Here's an interesting post by Zippinbye at cumminsforum.com. The thread discussed the pros and cons of running a 2500 near or over max payload vs. purchasing a 3500:
I touched on this pretty well in my previous post. So I risk beating a dead horse. But this time I'll include a "why." Quite frankly, I'm surprised to see so many members advocating operation above rated capacities. Chances are we have all done it. Just because it drives well and feels safe doesn't mean it's right, or legal. The truck in my sig/thumbnail was overweight with the pictured camper. With my 5th wheel or boat fully loaded and everybody on board, I'm always bumping up against the 9900 lb. GVWR of my 2004 SWR 3500. It just works out that I am always barely legal. I don't feel bad about that, and it handles everything very well. But I'd like more reserve capacity.
Looking back at some past practices, I know I was an idiot for overloading various trucks I have owned. Maybe it's just age and ever-increasing caution. But seeing my pool builder loose everything really hit me hard. In the early to mid-2000's he was raking in cash hand over fist. Probably around $500K annually I'd guess. Cash for a custom home. Cash for quads, boats, toy haulers, trucks, Jeeps and sand rails. Gave his parents a paid-for house. He was working hard and living large. On the way to the dunes he blew a tire, causing a multi-vehicle crash that killed one and put another in a wheel chair, plus a number of other significant injuries. Three totaled vehicles plus his own Duramax and toy hauler and its contents. I used to know the numbers, but just picture a lifted, large-tire Silverado 2500 with a 35' triple axle fifth wheel toy box behind it, riding nose high. In his case the weakest link was the big tires. They looked good, but their rating was less than the factory tires. I think it was more than a ton over GVWR, and the rear axle limit and GCVWR were off the carts. But it actually drove nice and even seemed to have sufficient braking. When the left rear tire blew, all hell broke loose. You don't need the details. His insurance policy was rendered null and void due to "wanton disregard for vehicle weight limits and reckless operation." All of his assets were attached and liquidated by various legal challenges he lost. They did not take his pool company (worthless without him), but it was rendered useless as every dollar coming in the door was preyed upon by plaintiffs attorneys. 20+ employees out on the street. He lost everything. Including his shallow, money-loving wife. Dead at 48 due to a heart attack, we think. Few friends left, and a lot of people that hated him due to pain caused to others. It could be a Hollywood movie. On top of the world to destitute in short order.
I'd venture a bet that at least half the 30+ foot fifth wheel/travel trailers we see going down the road behind a SRW truck are out of compliance with one or more weight limits. To some extent I blame the sellers of trucks and RVs who don't educate their customers. Usually they sell only one or other, so there is no vested interest in cautionary advice. But as enthusiast truck owners on this forum, we all have access to the information necessary to put together a safe and legal tow. Still scratching my head trying to understand why some would advocate overloading a 2500, or any truck.
Okay, off my soap box. Carry on and order a nice truck that will meet your needs.
