Community Forums

tophog · 08-25-2018, 04:08 PM

So who's got a newer chevy/gmc 3500 DRW crew cab towing big/heavy 5th wheels such as DRV?

Curious on trailer size/weight and pin weight.

I know most use 20% of trailer GVWR to estimate pin weight. Mostly curious of how close you are to trucks max payload.

Just realized a trailer with GVWR of 21500 has estimated pin weight of 4300 lbs and my trucks payload is only 4480 lbs.

Looks like I need to look at a lighter trailers or a different truck.

Wood Chip · 08-25-2018, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tophog

So who's got a newer chevy/gmc 3500 DRW crew cab towing big/heavy 5th wheels such as DRV?

Curious on trailer size/weight and pin weight.

I know most use 20% of trailer GVWR to estimate pin weight. Mostly curious of how close you are to trucks max payload.

Just realized a trailer with GVWR of 21500 has estimated pin weight of 4300 lbs and my trucks payload is only 4480 lbs.

Looks like I need to look at a lighter trailers or a different truck.

I have similar truck as yours. Those DRV units are beasts. I think a bit beyond the rating of the GM trucks. I suppose thats why the heavy haulers go with the Ram.

tuffr2 · 08-25-2018, 05:42 PM

For model year 2020 a lot of new trucks will be available. I expect the capability to increase yet again. Actually I think Ford, Ram and Chevy are expected to have all new redesigned trucks.

A redesign will probably use more high strength and ultra high strength steel along with more powerful engines.

I had a 2012 Ford diesel dually. It had a 4,400(ish]) cargo capcity. It towed my 5th wheel easy but pin weight was not as heavy as a DRV.

The engines are now getting more powerful than the truck can cargo capcity can keep up with.

My 2012 could easily tow a DRV but it could not carry the pin weight. More power than cargo capcity for sure.

So yes, I agree with you.

glennwest · 08-25-2018, 05:50 PM

Rear axle rating is same on all 3 1 ton LDT.

tophog · 08-25-2018, 05:55 PM

Yeah the pin weight/payload is where GM lags the other 2 considerably. Ironically last year I had a new 2017 F350 DRW XLT and I'm fairly sure it had at least 1200 more payload capacity than this 2018. And I know Ram has highest of the 3 I believe.

Guess I should have paid more attention before purchasing the GM. I just assumed they were all very close. Live and learn.

mhs4771 · 08-25-2018, 06:21 PM

We're running a 2018 Silverado High Country Dually with Durmax. We're pulling heavy, not quite DRV heavy, but 19K plus, pin just under 4K. We're close on numbers, but we're registered for 15K so we're covered. This is an upgrade from a 2011 Silverado LT Dually that pulled the said 5er approx 30K miles without a hickup.

2002dura · 08-25-2018, 06:30 PM

I have a 2017 Ford F-350 DRW, loaded King Ranch, and payload is 5260 lbs.

redhooker · 08-25-2018, 06:47 PM

I believe the GMs are built structurally equal to both the other 1 ton trucks, but are rated more realistically. Basically the Ram is “rated” to pull two of my 43 foot triple axle fivers simultaneously. 33,000 lbs behind a pickup? No thanks for me.

Look at the hp/torque. Same across brands more or less. Think that Allison torque converters are any less beefy than the Aisin or Ford tranny? Check the box frames, take a look at the brake rotors at the auto parts store and see for yourself. You will find a lot of similarities across all three trucks.

My point is not to diss on Ford or Ram. As a Chevy owner I willfully admit I like the Ford looks and love the Ram sound. But the tow ratings war has less to do with power or strength and more to do with sales. I can’t say how heavy would make me uneasy with a one-ton drw - but I can say over 30k would

tuffr2 · 08-25-2018, 07:19 PM

I do not believe Chevy has redesigned the frame on their trucks since 2011. At that time the were using mild steel and a boxed frame.

I may be wrong but I believe that is the frame on the 2018.

Again the Chevy will have a redesign for model year 2020.

The frame was the weak spot on my 2012 Ford dually. Probably why just a 4,400lb cargo capacity while the newer Ford duallies have over 5,000lbs cargo capacity.

FWIW - I looked at a 2018 gas powered 4 x 2 Ram 2500 with a cargo capacity of 3,300 lbs. I bought a 2017 gas powered F-250 4 x 2 with a cargo capacity 3,497 lbs. So I think Ford vs Ram are neck and neck with Chevy behind for now.

tophog · 08-25-2018, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhs4771

We're running a 2018 Silverado High Country Dually with Durmax. We're pulling heavy, not quite DRV heavy, but 19K plus, pin just under 4K. We're close on numbers, but we're registered for 15K so we're covered. This is an upgrade from a 2011 Silverado LT Dually that pulled the said 5er approx 30K miles without a hickup.

Thanks! That helps and where I imagine I would be with the 2018 DRV were looking at. We are minimalist when it comes to packing, etc so don't think we'd be close to even 20K loaded unless I fill up water tank for rare boondocking.

tophog · 08-25-2018, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhooker

I believe the GMs are built structurally equal to both the other 1 ton trucks, but are rated more realistically. Basically the Ram is “rated” to pull two of my 43 foot triple axle fivers simultaneously. 33,000 lbs behind a pickup? No thanks for me.

Look at the hp/torque. Same across brands more or less. Think that Allison torque converters are any less beefy than the Aisin or Ford tranny? Check the box frames, take a look at the brake rotors at the auto parts store and see for yourself. You will find a lot of similarities across all three trucks.

My point is not to diss on Ford or Ram. As a Chevy owner I willfully admit I like the Ford looks and love the Ram sound. But the tow ratings war has less to do with power or strength and more to do with sales. I can’t say how heavy would make me uneasy with a one-ton drw - but I can say over 30k would

Great post and I agree wholeheartedly.

Wood Chip · 08-25-2018, 08:29 PM

I would think the upcoming new GM 4500/ 5500 series would be a great choice for the heavy DRV units. I watched a video on them and I think they are promising.

MtnTrek · 08-25-2018, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tophog

So who's got a newer chevy/gmc 3500 DRW crew cab towing big/heavy 5th wheels such as DRV?
Curious on trailer size/weight and pin weight.
I know most use 20% of trailer GVWR to estimate pin weight. Mostly curious of how close you are to trucks max payload.
Just realized a trailer with GVWR of 21500 has estimated pin weight of 4300 lbs and my trucks payload is only 4480 lbs.
Looks like I need to look at a lighter trailers or a different truck.

We come in near what you're describing with really no issues. Our payload sticker is 4800 lbs. We run with cruise most of the time. DW wife drives frequently. The truck / trailer is level as can be w/ 2" factory riser. I would not fret over any of the new trucks get the one you like best. We preferred the Denali options.
Best of luck.

Jshopes81 · 08-30-2018, 06:18 PM

if your under weight i wouldnt worry too much about it. the makers already build in a safety factor for you so when they say its good to 5000lb(hypothetical number) the reality is its been tested to be good to some number a certain percentage above that. i know lifting devices we use are tested to 200% of capacity and pressure rated tubing depends on the pressure. (150% up to 10,000 psi.). be realistic with your numbers but under is under and over is, well, depending on the severity only call for more frequent service and inspection.