1/2 ton or 3/4 ton vehicle?

[12lightsacrosst]

Hi friends,
We have a 2009 GMC Sierra ext cab, Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel. We can see that the previous owner had a fifth wheel in the bed. Is our truck considered a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton? Thanks

[RollandB]

For a Arctic Fox 5er in the 30' range, check out their 27-5L. A very good and functional floor plan that feels larger than 30' when you are inside.

[rhagfo]

Well if concerned about that 9,200# GVWR, find a small 5er. I tow a 12,360# GVWR 5er at just over 11,000#, an a ways over that 9,200# GVWR of yours. I still have over 500# on the stock axle rating of 6,084, and from the factory have the optional 265/75-16E rated tires.
Not a recommendation, just a warning of how fast you will go past the 9,200# GVWR.

[laknox]

romore wrote:
The big issue with 5th wheels is pin weight, you don't want to exceed the GVWR on the rear axle. With a 2500 this would limit the max weight at around 10,000 allowing for a pin weight of 20% or 2,000 lb. A tt can be heavier without exceeding the tow limit of the truck because the tongue weight is less.

Don't forget the tire's capacity. The OEM 245/75R-16 tires on my '02 D'max are 3,042 lbs capacity, which is slightly =under= the RAWR. By going to a 265 tire, that puts me several hundred lbs =over= the RAWR. I have a lot more concern about my tires than I do about the rear axle. Yes, they are taller, and put me 4% under indicated speed and odo, so I do have to take that into account. I wouldn't be worried about staying at 80% of "spec" capacity. I'd load right to the limit, if not slightly over, and not worry about it. Hardware-wise, the 2500 and 3500 share a =lot= of the same suspension components.

Lyle

[12lightsacrosst]

Correction! 6084 lbs. oops.

[12lightsacrosst]

Thank you for the wise advice. The GAWR RR shows as 4680 lbs. I think we might be able to seriously consider an Arctic Fox that is no more than 30'.

[romore]

The big issue with 5th wheels is pin weight, you don't want to exceed the GVWR on the rear axle. With a 2500 this would limit the max weight at around 10,000 allowing for a pin weight of 20% or 2,000 lb. A tt can be heavier without exceeding the tow limit of the truck because the tongue weight is less.

[12lightsacrosst]

We are looking for more living space in our next 5th wheel but want to stay within 80% of GCVR. This will help us avoid getting excited about a unit that could be over 80% of our trucks limit ( calculated at 22000lbs for TV and 5th wheel trailer + hitch ++ fluids, people and all supplies).

[12lightsacrosst]

9200lbs

[12lightsacrosst]

Thanks a lot. (for clarification it is a 2500HD.)

[Me_Again]

It is a 3/4 or 1t. What is the GVWR on the door jam. Chris

[old_guy]

I might be wrong but I don't think they put diesels in 1/2 ton trucks