2500HD to 3500HD conversion

[desuhu]

Before we bought our 2003 Duramax, we looked at the tow capacity and the 2500 actually had a larger one than the 3500 because the 3500 is heavier. You probably have better axles like they said. Our 03 had a GCW of 21,500#. Qhwn we bought our 37' Cedat Creek 5th wheel, we weighed the entire rig, loaded, with us, 3 grandkids and a dog, and it weighed 20, 500!

[John crawford]

Not knowing what you're towing I would stay with the specs. If you want to limit the squatting I would use a weight distribution and sway bar system. I watched a you tube video and air bags didn't distribute the weight properly. It took weight off the front tires.

[findthehumorinthings]

Originally Posted by desuhu

Before we bought our 2003 Duramax, we looked at the tow capacity and the 2500 actually had a larger one than the 3500 because the 3500 is heavier. You probably have better axles like they said. Our 03 had a GCW of 21,500#. Qhwn we bought our 37' Cedat Creek 5th wheel, we weighed the entire rig, loaded, with us, 3 grandkids and a dog, and it weighed 20, 500!

I’d bet a whole lotta Rosie the rear axle on your truck with that load is over the max.

[AudiDudi]

Originally Posted by Mtelkman

I converted my F250 to F350 specs. I don't pull more combined weight than the truck was rated for as a F250, but it does keep the rear more level when hitched then when I didn't have the extra spring. The F350 of the same year has a 9900 pound payload rating where the F250 only has 8800. That extra 1100 pound payload difference is noticeable unloaded by a bit more stiffness from the rear spring. I don't really notice any other difference.

I have a 2000 F350 and as I recall, the big difference in the 250 and 350 was an rear extra leaf spring that worked out to about a $500 option.

[findthehumorinthings]

Originally Posted by Mtelkman

I converted my F250 to F350 specs. I don't pull more combined weight than the truck was rated for as a F250, but it does keep the rear more level when hitched then when I didn't have the extra spring. The F350 of the same year has a 9900 pound payload rating where the F250 only has 8800. That extra 1100 pound payload difference is noticeable unloaded by a bit more stiffness from the rear spring. I don't really notice any other difference.

Dude, if you found a F-350 with a factory payload rating of 9900lbs (5 tons) then either Ford mislabeled it or you found a unicorn.

[B and B]

Check this out.

https://www.canamrv.ca/blog/category/hitch-hints/


Lots of Cars towing way over limits and the Dealer rights all about it.

[Jhenson2211]

In the real world... additional capabilities of the truck after mods, YES. Legally, NO. All legal weight limits go by the manufacturer’s OEM sticker on the door jamb no matter what you’ve done to the truck.

[Steveboe]

I would like to know what option you choose to use.
To me the Air Bags would be best since they are adjustable and can be hooked up to air each one separately so that air wont pass from one to the other when rounding a long curve or on a side hill.
The rubber bumper type is much simpler but will it leave a good ride when empty?
2006 Duramax with pads between leaf springs and overload springs. These pads reduced the rear end sag by, half, when loaded.
When I hook up the Sandstorm I weigh 19,500. Being raised on a farm we always pulled well over rated capacity on a daily basis.

[LittleBill]

Originally Posted by Steveboe

I would like to know what option you choose to use.
To me the Air Bags would be best since they are adjustable and can be hooked up to air each one separately so that air wont pass from one to the other when rounding a long curve or on a side hill.
The rubber bumper type is much simpler but will it leave a good ride when empty?
2006 Duramax with pads between leaf springs and overload springs. These pads reduced the rear end sag by, half, when loaded.
When I hook up the Sandstorm I weigh 19,500. Being raised on a farm we always pulled well over rated capacity on a daily basis.

I had Timbren Suspension Kit added to my Chevy 2500HD (see Signature). They don't interfere with normal ride when not hitched to 5th wheel (16000 GVW). And when hitched it keeps the truck pretty level and ride is good. I believe they are rated around 8300, but you need to check on-line for actual rate. The cost was $352 installed. I thought about air bags but wanted automatic ones like my Avalanche came with but opted for the Timbren's. Not disappointed with them at all, believe it was definitely cheaper than auto air bags.