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RE: So what is my Tow Rating/Capacity? 08 Dodge 2500 Cummins
The manual has to be studied. But here's my thoughts. Your 2500 is the same as a 3500 SRW without the extra rear spring.
So look at the the brochure in the tow ratings section for a srw 3500.
The numbers above are for a 3500, I beleive. Payload is the only thing not listed and if I remember right that's around 2800 lbs.
Mike
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MikeRP
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08/14/08 10:08am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: closet weight police
I agree Dave you have a very nice truck
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MikeRP
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08/12/08 08:29pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Max trailering pack vs. Dodge 3/4 ton
You are right at the limit of a gas engine IMHO unless you buy an older V-10 or the 8.1L GM. My brother has one of these Dodge's and it struggles on hills with that much weight. When I mean struggle running in 3rd gear a thigh RPM. These engines are made to do this but it is disconcerting to me and sucks the gas. I had the 5.3L and it struggled with a 4500 - 5000 lb trailer.
Its all in what you want. If you got the chance, I'd stil recommed a 2500 deisel which you can get for a really good price right now.
Mike
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MikeRP
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08/12/08 02:05pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Max trailering pack vs. Dodge 3/4 ton
I would definitely go with a 2500. Lots more future flexibility whether Dodge or GM.
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MikeRP
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08/12/08 01:23pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Dodge vs. GMC vs Ford 3500
I think we are mixing up towing capacity and payload capacity. Towing capacity for a 3500 with 4.10's is around 16000 pounds + or -. Payload which is the weight you can put on the rear axle is different for the SRW versus DRW even though the overall towing capacity is the same.
It just mean you can add more weight in the bed or tow a fifth wheel with a higher pin weight
Mike
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MikeRP
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08/09/08 09:41pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Avalanche 2500
Those trucks will literally pull a house. Very nice but 8 -10 mpg. Be prepared.
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MikeRP
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08/09/08 07:35pm |
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RE: Dodge vs. GMC vs Ford 3500
I agree now's the time to buy and there are some great deals right now on all models. Only thing is the trade ins are worth nothing.
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MikeRP
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08/09/08 07:33pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Dodge vs. GMC vs Ford 3500
Mayoman:
I checked out all three extensively and I ended up with a Dodge. If you are towing heavy, my humble opinion is the Dodge is the best. Its new 6 speed tranny is equal to the allison.
My brother has a 2007 Dodge CTD Manual tranny. His work truck is the new allison/duramax and he has driven my new MegaCab extensively because we camp together and he likes the new Dodge tranny better than the Chevy.
Mostly he doesn't like the hesitation in his work allison going around corners and he likes the shifting pattern empty on the Dodge much better . As for me I love the new tranny and with the EB which the other two do not have - and it is amazing towing heavy - I think Dodge is the most capable tow vehicle out there right now.
I worked on buying a Chevy for a year because I was trading in an avalanche. I could have bought a Ford for the same price and would have if the cab removal wasn't an issue. So I bought a Dodge. I liked the ride better on the Chevy, I like the ca design better on the Ford and I liked the Mega Cab for room for sure. Good Luck
Mike
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MikeRP
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08/09/08 02:32pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: GCVWR??
SteelPony:
Now you are funny saying that Toyota will tow a house. Must be a dinky house. Maybe a doghouse palace? :)
I really agree with your assessment on the 80% rule with a half ton pickup and gas motor. Just based upon experience not all half tons are happy towing unless the purchasers specifically got 4.10 gears on the stock truck.
That really is just a performance thing for me as my half tons, that I owned, would haul the weight near the GCVWR but I was uncomfortable not becasue of handling problems but just driving in 3rd gear at 3500 rpm to maintain 50 mph on a slight rise on the road.
Now, I really beleive once you move up to a diesel truck you are in another world where the 80% rule is NOT applicable. These trucks are serious haulers and have capabilites to handle over the GCVWR safely and effectively.
JMHO. To the original poster. Ya got lots of opinions. I really suggest you learn and study each truck you are considering purchasing and talk to the dealers and people who use the one you are considering buying. You'll get a handle on this with a little study.
Mike
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MikeRP
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08/07/08 08:54pm |
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RE: 6.7 mpg
I got about 18.4 today going on a short trip <150 miles. I have the six speed auto and 3.73 rear end.
That's some serious babying today.
Mike
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MikeRP
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07/19/08 07:21pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: 6.7 mpg
If I drive 60 mph on the interstate I can get 19 mpg. 70 mph reduces to 16 mpg. There is a noticeable difference. Towing I'm getting 12 mpg.
Nice truck wish it averaged 22 like my brothers 07 manual tranny 5.9L. Mike 9000 miles so far. I'm going to do the overall average but I'd bet it is around 15 since purchase.
Mike
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MikeRP
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07/19/08 02:50pm |
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RE: closet weight police
Well that's cause you're driving a Chevy :)
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MikeRP
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07/17/08 01:32pm |
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RE: 2008 Sierra 2500HD Towing Question
I would like the others said try to coax it into a higher gear. I'd be interested in hearing your experiences once you get used to the tranny and the engine. This is the truck I almost bought and although I love my new Dodge - my wife likes the looks of the GMC better.
I had a similiar experience with my Avalanche even though it was a 5 speed. I could never keep it from towing in 3 rd gear.
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MikeRP
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07/17/08 05:23am |
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RE: closet weight police
OK... I am starting to shop for a dually and looking at the 2008. Unless I misread something the dually GVWR is 10,500# assuming that the extra two wheels weigh something... I'm not convinced the dually is spec'd stock to carry much more than the SRW? Logically 4 tires is better than 2 but as noted why aren't two better tires better than 4 less capable?
hmmm, just looked at a new 3500 DRW Dodge/Cummins new regeared G56 and the GVWR was 12500 with 9350 RAWR. Don't know which new 3500/F350 DRW your going to look at but GM had dropped thir RAWR to 8250 which isn't setting to well with commercial haulers using these trucks. Check out what Ford GAWR are as in the past they have had some big RAWR numbers which is always popular with legal commercial haulers.
Jim
I had pulled up the Megacab since it would be easier to sell a new truck to DW if she got cab space too. I think I'll go get a brochure since the on-line stuff is giving me a headache... tows this, grosses this, then configure and price and the capacities drop.
I looked at the 3500 DRW Megacab on a lot. The sticker on the door said not to exceed payload of 2800lbs. The sticker on my sig 3/4 says 2400lbs. If you want to tow something heavy and are concerned about the sticker on the door then you do not want a Megacab. The door sticker on Quadcab DRW equipped the same as the Megacab had a door sticker payload of over 4500lbs. That extra foot in the back seat sure cost a lot of payload on the door sticker.
There are definitely inconsistencies in the ratings. I assume and agree your being a little glib about that last comment and I agree with your extended meaning.
I really have enjoyed this discussion. You folks have given nice explanations of the trucks and pureperson thanks for your time and effort in those long posts. Very well explained.
I have a 2008 MegaCab CTD 2500 and I believe it is one of the most capable tow vehicles I've ever seen in this class. The tires are the weak spot but the exhaust brake and the new auto tranny are just amazing. Downshifting pulling a load with that ex brake on is like shifting a manual tranny yourself. I've never seen a tranny and exhaust brake operate so well in tandem.
A little upgradeing, as pureperson suggested, and man this truck becomes a real mean hauler.
Mike
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MikeRP
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07/16/08 08:58pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Dodge 2500 Mega Cab Diesel....can we pull with this?
The only difference between a CTD Dodge 2500 and 3500 is the overload springs on the rear. You could have dealer put those on or airbags or timbrens.Some have preferences for each type. I like airbags. So what I was suggesting is that you look up the towing tables for your 2500 and an EXACT model 3500. For instance my 2008 2500 Mega CTD has a payload of 1595 lbs, GVWR is 9000 lbs. GCVWR is 20000 lbs. Now the same 3500 is approx 2800 payload, 10100 GVWR and 21000 GCVWR. I use these weight ratings for the truck. One couldn't hardly haul anything in a 2500 CTD if you did't understand the above.
Research your truck so that you understand its capabilities for yourself. To me that starts with a trip to a dealer. I happen to have a dealer that sells a lots of trucks used for towing. The thing he worries about is the tire ratings. My rear tires are good for 6400 lbs. The truck weighs 2900 lbs on the rear empty. That leaves a 3500 lb difference right? Well not with a safety factor. That's why I wouldn't put more than 2800 lbs on the rear axle. If I were looking for a new fiver, I would stay with one that has a pin weight of no more than 1900 to 2100 lbs. Add in the slider weight and room for loading the fiver up and your going to be pushing 2800 lbs.
To go above 2800 payload, you will need 19.5 inch tires and rims which would take your payload up approx 1600 lbs from 2800 lbs to 4400 lbs. As I said before this step needs to be combined with an exhaust brake and/ or brake upgrades and maybe some rear suspension upgrades. Still cheaper than a new truck.
But you need a qualified dealer to guide you so you will be safe in all conditions. In my mind, these Dodges are one hell of a truck. However, if you are going to tow really heavy you need to understnad what you are getting into. To me when your loaded trailer weight goes over 12500 lbs or your payload nears 2800 lbs, you need expert help.
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MikeRP
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07/15/08 04:06am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Dodge 2500 Mega Cab Diesel....can we pull with this?
Take this for what it worth and check with your dealer. But I think you can tow this trailer fine. Realize this is my humble opinion. You can get around 2800 lbs easily on the rear axle. You may have to add timbrens or airbags for leveling. This truck is basically a 3500 without the extra overload springs.
So look at the 3500 weight ratings for the same exact truck. Now if you go above 2800lbs on the rear, my guess is to be safe you will need to consider 19.5 inch rims and tires. These will increase your rear axle towing limits alot. Look up Rickson's on google.
Finally, look into an exhaust brake for additional stopping power which in my book is the most important thing. You can do it safely but it takes work and some money. I'd work with my dealer to set this up right.
Now, the folks here will kill me for saying the above. If you are uncomfortable with that weight or think you can drive 70mph with that load - get another trailer. 55 mph would be my limit. Check out diesel truck resource .com There's folks over there towing more weight that that with your exact truck.
Mike
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MikeRP
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07/14/08 02:50pm |
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RE: A bit of a shock at the weigh scale/trip report...
Hey folks: I appreciate all your thouights. Some of you question my qualifications and rightly so. I am an engineer and I have spec'd purchased and operated many types of heavy equipment. I feel the original poster is very informed and concerned about the right issues. I agree SAFETY is paramount. You can have small load and be unsafe as I was almost killed by an empty horse trialer on a brand new F350 that came off the ball right next to me. I do believe as others have suggested that some of the specs are performance related and could be exceeded by an informed person. Certainly, all this is either mechanically or safety wise should be carefully considered and only exceeded after much thought and at your own risk. Any load should be setup by a professional.
However, as I said before, these trucks are very safe capable vehicles. Exceeding tire ratings and Emergency stopping are my primary concerns.
I persoanlly think these debates are good because irt allows everyonew to understand their trucks better and that is the key to hauling safely. Mike
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MikeRP
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07/10/08 01:58pm |
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RE: A bit of a shock at the weigh scale/trip report...
You are within your axle weight ratings on the truck so why are you concerned? You went through some demanding terrain with no problem. I'd quit worry"in.
And if you are worried about your new MegaCab.....don't. Dodge has way underrated their trucks. As long as you don't exceed your rear tire ratings - and their is a fix for that on a SRW - you can haul amazing weights with these trucks. With an exhaust brake, 19.5 inch wheels and maybe some upgrades to the brakes, I think you could easily see a GCVWR of 26000 lbs.
Mike
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MikeRP
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07/10/08 03:42am |
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RE: Dodge 1 ton DRW
Well my 2008 (Mega 4x4 6speed auto) averages about 16 mpg mixed driving and as much as 18 on a trip at 75 mph.
I got 12.5 mpg on my first towing trip with a small 5000 lb trailer.
I was with my brother (2007 QC 4x4 CTD Manual Tranny) when he got 22.5 mpg unloaded in mixed driving. He got 17 mpg towing his 5000 lb trailer to Myrtle Beach last year.
Much better milage than mine.
The 06's and 07's get grea milage. Dodge is also going out with a new flash for milage is a report on one forum.
Mike
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MikeRP
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06/20/08 04:58am |
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RE: 2500HD needs some more giddyup for towing
You know I just went through this difficult decision late last year. I had a 2005 Avalanche with 3.42's and the 5.3l paid for. I really looked into a gear change. Its not easy to find someone experienced in that work and they need to be done RIGHT on a 4wd. I never could get comfortable that someone could put the gears on without the whine I've heard before not to mention the best warranty I could get was 6 months or 6000 miles even form the dealer.
One person above mentioned he paid $25,000 for a 2004? Man that seems high to me since I paid 37,500 for a new 2008 megacab 4WD with everything except leather, sunroof and the nav system. $50450 was the sticker. But I see that pricing everywhere. I saw a great 2006 dullie this weekend. 2006 27000 miles for $29999.
Anyway, I didn't foresee diesel hitting $5.00 per gallon or I probably would have kept my zero payments and put on the turbo with Allan's help. I almost drove to Texas.
Anyway, good luck on the decision.
Mike
Also you have to deal with the locker on the rear end which is the wear link in the GM rear ends. Now it may be better on a 2500 HD - does anyone know?
Anyway, I ended up with a new Dodge. Of course buying one of these doesn't mean the mula stops. New tonneau cover, floor mats, etc. But it doesn't have a problem towing. I see alot of 2006 and earlier diesels out there for sale right now but they are still pricey for some reason.
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MikeRP
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05/20/08 12:17pm |
Tow Vehicles
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