Weights and capacities - Sierra 2500HD D/A

Second Chance wrote:
snip...

2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD Crew Cab SLT, Duramax/Allison
Rating Spec Scales* Reserve Capacity
GCWR 24,500 7,520 16,980
GVWR 10,000 7,520 2,480

request your listed 'curb' weight

GAWR FRT 5,200 4,440 760
GAWR RR 6,200 3,080 3,120
Tires 6,390 3,080 3,310

Max 5th wheel 17,400
Max pin 3,000

* Includes:
Fuel 255
Driver 208
Undercover tonneau 90


The question is this: how close to the remaining 16,980 GCWR and 2,480 on the GVWR (although there are 3,120 lbs. remaining for the rear axle) would you go? I grew up in an earlier day and time with a father and grandfather that would advocate not pushing the limits on equipment. I also used to fly a lot (in the '70s before there were computers and apps to do things for you) and with that mode of transportation, if you didn't calculate your weights and density altitude numbers, it could cost you your life - not just break something on the truck or void the warranty. How about you? Would you stay a certain percent under the calculations or would you consider fivers that would take you right up to the numbers? Am I looking at the right numbers or would you see it a different way? I value your input.

Rob

Hi Rob,

First..."the Weight Police"...etc. There is no policing on these
freebie forums...it's just a derogatory to dismiss opinion/advice that
does not agree with them...and/or not what they want to hear...IMHO

I'm conservative on anything to do with 'ratings'. As was a designer
in first career and lived under regulatory certification mandates. Also
our insurance checked us often (sued in four different wrongful deaths
attributed to my industrial controls...never went to trial after my
insurance lawyers showed them my documentation, certification test
results, etc, etc) Still cost my companies...or our insurance an arm
and leg...but they loved my documentation (notes, specifications vs
contract spec, etc)

Since you flew and maybe still do...you understand the potential
ramifications of decisions on the ratings. Here, I recommend they
decide if they believe in them or not. If not, then do whatever with
the proviso that they now own the liability (where some advise to
not tell the truth if they have a warranty claim). Or yes, then learn
HOW2 with the actual weighing of their setup as a required thing

Assume you also understand and experienced CG and how that changes
with how you load up. Reference and association to towing with the
CG of both the TV and TT. Polar moments are foreign to so many
discussions here (in reference to handling in emergency situations)

Down here on the ground, the potential is not nearly as great, but it
is still there. Too many think stuff only happens to the other guy
and/or Mr Murphy will not cross their paths

So much 'depends' and another point is that so many folks think in
absolute terms. Meaning if one did it without problems...then all will
not have problems. Ditto the other way...one has problems...they all
will have problems

'Depends' also has how many times per year, how long, terrain and the
biggies: how you drive and what your maintenance (schedule, materials
and 'who' does it)

You are going to full time, so it matter (at least for me) how much
margin you have. Longevity and safety is big factor for me and think
you too (that falling out of the sky awareness that folks seemingly
are clueless on)

Many trade them in after a few years to refresh their consumption of
OEM dialed in margins.

My opinion...your numbers are comfortable if my setup.

PS...would you post a picture of your door labels. All of them and
especially the tire loading label. Many say and I'm hoping they are
correct, that it lists the 'ACTUAL' weight of their vehicle with all
of the options/etc. Not just the curb. Since you have done the right
thing in weighing your setup, axle by axle. Telling for me and hope
to learn that the OEMs are actually listing the weights as it left
their factory floor

Thanks!