A weighty dilemma

[BIG KAHUNA]

So a friend has a dilemma. He just bought a brand new 2017 GMC 2500HD Diesel short bed Denali with a 3.43 rear end, and according to what he reads has a 5th wheel towing capability of 13,500 lbs. How much are those figures to be relied on? GMC says one thing and the RV dealers say another. Any insight you all can provide will be much appreciated.

[Javi]

Truth is... she need to start looking at 1/2 ton towable... Depending on what she adds to the truck like hitch, topper, even spray -in bed liner will decrease carrying capacity... It ain't about what it can pull... it's about what it can carry...

[sourdough]

As Javi pointed, out it's about what it can carry. The "towing capacity" is really meaningless. To begin, have him look at the sticker inside the driver's door and see what the gvw, gcwr and payload numbers are. Then look at any prospective trailers sticker and see what it's gvw is. Multiply that x .25 for your potential pin weight. Subract that from the payload and you have a starting point to see where you are to then subtract people, hitch, gear, fuel toys etc. from what's left of the payload.

Bottom line is that a diesel 3/4 ton truck doesn't have a large payload and is probably going to have to look at the xlite 1/2 ton trailers (5th wheels) for something that will fit within its limitations.

[Drydays]

Truth is... she need to start looking at 1/2 ton towable... Depending on what she adds to the truck like hitch, topper, even spray -in bed liner will decrease carrying capacity... It ain't about what it can pull... it's about what it can carry...

This is a thing that I have always said,, and the rv "sales" jerks will keep telling these poor folks the stories..
Good quote Javi.
I pull a 4800 hitch pull with a Chev 2500 HD and some times wonder going down the road seeing the "salesmens" stories wobbling down the highway dragging their tail.:banghead::hide:
Cheers and safe trails to all.
Chuck

[K_N_L]

The biggest limiting factor on that truck is the max payload is about 2500. I had a 2015 Denali and it was awesome match with my 8K bumper tow toy hauler. But those gorgeous chrome 20inch wheels and tires are not up to a 3K pin weight of most Keystone TH. I towed my current 5ver with it twice before we moved over to a DRW 3500.

[Gegrad]

So a friend has a dilemma. He just bought a brand new 2017 GMC 2500HD Diesel short bed Denali with a 3.43 rear end, and according to what he reads has a 5th wheel towing capability of 13,500 lbs. How much are those figures to be relied on? GMC says one thing and the RV dealers say another. Any insight you all can provide will be much appreciated.

You sure on that rear end? I am not aware of any 2500HD coming with a 3.43 rear end, let alone one with a diesel.

[kfxgreenie]

Any newer Ram SRW with the Cummins has a 3.42 and that is your only option.

[Johnny's Journey]

You sure on that rear end? I am not aware of any 2500HD coming with a 3.43 rear end, let alone one with a diesel.Replace the 4 with a 7 and the .03 would make sense. There is a 3:42 but as you are questioning, not for this application. Hopefully OP will clarify.

[Gegrad]

Replace the 4 with a 7 and the .03 would make sense. There is a 3:42 but as you are questioning, not for this application. Hopefully OP will clarify.

Yes, a 3.73 makes sense. I have the 3.42 in my my half ton, where most half tons are coming with 3.08s nowadays, unless specifically set up with the tow package. That is what i am sure the OP was intending. I am 99% certain 3.73 and 4.10 are the only two rear end options for GM 2500/3500 trucks.

[BIG KAHUNA]

The rear end is a 3.73, Sorry for the inaccuracy!

[Javi]

Rear end gears make absolutely no difference in that truck's GVWR... it'll be 9600 or 10,000 regardless of the gearing... The only thing gearing would affect for this discussion would be GCWR and we already know that isn't the limiting factor... GVWR is....