New TV, made lemonade out of lemons...

[JoeTampa]

So the 2006 Jeep Commander that had been our tow vehicle is finally on the downward repair spiral. We had been using it for the past two years (finding out on here that it was marginal or really not good at all for our TT *after* we bought it).

We have been considering upgrading to a larger TT, but that would have absolutely required a new TV, and the combined cost seemed excessive. We struggled over this, and ultimately concluded that we didn't want to retire our current vehicles, but we are rapidly outgrowing the TT... So we started looking at Class C's.

Then the Jeep had to go into the shop because the differential bushing wore out (it's a known issue, apparently) and the diff was slapping the skid plates.. Yikes. The mechanic basically said that it's just going to get worse from here on in.

So, we took that as a sign, and found a 2006 Silverado 2500HD 4WD with a 6.6L Duramax - the LBZ model, which by all accounts (mechanics, family, and forums) is the best Duramax to buy. It has the Allison 6-speed tranny.

We snapped it up before someone else did, and in a few weeks, we will give it its first tryout as a TV.

After reading a lot about the virtues of Diesel, the Duramax, et al on the forum, I'm hopeful that we made a wise decision.

[NC_Hauler]

IdaD wrote:

GeoBoy wrote:
I agree with NC Hauler, that I won't overload a vehicle, based on the mfg. ratings. I was told no problem putting a 2016 AF 990 on my 2005 Silverado 3500 SRW rated at 9,900 lbs. GVW. Just put a set of air bags on it. I decided to sell my loved, 44k miles, Silverado and purchased a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500HD dually with a 13,025 lbs. GVW and I am glad I did that AF 990 scaled out at 4880 lbs. with water! That is just shy of GM's recommended slide-in truck camper rating of 4913 lbs.. I did add Timbrens just to firm up the ride and reduce sway.

You're comparing a less capable truck to a more capable truck.

We were comparing two identical trucks with a different sticker on the B pillar.

And I got off topic...GeoBoy is just stating he uses trucks recommended GVWR and GCWR weight ratings as I do.


I went back and stated the obvious..If an F350 SRW and an F250 have same weight ratings, it makes no difference TO "me", unless GVWR placard states the 250 has less payload than the 350... As I stated, I go by door placard no matter what, I'm stupid that way:)

[IdaD]

GeoBoy wrote:
I agree with NC Hauler, that I won't overload a vehicle, based on the mfg. ratings. I was told no problem putting a 2016 AF 990 on my 2005 Silverado 3500 SRW rated at 9,900 lbs. GVW. Just put a set of air bags on it. I decided to sell my loved, 44k miles, Silverado and purchased a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500HD dually with a 13,025 lbs. GVW and I am glad I did that AF 990 scaled out at 4880 lbs. with water! That is just shy of GM's recommended slide-in truck camper rating of 4913 lbs.. I did add Timbrens just to firm up the ride and reduce sway.

You're comparing a less capable truck to a more capable truck.

We were comparing two identical trucks with a different sticker on the B pillar.

[GeoBoy]

I agree with NC Hauler, that I won't overload a vehicle, based on the mfg. ratings. I was told no problem putting a 2016 AF 990 on my 2005 Silverado 3500 SRW rated at 9,900 lbs. GVW. Just put a set of air bags on it. I decided to sell my loved, 44k miles, Silverado and purchased a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500HD dually with a 13,025 lbs. GVW and I am glad I did that AF 990 scaled out at 4880 lbs. with water! That is just shy of GM's recommended slide-in truck camper rating of 4913 lbs.. I did add Timbrens just to firm up the ride and reduce sway.

[IdaD]

NC Hauler wrote:

IdaD wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:

mkirsch wrote:
NC Hauler,

Rather than beat around the bush, I'll ask this question direct:

Would you limit yourself to 10,000lbs with a 10,000lb GVWR F350 SRW pickup truck, even though the only difference from a standard 11,500lb GVWR F350 SRW is a number on a sticker?

I stated what I stated... I don't care what model the truck is.. I go by trucks posted GVWR and it's posted GCWR. It's the reason I own the truck that I do. Again, this is very, very unpopular on this forum..Thus the reason I'm referred to as the weight police and even ridiculed by some who want to only use, and justify RAWR's and tire weight ratings.. Believe me, I DO understand ALL the numbers...not only RAWR's, but also the manufacturer of the rear axle and THEIR weight rating, which is normally even higher, it's just the way I prefer to do it...I've been called names and even lost friends on this forum for what I post at times on this topic.. but I KNOW I will have NO questions on if I'm going to be overweight, or if I'm going to have to "mod" something on my truck to make it work.

I've told others, when they are trying at times to justify what they're towing with, about using their RAWR and tire weight ratings to let them know how to wring out every ounce of CCC they can have, though I personally don't use this formula...it's just the popular way it's presented on this and a few other forums...I tend to actually believe it's safer to go with manufacturers suggested weight limits and figure the TV will last longer...Again, understand, it's not popular, you get called names, but I stand by my convictions....Everyone will make up their own mine as I have, and feel good about their decision, as I have.

Jim

Hey everybody gets to have an opinion. But the part in bold...I don't get it. They are literally the same truck other than a sticker on the B pillar. How on earth is one safer or going to last longer than the other when they are identical?

All hail the mighty payload sticker I guess. :E

I addressed a question as to what I'd do...if both trucks are identical, and they fell within the guidelines of manufacturers recommending towing weights for what I was towing, , it wouldn't make any difference then which one I got, would it?

i messed up and further stated my philosophy, right or wrong...and yes...as stupid as I may seem to you and others...I go by posted GVWR, GCWR...

You don't seem stupid to me, we just disagree on this point.

[NC_Hauler]

IdaD wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:

mkirsch wrote:
NC Hauler,

Rather than beat around the bush, I'll ask this question direct:

Would you limit yourself to 10,000lbs with a 10,000lb GVWR F350 SRW pickup truck, even though the only difference from a standard 11,500lb GVWR F350 SRW is a number on a sticker?

I stated what I stated... I don't care what model the truck is.. I go by trucks posted GVWR and it's posted GCWR. It's the reason I own the truck that I do. Again, this is very, very unpopular on this forum..Thus the reason I'm referred to as the weight police and even ridiculed by some who want to only use, and justify RAWR's and tire weight ratings.. Believe me, I DO understand ALL the numbers...not only RAWR's, but also the manufacturer of the rear axle and THEIR weight rating, which is normally even higher, it's just the way I prefer to do it...I've been called names and even lost friends on this forum for what I post at times on this topic.. but I KNOW I will have NO questions on if I'm going to be overweight, or if I'm going to have to "mod" something on my truck to make it work.

I've told others, when they are trying at times to justify what they're towing with, about using their RAWR and tire weight ratings to let them know how to wring out every ounce of CCC they can have, though I personally don't use this formula...it's just the popular way it's presented on this and a few other forums...I tend to actually believe it's safer to go with manufacturers suggested weight limits and figure the TV will last longer...Again, understand, it's not popular, you get called names, but I stand by my convictions....Everyone will make up their own mine as I have, and feel good about their decision, as I have.

Jim

Hey everybody gets to have an opinion. But the part in bold...I don't get it. They are literally the same truck other than a sticker on the B pillar. How on earth is one safer or going to last longer than the other when they are identical?

All hail the mighty payload sticker I guess. :E

I addressed a question as to what I'd do...if both trucks are identical, and they fell within the guidelines of manufacturers recommending towing weights for what I was towing, , it wouldn't make any difference then which one I got, would it?

I messed up and further stated my philosophy, right or wrong on how I match a TV to what I'm towing...and yes...as stupid as I may seem to you and others...I go by posted GVWR, GCWR...

[NC_Hauler]

Bedlam wrote:
Although I respect NC Hauler's opinion, I do not have to agree with it. Once presented with all the information, we can each choose the option that best satisfies our comfort level.

I appreciate post. I'm comfortable with the way I interpret the specs, as you do. I also respect that you didn't resort to name calling.:)


Jim

[Bedlam]

Yup, went from brown to black to red and back to brown. I was too cheap to pay Ram extra for green - Maybe the next one...

[transamz9]

Bedlam wrote:
Although I respect NC Hauler's opinion, I do not have to agree with it. Once presented with all the information, we can each choose the option that best satisfies our comfort level.

I agree, although I might pick, joke and make fun of him for his decisions in the end it's his money to do with what he want's. I mean heck, I've said it before, the color he chose is old man brown. LOL! Oh wait ! You have a brown truck too, don't you? LOL!:)

[Bedlam]

Although I respect NC Hauler's opinion, I do not have to agree with it. Once presented with all the information, we can each choose the option that best satisfies our comfort level.

[transamz9]

NC Hauler wrote:

mkirsch wrote:
NC Hauler,

Rather than beat around the bush, I'll ask this question direct:

Would you limit yourself to 10,000lbs with a 10,000lb GVWR F350 SRW pickup truck, even though the only difference from a standard 11,500lb GVWR F350 SRW is a number on a sticker?

I stated what I stated... I don't care what model the truck is.. I go by trucks posted GVWR and it's posted GCWR. It's the reason I own the truck that I do. Again, this is very, very unpopular on this forum..Thus the reason I'm referred to as the weight police and even ridiculed by some who want to only use, and justify RAWR's and tire weight ratings.. Believe me, I DO understand ALL the numbers...not only RAWR's, but also the manufacturer of the rear axle and THEIR weight rating, which is normally even higher, it's just the way I prefer to do it...I've been called names and even lost friends on this forum for what I post at times on this topic.. but I KNOW I will have NO questions on if I'm going to be overweight, or if I'm going to have to "mod" something on my truck to make it work.

I've told others, when they are trying at times to justify what they're towing with, about using their RAWR and tire weight ratings to let them know how to wring out every ounce of CCC they can have, though I personally don't use this formula...it's just the popular way it's presented on this and a few other forums...I tend to actually believe it's safer to go with manufacturers suggested weight limits and figure the TV will last longer...Again, understand, it's not popular, you get called names, but I stand by my convictions....Everyone will make up their own mine as I have, and feel good about their decision, as I have.

Jim

I don't want to be your friend no mo.........you don't agree with me.:( HAHAHA!!

[IdaD]

NC Hauler wrote:

mkirsch wrote:
NC Hauler,

Rather than beat around the bush, I'll ask this question direct:

Would you limit yourself to 10,000lbs with a 10,000lb GVWR F350 SRW pickup truck, even though the only difference from a standard 11,500lb GVWR F350 SRW is a number on a sticker?

I stated what I stated... I don't care what model the truck is.. I go by trucks posted GVWR and it's posted GCWR. It's the reason I own the truck that I do. Again, this is very, very unpopular on this forum..Thus the reason I'm referred to as the weight police and even ridiculed by some who want to only use, and justify RAWR's and tire weight ratings.. Believe me, I DO understand ALL the numbers...not only RAWR's, but also the manufacturer of the rear axle and THEIR weight rating, which is normally even higher, it's just the way I prefer to do it...I've been called names and even lost friends on this forum for what I post at times on this topic.. but I KNOW I will have NO questions on if I'm going to be overweight, or if I'm going to have to "mod" something on my truck to make it work.

I've told others, when they are trying at times to justify what they're towing with, about using their RAWR and tire weight ratings to let them know how to wring out every ounce of CCC they can have, though I personally don't use this formula...it's just the popular way it's presented on this and a few other forums...I tend to actually believe it's safer to go with manufacturers suggested weight limits and figure the TV will last longer...Again, understand, it's not popular, you get called names, but I stand by my convictions....Everyone will make up their own mine as I have, and feel good about their decision, as I have.

Jim

Hey everybody gets to have an opinion. But the part in bold...I don't get it. They are literally the same truck other than a sticker on the B pillar. How on earth is one safer or going to last longer than the other when they are identical?

All hail the mighty payload sticker I guess. :E

[NC_Hauler]

mkirsch wrote:
NC Hauler,

Rather than beat around the bush, I'll ask this question direct:

Would you limit yourself to 10,000lbs with a 10,000lb GVWR F350 SRW pickup truck, even though the only difference from a standard 11,500lb GVWR F350 SRW is a number on a sticker?

I stated what I stated... I don't care what model the truck is.. I go by trucks posted GVWR and it's posted GCWR. It's the reason I own the truck that I do. Again, this is very, very unpopular on this forum..Thus the reason I'm referred to as the weight police and even ridiculed by some who want to only use, and justify RAWR's and tire weight ratings.. Believe me, I DO understand ALL the numbers...not only RAWR's, but also the manufacturer of the rear axle and THEIR weight rating, which is normally even higher, it's just the way I prefer to do it...I've been called names and even lost friends on this forum for what I post at times on this topic.. but I KNOW I will have NO questions on if I'm going to be overweight, or if I'm going to have to "mod" something on my truck to make it work.

I've told others, when they are trying at times to justify what they're towing with, about using their RAWR and tire weight ratings to let them know how to wring out every ounce of CCC they can have, though I personally don't use this formula...it's just the popular way it's presented on this and a few other forums...I tend to actually believe it's safer to go with manufacturers suggested weight limits and figure the TV will last longer...Again, understand, it's not popular, you get called names, but I stand by my convictions....Everyone will make up their own mine as I have, and feel good about their decision, as I have.

Jim

[mkirsch]

NC Hauler,

Rather than beat around the bush, I'll ask this question direct:

Would you limit yourself to 10,000lbs with a 10,000lb GVWR F350 SRW pickup truck, even though the only difference from a standard 11,500lb GVWR F350 SRW is a number on a sticker?

[NC_Hauler]

Bedlam wrote:
Some people have to live with 10k lb restrictions and this gives them a truck that is only papered that way yet has more actual capacity.

NC Hauler wrote:
...If one were to purchase the right TV for the job at hand,or match up what they're going to tow with what they're towing with, they wouldn't have to do "minor wheel and suspension upgrades to comfortably and safely tow a 5th wheel with 3,000# of pin weight ". Just common sense.

Being an Engineer, I'm one of those that looks at and tries to adhere to manufacturers specifications, THOUGH,I KNOW that safety factors are built in, i.e., lowering weights of tire ratings, axle ratings, etc....it's common sense...BUT, not being a design engineer for Ford, GM or Ram ,"I" personally don't assume it's safe to go by my own thoughts on these specs...I'll use a TV that I know for fact will tow what I want to tow, and figure I don't have to make any adjustments to my suspension, won't abuse my truck,and is safe..I won't need to ask anyone if they think my truck will tow this, I know it will, per the manufacturers recommended weights...I know it's not a popular thought on this and other forums, but it's the way I do it:)