Need Guidance PLEASE!
I currently own a 2016 Silverado HD Duramax... The Tow Rating, GVWR is so conflicted in all of the literature even so that the dealer couldn't give me the exact specs. I just purchased a 5th wheel wit...
Forum Discussion
No problem David I have been there and done that...much worst.
My first trailer (7700 empty/9900 GVWR) I bought I ignored the sales person advice to get a HD and had my Explorer Ltd (V8) outfitted with the Equalizer hitch and trailer brake controller because it towed my 8k boat (exceeded rating too) all over the place. We walked into the shop the salesperson and I and watched the hitch installer finishing up things and looked up and said "He's towing the trailer with this!?!?!?!?". The salesperson told him I was just taking it 40 min home so he finished and hitched it up. The nose was up high on the Explorer and the rear was sagging like a bad dog (exceeded GVWR/GCVWR and payload). I drove it home approx. 40 miles both highway and city streets during Midwest weather. Even had to use 4wd to back it into my driveway. Immediately started looking for something HD and bought a Excursion Ltd. Took it on our first trip across the country to Key West through mountains and the worst winter storms I have ever experienced. You never know when and how your towing combination will be tested and having the most precious cargo on board raises the stakes.
I knew so little that each RV stop I got online here and asked questions here just like you. This is the best stop for the most experienced guys about towing/tow vehicle hands down. You just have to be prepared when you enter the ring because there are little to no filters here coupled with brand loyalty and some passion when talking about trucks lol. It's all good though because in the end we are all debating on safety which is primary with regards to travelling.
I have towed with 1/2 ton SUV and trucks, 3/4, 1 tons both single and DRW. In my mind there is nothing better than a 1 ton dually for heavy loads unless you are talking F450/550 or MDT's. Having said that I used my buddies F350 SRW plenty but my most stable/enjoyable experiences came behind a 1 ton dually long bed.
Having said that I had a stint with a local busy RV transporter and requested a F350 dually and they handed me keys to a new F250 long bed saying "Kid this will pull anything on our lot, we are out of duallies". Well I made it work but I was in a lighter XLT, travelled light because they were day trips and the trailers were empty (new from factory) so its not a fair apple to apple comparison. I think I calculated my payload to 3200 but don't recall now. I did tow everything on their lot (19-40") but refused the triple axle toy haulers because they not only exceeded the ratings they drank up my profits because of their weight because I paid the fuel bill. The F250 did what I asked of it in all conditions but the rear did sag with the bigger ones that is probably why many use air bags. As one pointed out same brakes, engine and trans as the 1 ton (Ford at least) just the tires/springs aren't really rated for that load (not incl camper package/plow prep springs). Never had a blow out ever but I will admit I worried how the single rear wheel handles with a blow out with that tongue weight on the rear with one tire on one side and rim on the other (vs DRW) but some may argue how does any truck handle with a blow out in the front?
I would further suggest you find out what your numbers are. Are you sure your payload is 2400? What is your trailer weight or more importantly the trailer pin weight?
I eventually went over CAT scale which many recommend and was pleasantly surprised. I guesstimated 8k each for truck and trailer but combo weighed 17,300 loaded with family (minus me). At least 1500 over what I thought mostly in trailer believe me weigh adds up quick.
My first trailer (7700 empty/9900 GVWR) I bought I ignored the sales person advice to get a HD and had my Explorer Ltd (V8) outfitted with the Equalizer hitch and trailer brake controller because it towed my 8k boat (exceeded rating too) all over the place. We walked into the shop the salesperson and I and watched the hitch installer finishing up things and looked up and said "He's towing the trailer with this!?!?!?!?". The salesperson told him I was just taking it 40 min home so he finished and hitched it up. The nose was up high on the Explorer and the rear was sagging like a bad dog (exceeded GVWR/GCVWR and payload). I drove it home approx. 40 miles both highway and city streets during Midwest weather. Even had to use 4wd to back it into my driveway. Immediately started looking for something HD and bought a Excursion Ltd. Took it on our first trip across the country to Key West through mountains and the worst winter storms I have ever experienced. You never know when and how your towing combination will be tested and having the most precious cargo on board raises the stakes.
I knew so little that each RV stop I got online here and asked questions here just like you. This is the best stop for the most experienced guys about towing/tow vehicle hands down. You just have to be prepared when you enter the ring because there are little to no filters here coupled with brand loyalty and some passion when talking about trucks lol. It's all good though because in the end we are all debating on safety which is primary with regards to travelling.
I have towed with 1/2 ton SUV and trucks, 3/4, 1 tons both single and DRW. In my mind there is nothing better than a 1 ton dually for heavy loads unless you are talking F450/550 or MDT's. Having said that I used my buddies F350 SRW plenty but my most stable/enjoyable experiences came behind a 1 ton dually long bed.
Having said that I had a stint with a local busy RV transporter and requested a F350 dually and they handed me keys to a new F250 long bed saying "Kid this will pull anything on our lot, we are out of duallies". Well I made it work but I was in a lighter XLT, travelled light because they were day trips and the trailers were empty (new from factory) so its not a fair apple to apple comparison. I think I calculated my payload to 3200 but don't recall now. I did tow everything on their lot (19-40") but refused the triple axle toy haulers because they not only exceeded the ratings they drank up my profits because of their weight because I paid the fuel bill. The F250 did what I asked of it in all conditions but the rear did sag with the bigger ones that is probably why many use air bags. As one pointed out same brakes, engine and trans as the 1 ton (Ford at least) just the tires/springs aren't really rated for that load (not incl camper package/plow prep springs). Never had a blow out ever but I will admit I worried how the single rear wheel handles with a blow out with that tongue weight on the rear with one tire on one side and rim on the other (vs DRW) but some may argue how does any truck handle with a blow out in the front?
I would further suggest you find out what your numbers are. Are you sure your payload is 2400? What is your trailer weight or more importantly the trailer pin weight?
I eventually went over CAT scale which many recommend and was pleasantly surprised. I guesstimated 8k each for truck and trailer but combo weighed 17,300 loaded with family (minus me). At least 1500 over what I thought mostly in trailer believe me weigh adds up quick.
