Community Forums

archer75 · 03-13-2018, 02:04 PM

There is a greater difference than just registration. There are physical differences between a 3/4 and 1 ton. Sometimes just the springs. Sometimes the axles, sometimes more. All depends.
The manufacturer states to not exceed the payload rating. And that the payload rating is the pin weight rating.
I wouldn't do it.

KamiwillRV · 03-13-2018, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

That is the 'specs' for the Compass Model

The Columbus 298RL Model shows
Dry weight --- 11,859#
Dry pin ------- 2309#
CCC ---------- 3000#
GVWR -------- 14,859#

Wet pin....trailer loaded up camp ready....closer to 2900# PLUS

2018 GMC 2500 maybe close/over payload but Rear Axle/Rear tires should be under RAWR/Max Tire Load Ratings.
Those are the real concern numbers----DOT 'Legal' ratings
GVWR/Payload are NOT

The rear gross axle weight is around 6,200.

So clearly it CAN pull it. When I picked it up form the dealership I drove it 30 miles home to find out that they didn’t drain the tanks after fill test. Both grey and black were full. At the time I estimated I pulled an extra 1,500 lbs.
Is the primary issue the “legality” and extra wear and tear?

I should have bought the 3500...obviously

KamiwillRV · 03-13-2018, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

Finding gas or food easily will come with more seat time. It took my wife a while to figure out that while I can get in some fuel stations I can't get out. She's my spotter of sorts. We use gas buddy to locate diesel as some stations don't carry it. Never really had a hard time finding diesel. There's 1000's of stations all over and there's always one that you'll fit in.
As for food. There's two ways we go about it. Fast food is tougher as many fast food spots are in tight locations since they're usually drive thru. We found that it's best to look for larger mall type areas where there's large parking lots adjacent to the restaurants.
The other alternative is to have some food for travel in the 5th wheel. That way you can pull off in a rest area, large trucker type fuel station or even a large parking lot or turnout. We don't need the slide out to access anything in our 5th wheel so that makes it easy to grab a quick bit.
As for your weights you can use the trucks RAWR as your measuring stick. 3/4 tons are only rated at 10,000 lbs for registration purposes. In fact you can actually order an F350 with a 10,000 GVWR. Crazy.
Your 2500 is as good as a 3500. If it pulls, stops and handles fine then you shouldn't need to add anything. If it's sagging too much add bags.
The biggest issue that may arise is if the fresh tank is in front of the axle and you fill it to full. You want some water in the tank (10-20 gal) for traveling to be able to use the sinks and toilet if you stop to pee and or eat. We always travel with some water in the fresh tank for those reasons. Our luckily is located right over the axles so it affects nothing.

I believe the fresh tank is right above the axle, but can’t look at the moment. Sagging is not bad in my opinion...bed lowers about 4-6 inches. Not much angle up. Let me see if I can post another pic from the side.

If it’s a risk to the truck, that’s one thing...i’m just worried about our lives and others on the road.

archer75 · 03-13-2018, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KamiwillRV

The rear gross axle weight is around 6,200.

So clearly it CAN pull it. When I picked it up form the dealership I drove it 30 miles home to find out that they didn’t drain the tanks after fill test. Both grey and black were full. At the time I estimated I pulled an extra 1,500 lbs.
Is the primary issue the “legality” and extra wear and tear?

I should have bought the 3500...obviously

Anything can make it go forward.

Legality can be one issue. Extra wear and tear is another. Poor handling and stopping another. Your tow rating is what the truck is rated to without damaging the engine and transmission and causing it to overheat. Your close on that one. It's up to how much gear you load the trailer with.

KamiwillRV · 03-13-2018, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by archer75

Anything can make it go forward.

Legality can be one issue. Extra wear and tear is another. Poor handling and stopping another. Your tow rating is what the truck is rated to without damaging the engine and transmission and causing it to overheat. Your close on that one. It's up to how much gear you load the trailer with.

Yes, gear weight will definitely be on our minds!
And thank you for bringing this whole subject up Archer. I feel stupid, but greatly appreciate it.

jacknife · 03-13-2018, 03:17 PM

Tankers are low they do not go in the fuel islands. Truck stops are the easiest if you are hooked up. Many of them have Denny's or fast food restaurants inside. You can also buy DEF at the pump which is cheaper and fresher then the container.

KamiwillRV · 03-13-2018, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacknife

Tankers are low they do not go in the fuel islands. Truck stops are the easiest if you are hooked up. Many of them have Denny's or fast food restaurants inside. You can also buy DEF at the pump which is cheaper and fresher then the container.

Thanks!!!

archer75 · 03-13-2018, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KamiwillRV

Yes, gear weight will definitely be on our minds!
And thank you for bringing this whole subject up Archer. I feel stupid, but greatly appreciate it.

Whatever you do, stay safe and have fun!

jacknife · 03-13-2018, 03:29 PM

3500s just heavier springs. Axles gear ratios are what you order. The motor in a one ton will have the same cooling system your Allison tranny is the same as are your brakes. I have been pulling 14000 for over 40,000 miles with a one ton ram SRW Only difference is helper springs. Your exhaust brake is also the same . If it sags put air bags on it and go have fun.

archer75 · 03-13-2018, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacknife

3500s just heavier springs. Axles gear ratios are what you order. The motor in a one ton will have the same cooling system your Allison tranny is the same as are your brakes. I have been pulling 14000 for over 40,000 miles with a one ton ram SRW Only difference is helper springs. Your exhaust brake is also the same . If it sags put air bags on it and go have fun.

Not always true. Sometimes it's different axles. For 2015 ram the only difference from the 2500 to 3500 was coils vs leafs(though you have the option on the 3500 for the HO cummins and aisin tranny).
But in 2016 Ram made additional changes to the 3500. upping the number of bolts on the rear-axle ring-gear hardware (from 12 to 16) on versions equipped with the 11.8-inch rear axle, as well as by using a stronger differential-case material.

But there are other examples for different years where there's more of a difference from a 3/4 to 1 ton than just the springs. I'm told the 2017/2018 F250's have different axles than the F350's.

With GM there could be more differences than just the springs for the 2018 year. I don't know. It would require some research.
So it all depends.

For me, I stick with what's printed on the door and what the manufacturer says.

KamiwillRV · 03-13-2018, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacknife

3500s just heavier springs. Axles gear ratios are what you order. The motor in a one ton will have the same cooling system your Allison tranny is the same as are your brakes. I have been pulling 14000 for over 40,000 miles with a one ton ram SRW Only difference is helper springs. Your exhaust brake is also the same . If it sags put air bags on it and go have fun.

Right. I have been told by many “truck” people that the difference in the GMC 2500 and 3500 is the springs and wheels. SUPPOSEDLY this is the only difference....but maybe the ratio is different too.

I was thinking about the wear and tear on the engine, but then remembered, the 3500 is the exact same engine and tranny...so would have the same risk there, unless the extra payload capacity helps the engine. Clearly I am not a truck expert, lol.

archer75 · 03-13-2018, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KamiwillRV

Right. I have been told by many “truck” people that the difference in the GMC 2500 and 3500 is the springs and wheels. SUPPOSEDLY this is the only difference....but maybe the ratio is different too.

I was thinking about the wear and tear on the engine, but then remembered, the 3500 is the exact same engine and tranny...so would have the same risk there, unless the extra payload capacity helps the engine. Clearly I am not a truck expert, lol.

Gearing. It's what allows that same engine and tranny to tow more. Not having the proper gearing for what you want to tow can cause damage.

KamiwillRV · 03-13-2018, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by archer75

Gearing. It's what allows that same engine and tranny to tow more. Not having the proper gearing for what you want to tow can cause damage.

Okay, it looks like my 2500 is a 3.73 ratio and all the 3500s I pulled up on my dealers website show them with 3.73

archer75 · 03-13-2018, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KamiwillRV

Okay, it looks like my 2500 is a 3.73 ratio and all the 3500s I pulled up on my dealers website show them with 3.73

I took a look and you're right. All duramax 2500 and 3500's use the same 3.73 gears. So there's some other difference between the 3500 and 2500 to allow it to pull so much more. Roughly 5000lbs more for the SRW and 10000lbs more for the DRW.