Improve my suspension

[schlep1967]

NC Hauler wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

schlep1967 wrote:
Is 15K the max weight on the trailer or the empty weight?
My 5th wheel weighs in at 10,560 dry with a max of 14,000+. I have firestone airbags added to my Dodge 2500 and run about 22 lbs in them. If you are starting at 15K you need more truck.

X2
Pretty much the nail on the head! HD2500 is a 3500 with a tax break. That being the 10,000# GVWR limit. The differences between 2500/250's and SRW 3500/350's is the Class 2 GVWR of 10,000# and possibly softer springs.
It is the owners choice to exceed the GVWR, no suggestion to do so.
Yes, will be over GVWR, the numbers to watch then are the TIRE max capacity rating.

2008 Chevy/GM 2500 has a GVWR of 9200#, not 10,000...As stated, the spring pack on the 3500 SRW truck is different than one on 2500.

He has exceeded his GCWR by 500#,

If 5er is at 15K, odds are, his pin weight is closer to 2800-3000#.

I prefer not to go over RAWR...putting TIRES on that will cover payload, BUT NOT the axle weight rating, doesn't make since and just made the axle the "weak link"...

OP stated he had weights, but was "guessing" on the pin weight...That weigh is very important to the whole scheme of towing a 5er...and dry or empty weights are a joke...no one goes camping with an empty or dry weight camper.

I agree unless used as I did. Starting with a trailer with a dry weight of 10,560 you are going to end up a whole lot lighter than starting with one with a dry weight of 15,000. And that difference in this case would without a doubt require more truck than a 2500 series.