donawilcox
Taylor TX
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Joined: 02/13/2008
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I have a 2006 durmax and pull a 36' with GVWR of 11905. I am sure if I look at the specs on the truck I may be over. Pin weight is 1800. I am stock and it does not squat my back end down that much. I have had other loaded trailer or weight in back that has sqatted it down more. I have not had any issues with feeling unsafe with this set up. We also have a lot of weight inside. I do not think I would go any more on the weight. I have not pulled it in the mountains and probably will not that much so I am happy with mine even though I may be over the rating according to some on this sight. So don't go over board but if you are not looking at a 39' or a real heavy rig you are probably fine.
Don Wilcox
Taylor TX
2006 Duramax 4X4
2007 295 Cherokey by Forest River
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mlanz
Missouri
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Joined: 07/15/2008
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donawilcox....was that GVWR of 11k and change the dry weight or loaded?
we too are midwestern er's so big mountains aren't in our realistic future....I'm more concerned about getting through Chatanooga on my way to Disney (for the kids sake of course)
Mark
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newk
Gillette, WY
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Joined: 08/18/2007
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mlanz wrote:
I currently have load range "E" on my tires...bridgestone duellers...I think 265 R16. I replaced OEM tires the day I bought it. I need to replace them soon so is there a particular tire you guys prefer? ...
mlanz
I just bought new tires for my truck yesterday and considered going to 285s to increase the load carrying capacity. I decided against it, based mostly on replies I got here:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/21660377.cfm
My F250 came from the factory with upgraded Firestone tires, and I put 63,000 trouble-free miles on them. Firestones were about $25 to $50 cheaper than any other tire of the same specs at the tire dealer ($173), so that's what I bought. I had them check the date and place of manufacture (Dec '07, USA). They've lasted nearly 30 hours and 10 miles without incident. 
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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OK, look at it this way. WHO are you going to believe? A bunch of arm chair engineers here on this forum, or the people who designed and certified the truck to carry the load it is rated for? Your choice!
Donn
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mlanz
Missouri
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"Who you gonna believe...."?
Both. The engineers will build in tolerances to the specs they publish...ala' 500#'s over GVWR but well under GCWR will probably be ok....to the contrary I will discount the "pull anything on my lot" statements I'm getting from RV dealers...in fact now If an RV salesperson cautions me on weight I might actually trust him...still hasn't happened yet.
On the warranty coverage issues. In my occupation a good argument could be made if the 5'er your towing is less than the printed capacity in the manual they you should get coverage. Further, how hard would it have been for the manual to reference the "sticker" that you guys know about...shame on GMC. In august my truck will come off dealer warranty so this is an academic point.
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Kodiak5er
Alex Bay NY Summer; Sanford FL Winter
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Joined: 07/11/2004
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mlanz wrote:"Who you gonna believe...."?
Both. The engineers will build in tolerances to the specs they publish...ala' 500#'s over GVWR but well under GCWR will probably be ok....to the contrary I will discount the "pull anything on my lot" statements I'm getting from RV dealers...in fact now If an RV salesperson cautions me on weight I might actually trust him...still hasn't happened yet.
On the warranty coverage issues. In my occupation a good argument could be made if the 5'er your towing is less than the printed capacity in the manual they you should get coverage. Further, how hard would it have been for the manual to reference the "sticker" that you guys know about...shame on GMC. In august my truck will come off dealer warranty so this is an academic point.
I could be wrong, have been before, BUT before you do anything you should weigh your TV with full tanks and hitch on board. I think you will find the TV is heavier than you think.
Subtract the weight of your TV from the 9200 stated on your door tag and what's left will be your allowable hitch weight (don't forget to add in the passengers).
If I remember correctly you said in your OP your TV weighed a lot less than a D/A equipped truck would. You may have taken the weight of a TV with a gasser, but, with the diesel it will weigh a lot more.
The main trouble I see with some people pulling heavy trailers using a ¾ ton TV is that they don't take the time to get them weighed first and don't have a clue if they are over the rear axle or rear tire ratings. The most important rating to stay under is the tire ratings and I'd try to be at least 15-20 percent under those.
I also think it is important to switch from ST trailer tires to LT trailer tires if you can get them in your size. Most ST tires are only speed rated to 62 MPH while most LT tires are speed rated to 75 MPH. I usually drive at 62 MPH while towing so the extra speed rating is good to have as a safety factor. The ST tire is also not made to the same specifications as the LT tire is because the LT is for passenger use while the ST is not.
1990 6500 Chevy Kodiak, 8.3L Cummins 450 HP
6sp Allison 3060, 3.70 R/A Home Made Air Ride
2006 Newmar Cypress - Picture's of our old one
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grizzly660fan
Utah
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Joined: 06/15/2004
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it was said "The engineers will build in tolerances to the specs they publish" but the engineers don't publish the manual, the lawyers do. the figures are based on laws in different states and rules to classify the vehicle as a "light truck" not based on really what the equipment can do.
They are a good rule of thumb, but not an absolute and so many view the numbers as "if you exceed them catastrophe is certain" kind of number that so many here seem to think is reality. there is another reality, you can exceed the numbers and still be safe.
so, asking people their experience with the same equipment does have some value in determining if your plans might work or not.
I see value in caution from both sides of this discussion, I just don't like the "ooh you are doomed and are going to kill me and everyone you encounter" scare tactics that one side in this discussion always reverts to.
good luck in your research!
* This post was
edited 07/18/08 12:42pm by grizzly660fan *
2003 High Output Dodge Cummins
2008 Sabre 28rets
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