Community Forums

dayle1 · 07-31-2016, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fvstringpicker

I believe the weight tag for a 2500hd gasser and a 2500hd duramax is the same. A couple of years ago I talked to a retired GMC engineer about "upgrading" to a 3500 before buying a fifth wheel. He you can get a 3500 two ways, trade for one or change the rear springs on what you have.

There is a little more to it. The stock tires are rated at 6084 lbs and limit the rear GAWR. The 3500 has higher capacity tires and a 7000 lb GAWR.

Drifter59 · 07-31-2016, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarver

Trailer life says 15, 700. Payload is probably 3k pounds. You're good.

X2 You're good!

w2drfg · 07-31-2016, 03:59 PM

Well I am happy with this truck and the answers you all provided. I also see where some people have added an exhaust brake like the BD diesel folk make. Should I look into an exhaust brake for my truck?

JIMNLIN · 07-31-2016, 08:02 PM

Your Dmax/A uses the variable vane turbo (VVT) for exhaust braking. Most folks go with a program tune (software) that changes the turbo vanes for more aggressive exhaust braking.

Also check out the Banks Speed Brake system.....which does the same thing.

I would suggest you check with one of the many Dmax diesel forums for more input on program tunes.

Your 2500 GM truck will have no problems carrying weight up to its 6200 RAWR or pulling its xxxxx lb tow rating. If your 2500 truck has the 18"/20" wheel option then your just a rear aux overload spring pack from a 3500 SRW.

w2drfg · 08-01-2016, 03:07 AM

My truck has 16" wheels with L245r70 standard size tires. I did change to rs9000 shocks not adjustable. I may have to buy into a program tuner.

fvstringpicker · 08-01-2016, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dayle1

There is a little more to it. The stock tires are rated at 6084 lbs and limit the rear GAWR. The 3500 has higher capacity tires and a 7000 lb GAWR.

I heard that to. FWIW, the source I used showed the part number on the axle as the same (12471486) extending even to the dually on the 2007 classic. ( The AAM (the axle mfg) rates the axle at 10,400#.) That may have changed in later years. As best I can tell the rear ends appears interchangeable. The tires and wheels may be a different story.

fvstringpicker · 08-01-2016, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksmith

My truck has 16" wheels with L245r70 standard size tires. I did change to rs9000 shocks not adjustable. I may have to buy into a program tuner.

I use a Hypertech max energy as a basic and economical tuner. It brightened engine performance and increase towing mileage a couple of miles/gal. The consensus is EFI live programming but its a little more than I cared to spend. If you don't have a EGT meter, I'd look at a programmer that had one.

w2drfg · 08-01-2016, 06:14 PM

Fvstringpicker,
that's the second time you mention EGT meter and it appears there are several to choose. I do not understand why I would need to know the exhaust temp. I assume that's what it is. Is it because of the weight I intend to pull that I would need it? Does everyone need the EGT meter? Will you explain pleas

bamaguy911 · 08-01-2016, 06:28 PM

You will have no problems towing any 5th wheel, unless it weighs over 15,000 gross.
We had a 2005 Chev 2500HD, Extended Cab-Regular bed 2wd, Duramax. The Alison tranny is bulletproof. I added a pair of AIR LIFT bags, inflated to 60psi to the rear axle to insure the truck rode level. The 34' Jayco Eagle trailer weighed 14,200 (loaded). Piece of cake! Have since gone to a used Class A only because my wife prefers a smoother ride.

chertz · 08-02-2016, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksmith

Fvstringpicker,
that's the second time you mention EGT meter and it appears there are several to choose. I do not understand why I would need to know the exhaust temp. I assume that's what it is. Is it because of the weight I intend to pull that I would need it? Does everyone need the EGT meter? Will you explain pleas

EGTS are always good to monitor on a diesel, especially on a tuned truck. Long grades and heavy loads can cause damage due to high EGTS once you leave factory tuning.

w2drfg · 08-02-2016, 11:42 AM

I think I understand and will feel at ease towing a 5th wheel. Thank you all for the info.

Zac808 · 08-04-2016, 12:52 PM

I think your weights are good. I had my scaled fully loaded and was just under 20K. According to the paper work, I am a tad heavy on carrying capacity. I will not buy a heavier trailer until I get a bigger truck.

Dry- 10500
Pin- 2500

fvstringpicker · 08-04-2016, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chertz

EGTS are always good to monitor on a diesel, especially on a tuned truck. Long grades and heavy loads can cause damage due to high EGTS once you leave factory tuning.

KSmith, to elaborate, I play it safe and adhere to a 1300° limit. As pointed out above high EGTs will occur quicker on tuned trucks and are the result of too much fuel for the available air, so even factory turned trucks are not exempt from producing high EGTs when towing on a grade and attempting to maintain speed.
If I see my EGTs climbing over 1300º I back off the accelerator pedal and or downshift to a lower gear from the manual mode. While your Duramax is capable of producing more than enough power to pull the load your'e talking about in 6th gear, pulling a grade in 5th or even 4th at lower EGTs is easier on the engine as long your RPM are reasonable.

w2drfg · 08-04-2016, 05:35 PM

Nice explanation on EGT. I have stock and will probably leave it stock. I will not be in a hurry up hills but I may still get an EGT meter. Thanks everyone.