Towing question

[FrankG]

Originally Posted by KingFisher

The 10,000 pound gvwr gimmick for registration. These trucks can handle a lot more with no problem regardless of the stupid door sticker that everyone is always bringing up.

I have a 2500hd because I got a good deal on a used 2015 with 25,000 miles but I'd rather have a 3500hd. I have Illinois D plates (14,000 pounds) anyway so it doesn't matter.
I guess in some states registration is more on a one ton.

They even make 1 ton trucks with 10,000 lb stickers. (if selected at time of order) Go figure.

[elind]

I had a 7,000, 35' TT that I upgraded the TV to 2013 Silverado 1500. It did the job but no room for too much more. The short story......went to the FROG rally and found a new 5th wheel to trade the new 1500 for a new GMC 2500 DuraMax. My thoughts....buy a truck that has extra capacity that has room expand because it will happen.

[joshuajim]

Originally Posted by JeffandLori

I'm pulling a 2906WS with an F-150 with the 5.0 and HD Tow. Trailer empty is 6900lbs. Loaded as we take it with a full FW tank is just over 8,000. I'm within payload per the sticker on the door and the CAT scale. I'm within tow capacity and GCVWR per specs and scale. It makes plenty of power.

That said....it ain't the weight....it's the WIND and CG. On windy days, even with the Equal-I-Zer hitch, it can be exciting. With a full FW tank, it is no fun.

Are you planning to travel close, with one or two long trips a year? Never go in the mountains? You'd probably be "ok". But with that weight and that sized box, you will be happier with a bigger TV.

ALSO- 3/4 ton w/diesel may not have any more payload than a 1/2 ton. Just depends on options. I've seen some 3/4 ton diesels squat more than my half ton with what looked like a similar camper.

If you aren't doing the Rockies or thousands of miles, I'd recommend a 3/4 ton gasser.

At 8000# and gear and passengers you probably have exceeded the rear axle weight. Did you scale the rear axle?

[Wileykid]

It has been touched on in the above posts, do a test drive of both the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks (whatever brand you like). See the difference on the ride. Check the available cargo weights..etc.

The reason is that usually it is less than a thousand dollars difference between the two, but the carrying capability is a lot better in the 1 ton. There is no size difference between the two (single rear wheel 1 ton), and the mpg is the same.

Mark

[Cypressloser]

Originally Posted by Wileykid

It has been touched on in the above posts, do a test drive of both the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks (whatever brand you like). See the difference on the ride. Check the available cargo weights..etc.

The reason is that usually it is less than a thousand dollars difference between the two, but the carrying capability is a lot better in the 1 ton. There is no size difference between the two (single rear wheel 1 ton), and the mpg is the same.

Mark

X2

[Cypressloser]

Also, don't overlook the rear differential ratio, a 4.10 rear diff. works slightly better for heavy towing where a 3.73 rear diff. gives you slightly better fuel mileage.

[Chpusmc]

The problem with door stickers is they are a black and white number if you are getting weighed by an officer. That is the ONLY sticker they can go off of. It doesn't matter what kind of suspension, tire or any other upgrades you do.

A lot of states charge higher registration fees if your vehicle weighs more that 10,001 lbs. You enter the commercial rates (it more complicated then that but I simplified it a little). So, a 10,000 lb sticker you pay a lower fee. A 14,000 lb sticker you pay a higher fee. I'm sure the same two trucks with different stickers can haul the same amount but, I think the vehicle manufacturers try to do a solid for people so they don't have to get raked over the coals in reg fees. (For commercial tractors you will usually see weight stickers on their doors. That indicates what weight they registered to haul in combination. A 35 sticker will mean they can only haul 35,000 pounds combined. 80 means they can haul 80,000 lbs. An 80 sticker costs a heck of a lot more than a 35 sticker)

Like I said, when it comes down to it the only weight that you can "safely", or better, legally haul is what is on the sticker. You can argue all you want to the brick wall in criminal court. You can also try to convince a civil jury that your truck can haul the same as that truck, it's just a different sticker. Remember, its a jury of your peers you have to convince and they all aren't going to be driving 1 ton trucks.

Just my 2 cents on the sticker issue.

[FrankG]

Some of us grew up in the day when there was NO weight sticker on the truck, mortgages were between you and the bank, no appraisals, no underwriters, simple one page notes, and Doctors made house calls and were paid with cash, single payer system.

Do you not understand why some of us fight the system.

Out in the Garage we modified trucks and made our own trailers, installed homemade hitches of all types and used tires without weight and speed ratings on them. We had no internet for a knowledge base. Store bought hitches were hard to find and for the most part never carried a weight or tow rating. I even turned my own Hitch balls and designed and built several dis-a-peering ball Gooseneck hitches.

[KingFisher]

Originally Posted by Chpusmc

The problem with door stickers is they are a black and white number if you are getting weighed by an officer. That is the ONLY sticker they can go off of. It doesn't matter what kind of suspension, tire or any other upgrades you do.

A lot of states charge higher registration fees if your vehicle weighs more that 10,001 lbs. You enter the commercial rates (it more complicated then that but I simplified it a little). So, a 10,000 lb sticker you pay a lower fee. A 14,000 lb sticker you pay a higher fee. I'm sure the same two trucks with different stickers can haul the same amount but, I think the vehicle manufacturers try to do a solid for people so they don't have to get raked over the coals in reg fees. (For commercial tractors you will usually see weight stickers on their doors. That indicates what weight they registered to haul in combination. A 35 sticker will mean they can only haul 35,000 pounds combined. 80 means they can haul 80,000 lbs. An 80 sticker costs a heck of a lot more than a 35 sticker)

Like I said, when it comes down to it the only weight that you can "safely", or better, legally haul is what is on the sticker. You can argue all you want to the brick wall in criminal court. You can also try to convince a civil jury that your truck can haul the same as that truck, it's just a different sticker. Remember, its a jury of your peers you have to convince and they all aren't going to be driving 1 ton trucks.

Just my 2 cents on the sticker issue.

Do you know of anyone non commercial that's ever been pulled over and ordered to weigh in the USA?

[Wileykid]

Originally Posted by KingFisher

Do you know of anyone non commercial that's ever been pulled over and ordered to weigh in the USA?

Actually I do. Several friends of mine who are LEO's and did commercial enforcement would stop noncommercial trucks pulling RV's that were obviously overweight. The main focus is the commercial trucks ($$$$), but for someone to think they will not be stopped, although very rare, is a little short sighted.

Go around Glamis in California on a holiday weekend with an overweight setup. CHP is usually out hunting for that on those weekends.

Mark

[Chpusmc]

Originally Posted by KingFisher

Do you know of anyone non commercial that's ever been pulled over and ordered to weigh in the USA?

Yes, I don't know them personally but I know them professionally.

[Dodge Guy]

My 07 35ft Cherokee has a dry weight of 7100 lbs and a loaded weight of 9200lbs. I am towing mine with a V-10 Excursion essentially a 3/4 truck.

I wouldn't think of towing mine with a 1/2 ton and mine is 800 lbs lighter.

[doc73]

Originally Posted by KingFisher

Do you know of anyone non commercial that's ever been pulled over and ordered to weigh in the USA?

It is done not "often" but it is done here. So yes, I do know that to happen... Been there done that.

[spock123]

That long a camper I would get a 3/4 ton to pull it. With that long a camper the 1500 world be like the tail wagging the dog. But I have seen people do it. Just my opinion

[TheWolfPaq82]

Originally Posted by sdmunoz

Looking for a truck that is able to handle a travel trailer Cherokee 36ft 7900 dry weight. In general, Will a 150/1500 model truck handle the load?

Transported our Cherokee 304 36' home with a 1500 Silverado...two weeks later...there was a 2014 GMC 2500HD Diesel sitting in my driveway. I was not going to tow that trailer any distance with my 1500.
I was already searching for a truck, but hadn't found the one I wanted and wanted to get trailer home after purchase was complete. Towed about 9 miles to house...that was FAR ENOUGH !

[Summit1]

Originally Posted by spock123

That long a camper I would get a 3/4 ton to pull it. With that long a camper the 1500 world be like the tail wagging the dog. But I have seen people do it. Just my opinion

Exactly. It is a good example of "it's all good when it works, but when it doesn't work, all bets are off and things can go downhill in a hurry... how much does one want to bet?"

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by Dodge Guy

My 07 35ft Cherokee has a dry weight of 7100 lbs and a loaded weight of 9200lbs. I am towing mine with a V-10 Excursion essentially a 3/4 truck.

I wouldn't think of towing mine with a 1/2 ton and mine is 800 lbs lighter.

WOW, 2100 lbs over dry weight? Do you know how much of that is options from factory, and how much is added stuff? What is the empty weight as-shipped from factory? (Yellow/white cabinet sticker, I think).

[Dodge Guy]

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

WOW, 2100 lbs over dry weight? Do you know how much of that is options from factory, and how much is added stuff? What is the empty weight as-shipped from factory? (Yellow/white cabinet sticker, I think).

The yellow sticker is 7100 and change. I think 7120?. My particular year Cherokee came with quite a bit of stuff that was optional on other trailers. And yes, I pack heavy! Not everyone brings a full size hammock with steel supports!

[timfromma]

Originally Posted by sdmunoz

Looking for a truck that is able to handle a travel trailer Cherokee 36ft 7900 dry weight. In general, Will a 150/1500 model truck handle the load?

The truck will most likely be able to tow it around but you will be overweight and your truck will work extremely hard and will most likely wear out prematurely.

[mwdilday]

3/4 ton minimum would be what I would get. If you are like me you keep the truck 15 years or more and go thru 3-4 trailers so get a 1 ton if it is in the budget.