TT Accident - SWAY

transferred wrote:

Fast Mopar wrote:

It sounds like you are implying that since a diesel truck is heavier than the same model gas truck, that the diesel would be able to handle the load better due to the extra weight. Actually, according to the manufacturers, this is not true. A 4WD truck is a little heavier than the same truck with 2WD, and the 2WD version has a slightly higher tow rating. Likewise, a regular cab truck is lighter than the same truck in a crew cab, and the regular cab version has a slightly higher tow rating. Look up the tow ratings for any of the Big 3 and that is what you will find. Certainly a diesel truck will be rated to tow more than an equivalent gas truck, but it has nothing to do with the fact that the diesel engine weighs more than the gas engine.

You misunderstand me, I know the diesels are not rated for more weight I simply mean that at some point the tail is unable to wag the dog. For instance, if it was a class 6 towing the smallish TT it would still have swayed but the TV would not have been flipped around facing oncoming traffic. I doubt an extra 1k on the tow vehicle would've stopped the F250 being flung around but weight of the tow vehicle IS a factor with heavier being better.

Your citing of the truck manufacturers ratings is due to combined weight factors (why a 2wd is rated for more etc) involving lots of things but simple physics was behind my statement, nothing more. Of course, driving to fast and not properly using/setting up the trailer brakes are the primary causes of this incident.

Vehicle weight does make a difference in what you are towing, but the distribution of the weight is more telling. If you compare a gasoline and diesel pickup, most of the weight difference is up front and will not change how it handles towing. Add a truck camper or pallet of bricks to either truck bed and it will tow better (until the suspension gets overloaded).

My Ram 5500 is 3000 lbs heavier than my previous Ford F250. When I tow my 8000 lb enclosed trailer, the extra weight in back of the Ram (due to the extra set of wheels, steel deck and 52 gallon fuel tank) allows less interaction with the trailer tongue weight. Once I load the 4000 lb truck camper on either truck and hitch up the trailer there is even less effect on the tow vehicle caused by the trailer.