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Hiker44 · 10-29-2018, 09:17 AM

I know this has been discussed many times, but I cannot find an answer to this specific combination question. I have two questions regarding trucks and towing.

1) What is the difference between a truck that is classified as "HD" and one that is not? We had a 2005 GMC 3500 Sierra diesel dually that actually said 3500HD on the side. This truck was totaled when a teenager pulled out in front of me. We replaced it with a 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic 3500 diesel dually 4X4 (the Classic was right before the body style change, which is why it's called a Classic I guess). This truck has the exact same engine and transmission as our previous GMC, but the Chevy does not say HD on it anywhere. The dealer and others have said that the nature of all 3500 trucks is that they are HD or heavy duty, but we aren't sure if that is true.

2) We pulled our 37 foot Keystone Cougar 5th wheel for the first time with the new truck this weekend in the north Georgia Mountains and it just didn't feel the same. It seemed to struggle more than the GMC did (we were on some winding/steep grades). Our old truck pulled the same camper from Tennessee to Arizona and back and on lots of other long trips. The specs on the camper are as follows:

Dry Weight 10,315 lbs.
Payload Capacity 2,265 lbs.
GVWR 12,580 lbs.
Hitch Weight 2,180 lbs.

According to the manual on the Chevy, this should fit well within it's towing capacity, but when we google online, we find a wide range of towing capacities listed for this truck.

Can anyone shed any light on the HD question and also if this truck should be enough to pull our Cougar? We're wanting to make sure we are in capacity for safety sake as well as not overloading and damaging the truck.

Thank you!

Gavenger · 10-29-2018, 09:25 AM

Open the Drivers door and there will be a sticker with the Payload capacity of your specific truck. You will need this number. Also, you should be able to email socialmedia@gm.com with your VIN to get a detailed breakdown of exactly which options/packages were installed on your truck.

It could be your 2005 had a shorter gear ratio in the rear differential, which is giving you a different driving experience. Also, I believe your 2005 truck had a 5 speed Allison transmission and the 2007 has the 6 speed. I believe the change over was in 2006. Do not quote me on that, but it was about that time that there was the change.

Hiker44 · 10-29-2018, 09:47 AM

Thank you. I looked but forgot to write down the payload information but will post it when I get it.

mrgrayaz · 10-29-2018, 10:47 AM

The "HD" badge thing is just semantics. they are both 1 ton (3500 series) trucks.

Being that that they are both same era GM 3500 Diesel Duallys, there can't be too much different - 4x4 vs 2x4, tire size, and rear axle ratio come to mind.

The 2007 will have a 6 speed tranny, the 2005 a 5 speed tranny - you might notice a bit more shifting.

Hiker44 · 10-29-2018, 01:54 PM

I found this information by searching the VIN number on the Chevy Silverado:

Gross Axle Wt Rating - Front 4800 lbs 4800.0 min 4800.0 max
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Rear 8550 lbs 8550.0 min 8550.0 max
Curb Weight - Front 3475 lbs 3475.0 min 3475.0 max
Curb Weight - Rear 2901 lbs 2901.0 min 2901.0 max
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap 11400 lbs 11400.0 min 11400.0 max
Gross Combined Wt Rating 23500 lbs 16000.0 min 23500.0 max
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. 5000 lbs 5000.0 min 5000.0 max
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. 500 lbs 500.0 min 500.0 max
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. 12000 lbs 9200.0 min 12000.0 max
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. 1500 lbs 1380.0 min 1500.0 max
Fifth Wheel Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. 16000 lbs 9200.0 min 16000.0 max
Fifth Wheel Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. 4000 lbs 2300.0 min 4000.0 max

Our trailer info. again is this:

Dry Weight 10,315 lbs.
Payload Capacity 2,265 lbs.
GVWR 12,580 lbs.
Hitch Weight 2,180 lbs.

Given these numbers, should we be OK with our current setup?

Thank you!

Garyp4951 · 10-29-2018, 02:10 PM

Your numbers show you are 3420 lbs under the max trailer rating. A 2007 Chevy 3500 dually should have no problem pulling that trailer. If it feels different it could be many things like gear ratio, shocks, hitch placement, tire diameter, or engine problems.