a lower mileage 2005 2500HD Duramax cew cab, motor has been gone through and added ARP studs, all new belts/hoses/seals etc, 4" downpipe, 4" exhaust, EGR delete, intake, Edge tuner, deep trans pan, delvac fluid, airbags, new shocks, bigger tires, plenty strong wheels, curt Q20 sliding hitch etc
More or less the truck is as capable and ready to tow as it's ever going to be, and does so quite well.
The issue I have is, like all other 2500's, pin weight and GVWR (also GCWR).
New trailer this year is slightly larger than last years, its a 2015 Heartland Gateway 3200RS, just shy of 38 feet long, 11,000lbs empty with a gross weight of 14,000lbs. Manufacturer spec says 2,270lbs dry pin weight.
As I assume most of you know the 2005 2500HD has a GVWR of 9200lbs, GAWR front of 4670lbs and GAWR rear of 6084lbs.
With me, my dog, a full tank of fuel, toolbox and 5th wheel hitch installed the truck weighed 7600lbs on the button, leaving me 1,600lbs of gross weight to add. It doesn't take a genius to figure out the trailer puts me over.
Today I filled the trailer with water, but really nothing else and threw the ~80lb generator in the bed of the truck and took it to the scales to get a better idea of where I really stood. Keep in mind the thing drives fine, doesn't feel sketchy at all, but of course knows **** well the trailer is there. Airbags were at 70lbs each.
Front Axle: 4340lbs
Rear Axle: 5980lbs
Trailer Axel: 10,000lbs
Gross Weight 20,320lbs
So, I'm at 10,320lbs gross on the truck, again just me and my dog and this time 3/4's tank of fuel. Realistically we'd be adding the lady, another dog, firewood, and loading the trailer with all the food and camping supplies you'd expect. I'll also be planning to tandem tow my pair of jet ski's, that trailer is just shy of 2,700lbs with a ~400ish pound tongue weight that puts me at 69'4" (legal Nevada limit is 70').
So, clearly I'm already over by 1,120lbs on the truck, with I think will EASILY become 1,400lbs overall. I'll then be over GAWR as well, and when the jet ski's are hitched up I'll be in the neighborhood of 2,000lbs over GCWR on the truck.
Obviously not 'technically' legal, which is a consideration of mine for any unforeseen accident situations, but I know people tow similar configurations all the time. My question is at what point do you consider 'over weight' to be 'too much over weight'. Is it 100lbs, 500lbs, 1,000lbs, 1,500lbs etc? Airbags make a huge difference, but they aren't changing the rest of the truck and while my tires and wheels are rated for the weight, that doesn't mean my axles, brakes, frame etc enjoy it.
To stay within gross weights in all accounts I need to be in a 2013+ Ram 3500 with an Aisin, or GM/Ford 3500/350. I'm not QUITE to where I need a DRW setup, and being that I daily drive it I'd prefer not to go that route but I do like the Ram 3500 Megacab DRW.
I'd just like everyone's opinion!
More or less the truck is as capable and ready to tow as it's ever going to be, and does so quite well.
The issue I have is, like all other 2500's, pin weight and GVWR (also GCWR).
New trailer this year is slightly larger than last years, its a 2015 Heartland Gateway 3200RS, just shy of 38 feet long, 11,000lbs empty with a gross weight of 14,000lbs. Manufacturer spec says 2,270lbs dry pin weight.
As I assume most of you know the 2005 2500HD has a GVWR of 9200lbs, GAWR front of 4670lbs and GAWR rear of 6084lbs.
With me, my dog, a full tank of fuel, toolbox and 5th wheel hitch installed the truck weighed 7600lbs on the button, leaving me 1,600lbs of gross weight to add. It doesn't take a genius to figure out the trailer puts me over.
Today I filled the trailer with water, but really nothing else and threw the ~80lb generator in the bed of the truck and took it to the scales to get a better idea of where I really stood. Keep in mind the thing drives fine, doesn't feel sketchy at all, but of course knows **** well the trailer is there. Airbags were at 70lbs each.
Front Axle: 4340lbs
Rear Axle: 5980lbs
Trailer Axel: 10,000lbs
Gross Weight 20,320lbs
So, I'm at 10,320lbs gross on the truck, again just me and my dog and this time 3/4's tank of fuel. Realistically we'd be adding the lady, another dog, firewood, and loading the trailer with all the food and camping supplies you'd expect. I'll also be planning to tandem tow my pair of jet ski's, that trailer is just shy of 2,700lbs with a ~400ish pound tongue weight that puts me at 69'4" (legal Nevada limit is 70').
So, clearly I'm already over by 1,120lbs on the truck, with I think will EASILY become 1,400lbs overall. I'll then be over GAWR as well, and when the jet ski's are hitched up I'll be in the neighborhood of 2,000lbs over GCWR on the truck.
Obviously not 'technically' legal, which is a consideration of mine for any unforeseen accident situations, but I know people tow similar configurations all the time. My question is at what point do you consider 'over weight' to be 'too much over weight'. Is it 100lbs, 500lbs, 1,000lbs, 1,500lbs etc? Airbags make a huge difference, but they aren't changing the rest of the truck and while my tires and wheels are rated for the weight, that doesn't mean my axles, brakes, frame etc enjoy it.
To stay within gross weights in all accounts I need to be in a 2013+ Ram 3500 with an Aisin, or GM/Ford 3500/350. I'm not QUITE to where I need a DRW setup, and being that I daily drive it I'd prefer not to go that route but I do like the Ram 3500 Megacab DRW.
I'd just like everyone's opinion!
