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Old 08-09-2014, 12:33 PM   #1
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Newbie question?

We have a dodge Ram 3/4 and we are pulling a Excel L35SKO. I was wondering if I should be alright with my truck pulling this?
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Old 08-09-2014, 12:44 PM   #2
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check the info plate on the side of the RV and look at the gross and dry weights. That is a place to start.. the trailer should be weighed. Then check the plate on your truck for gross weights, usually in the drivers side door jamb. you will need to know the pin weight of the rv and load for the truck too. If the 35 in the L35SKO is the length of the trailer the engine in that truck is gonna be working overtime.. I made the mistake of gas and moved to diesel..
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Old 08-09-2014, 02:49 PM   #3
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Mike,
I think your going to be under capacity with a 2500 gas engine. That 2002 35SKO is listed in the PI catalog archive as 13560 UVW and 2680 pin wt. http://www.excelrvs.com/assets/files...02_catalog.pdf
Dodge towing guide on the 2007 CC SB 4x4 5.7 lists a GCWR of 15000 w/ 3.73 or 17000 w/ 4.10, but that sounds like bumper towing. FW towing and GCVW might be more but your trailer must be at least 15000 with options, water and your gear. Curb wt on your Dodge is 6007 and payload is 2793 before fuel and passengers. With a 2680 factory pin wt you're over on payload before you put anything in the trailer and probably over on FW towing and GCVW too depending on the actual number.

We've been discussing towing 31 and 34 units here and the conclusion is a 3500 SRW Diesel just makes it on units near the spec of that 35 so a 2500 gas engine isn't going to do it safely IMO.
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Old 08-09-2014, 02:58 PM   #4
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I don't think it's a safety concern. The truck can tow it.

But, performance and fuel economy will be poor. Watch overheating when towing inclines.

If you don't tow often and far, the gas engine will get by.

I bet you get a diesel after towing with your truck.
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Old 08-09-2014, 03:27 PM   #5
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I'd be a little leery Doc. That Dodge has a 34gal tank so fill it up add a hitch and two passengers and you can knock at least 600 off that 2793 payload leaving only 2193. If his trailer weighs 15k @ 20% pin wt (3000) he'll be at least 800 over on payload and rolling with a GCVW of close to 22k. Your 34IKE just made it on payload with the 3500 Duramax, I wouldn't be comfortable pulling that rig with a 2500 gasser.
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Old 08-09-2014, 03:40 PM   #6
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Look around. Many people tow large 5th wheels with 2500's. Some are gassers.

The 2500's have the same engine, transmission, brakes and tires as their 3500 SRW counterparts. The 3500's typically have an extra overload spring pack to boost their weight capacity.

Not arguing if it is proper, but the 2500's can augment the suspension with springs, spring packs, air bags &/or Timbrens.

The sticker on the door won't change, but they can tow the trailer safely. The risk is to their truck and not a danger to others.

I towed tens of thousands of miles through most every US state and Canada towing a 10K trailer with a 2500 Suburban. I exceeded the GVWR on the placard. Not once did I fear for my family or others around me.

That said, he can tow his trailer safely. He will exceed the weight ratings of his truck. He will suffer poor performance and shorten the lifespan of the engine and suspension.

Let's not turn this into a weight police debate. The poor guy needs some sound advise. Not fear mongering for his safety.

Don't take the weight ratings so literally.
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Old 08-09-2014, 04:03 PM   #7
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I don't think those ratings are a hard line either and I'll probably end up a couple hundred over the payload with my rig and a full tank but when the rough calculation is 800 over on payload I start to think that's a little too much. He should start by weighing it and get some real numbers, they could be more or less.

No doubt many probably do successfully tow a rig like that with a 2500 gas. The proof is in how it feels when towing and it might feel solid and safe. Even then I'll bet it will chew through fuel, tires and suspension.
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Old 08-09-2014, 04:06 PM   #8
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Russell,
At least I didn't tell him to buy a dually ASAP. Tom will be here shortly for that.
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Old 08-09-2014, 04:09 PM   #9
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I'm sure Tom will "weigh" in soon......
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Old 08-09-2014, 04:19 PM   #10
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The truck is inadequate no matter what is said about countless miles of successful towing. Anecdotal information which is simply "watch this" does not give me any feeling of comfort about being on the road with rigs like this.

Truck specifications are set for a reason.

The practice of stretching the limit by overloading tow vehicles is bound ultimately to be highlighted on the Darwin Awards.
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Old 08-09-2014, 04:29 PM   #11
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Gordon, what is unsafe towing with his truck? If it had a diesel, would you be happy?

The OP will be living in his Excel while working a construction job. He probably does not tow often. We are quick to spend his money. He will tire of poor performance and fuel economy after a couple of tows. But, I still contest it is not a safety issue.
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Old 08-09-2014, 04:36 PM   #12
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Gordon,
I have to agree though the limits may be conservative and liability issues come into play I think they are set for good reason. Occasionally pulling slightly over isn't the issue here, he's going to be way over the 2500 spec all the time. Sure it doesn't mean the axle is going to snap and I'm not trying to "fear monger", for his limited use he could get by but over the long haul it's not the way to go.
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Old 08-09-2014, 04:38 PM   #13
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Russell - Diesel has nothing to do with it - I saw nothing in his post that said gas. The truck is overloaded on the frame, axles and tires. Brakes are problematic. Adding air bags to the truck changes nothing as it does not change RGAWR, GVWR or GCVWR.

If he is living in it the safest thing would be to have it delivered to the site.

Simply his question "We have a dodge Ram 3/4 and we are pulling a Excel L35SKO. I was wondering if I should be alright with my truck pulling this?" is about the appropriateness of the truck he has to pull too big of a trailer.

No amount of anecdotal information will make the ability of the truck to match the towing requirements of the trailer OK. You are advising a fellow to tow improperly. Not sure about the legal ramifications but if he has an accident I believe he can sue you for providing the advice to go ahead with the incorrect setup.
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Old 08-09-2014, 04:44 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeandDell View Post
We have a dodge Ram 3/4 and we are pulling a Excel L35SKO. I was wondering if I should be alright with my truck pulling this?
I read his post and don't see where he mentioned he had a gas engine. It was the first responder who mentioned gas. Might just be, but hopefully he will be back with more information.
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