Another tow vehicle...

[dkelly]

Last week someone decided to run a red light a basically hit my truck head on. We were not hurt but my 2006 GMC 2500HD was not so fortunate. So now I'm looking to replace my steed with something else. My question is this... how are towing weights figured differently now vs 2002? I'm looking at a GMC 3500 crew cab with long bed, DRW , Duramax , and Allison. The specifications show a tow weight of 11000 lbs. My 36CKTS is about 15500. I would have thought a 1 ton would carry this unit fine. Opinions are welcome.

[B and B]

Which rating are you looking at? The F 250 I am delighted in right now is 16,1000 for a fifth wheel or 12,000 for bumper pull. Same as F 350. DRW get you more capacity

[dkelly]

I currently have the 2006 2500 HD. The truck I'm looking at is the 02 3500. I'm just concerned that the numbers on the 3500 imply that it can't tow the 15-16000 lbs of the fiver. I would have thought a 3500 would be more than enough truck.

[dkelly]

The information I'm looking at is on line under specifications.

[Tonkatoy77]

If you decide to buy the 02' make sure you have 3k set aside for injectors. It's not a question of if they go out, but when. And if they have been replaced already, don't think you are good to go. They will fail also. You really are better off trying to find another 06' or 07' LBZ Duramax. They are the best, most reliable Duramax to date. Also, the 06' is the first year with the 6 speed transmission and tap shifter.

[CWSWine]

Originally Posted by B and B

Which rating are you looking at? The F 250 I am delighted in right now is 16,1000 for a fifth wheel or 12,000 for bumper pull. Same as F 350. DRW get you more capacity

A 16,000 fifth wheel will have a pin weight between 3,200 (20%) to as much 4,000 pounds (25%) which will probably exceed pay load on 2500 or 250 by large margin. My 2013 Chevy 2500 diesel had 2475 payload which limited me to about 9,000 pound 5th wheel when you added in the 200 pound hitch weight, full tank of fuel, two passengers and misc stuff in the truck.

My 2015 F350 has a 3844 lbs payload (from yellow sticker on truck) or 4190 from the specs on the website and a 16,000 pound 5th wheel limit.

PS - The 5th wheel below when hook to my 2013 Chevy 2500 diesel and when weight on scale all loaded to go camping the weight on the rear wheels was 6090 and with axle limits of 6200 and tires limit at 6150 with a total trailer weight of 11,700. It was 890 pounds over max payload of the 2500. Hence the purchase of a F350

[davel1971]

the earlier trucks of all brands don't have nearly the payload and towing capacity of current ones. They have all beefed up their chassis

[jtstromsburg]

Very sorry to hear about your accident. I Agree with tonkatoy, find you another 06 or early 07 with the lbz and 6 speed. They are more money than the earlier ones, but imho, well worth it. Shoot for one with around 125k - 175k . it'll have injectors done probably and be good for over 100k with little to no maintenance (hopefully)

Originally Posted by Tonkatoy77

If you decide to buy the 02' make sure you have 3k set aside for injectors. It's not a question of if they go out, but when. And if they have been replaced already, don't think you are good to go. They will fail also. You really are better off trying to find another 06' or 07' LBZ Duramax. They are the best, most reliable Duramax to date. Also, the 06' is the first year with the 6 speed transmission and tap shifter.

[dkelly]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I decided that the guys insurance was going to repair my truck rather than let them total it out. I couldn't find anything the same year or newer that I wouldn't have to add 8-10 thousand out of pocket for. I agree that the 06 is a great engine and transmission combination. Hopefully it will be back by the 15th this month.