Quote:
Originally Posted by billstuart
SQLShaw,
Below is my recent reply to another member asking the same question:
The F-350 (or other 1 ton) would probably be the ideal for towing the 3555RL That said, I'm really pleased with the way my F-250 handles it. If I'm reading the owner's manual right, it's rated to tow 23K #'s. It's got plenty of power - I went over Washington's Snoqualmie Pass this past weekend @ 60mph and it had more to give. I had Timberen (sp?) overloads added to the rear - they replace the factory bump stops on the rear axle and help carry the extra load. I would recommend installing them or air bags if you go w/the F-250. The mileage kind of sucks, though. On this last trip I averaged between 8 & 8.5 because of all the mountain driving. When we're not mountain climbing it gets about 9.5. I have friends with GM trucks w/the DuraMax that say they get 12-14, although they are towing smaller 5ers. Guys I've talked to who have newer Fords w/the 6.7L diesel have told me they get 11-12 towing rigs similar to ours, so if you have or are planning to buy one of those, you may do better than I do. I hope you found some of this useful, let me know if you have any more questions.
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Bill,[/QUOTE]
So a I see it the big question is if you are exceeding your GRAR, this should ever be exceeded!
I do exceed the GVWR of my 2001 2500 by almost 1,000#s, but I am still well below my GAWR. I don't recommend for others, but I feel safe.
Transmission: NV4500 5 speed manual
Axle Ratio: 3.55
GVWR: 8,800 - 7,000 = 1,800 With driver (Payload)
Payload: Searched could not find a "stated Payload" 1,800 actual caculated.
Base Weight: (This actual scaled weight, with driver 200#)
Total:7,000
(Front:4,250)
(Rear: 2,750)
GAWR
(Front: 5,200)
(Rear: 6,080): 6,080 - 2,750 = 3,330 (Max load on rear axle before axle Over Load)
5,200+ 6,080 = 11,280 8,800/11,280 = 78.0% of total max axle load.
Total max axle divided by stated GVWR = percentage of axle max.
This is where it get interesting, according to the owners manual!
2500 Quad cab 4X4 GCWR = 16,000#
2500 Reg Cab 4X4 GCWR = 20,000# ??? The added weight of the Quad Cab should come off Max trailer not GCWR.
Edit: Using my iPhone so I didn't get it all copied this addition should help clear up my post!
So when I scaled on the 1st two nigher, with 3 adults, 2 small dogs, and too much food in the refer, and about 95% of our "stuff" these are my scale weights.
Front axle 4,650#: (4,650/5,200 = 89% of max axle rating)(4,650/6,830 = 68% of max tire rating)
(Darn heavy Cummins!)
Rear axle 5,050#: (5,050/6,080 = 83 % of max axle rating)(5,050/6,830 = 74% of max tire rating)
Total Truck 9,700#
Trailer axles 8,400 #
GCVW 18,100#
So am I over loaded by the book?
Yes
Are my axles overloaded?
NO
Are my tires over loaded?
NO
If I used the 92.3% of max axle weight the GVW could be 10,400#, and I still would not be exceeding the max load on the tires.
I tow this rig between 55 and 60 based on the speed limit, on the flat if not paying attention to speed and going with the flow a bit, it will easily creep up to 70 (too easily!), I can pull most grades in the Oregon Coast range at 60 mph which is 5 over the limit (I don't like holding up traffic, and it is a sweet spot for RPM). I can also accelerate to the speed limit going up those grades. I will continue to go with this combination, as it feels solid and stable. When we picked it up our tow home was 250 miles, in less than favorable weather, and I had no issues.
Linear Mode
