I need help on what to get, 2003 Chevy or Dodge? - READ ONLY

20 messages, Last post on Sep 13, 2003 at 9:59 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet C/K 2500 Series, Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, Exterior, Interior, Truck

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#11 of 20 by jtt3 Sep 08, 2003 (4:56 pm)
I had the same questions but mine was easy too solve. I tow a 14,000 lb. fifth wheel trailer and the 2500HD GMC/Chev was the only one that came close to that tow rating.
#12 of 20 jtt3 by mullins87 Sep 09, 2003 (5:47 am)
What is the GVWR for that truck?
#14 of 20 Mullins by jtt3 Sep 09, 2003 (6:02 am)
The GVWR rating is 9200 lbs GCWR is 22,000 lbs fifth wheel towing capacity is 15,700 on the extended cab and 15,400 on the crew cab
#15 of 20 jtt3 by mullins87 Sep 09, 2003 (10:12 am)
Then your truck, full of fuel with all your passengers and gear in place, can't weigh more than approximately 6,400 lbs or you are over the GVWR on your truck. Of course, you're still under the GCWR.
#16 of 20 Mullins by jtt3 Sep 09, 2003 (6:21 pm)
In my case I have a little more than that because my hitch weight is approx. 2000 lbs so that number is 7200 lbs for the truck with fuel and passengers and gear in truck.
#17 of 20 by mullins87 Sep 09, 2003 (6:29 pm)
2k lbs is light for a 14k lb 5'er. 5'er hitch weight should be appr. 20% of the total weight. But, if the 2k is correct, and I do believe the 7.2k lbs for the truck is pretty darn close, then you are towing within the manufacturer stated limits of your truck. Appears you did your homework, which is more than I can say for a lot of RV'ers I see on a weekly basis.
#18 of 20 Mullins by jtt3 Sep 10, 2003 (5:40 am)
Thanks for the 20% rule. I am currently looking to buy a new 5er and have brochures here for Hitchhiker,Jayco Designer Legacy, McKenzie Medallion and see the 14k units have hitch weights of 2400-2700 lbs. I can find GVWR ratings easily for all these trucks but am having trouble finding curb weights. Do you know of a site where they can be found? I was told along time ago to buy the trailer first then buy a tow vehicle to pull it. Thanks in advance
#19 of 20 jtt3 by mullins87 Sep 10, 2003 (6:32 am)
Manufacturer listed curb weights are useless. I have long since forgotten what Ford lists mine to be, but I do know it is a long way from what the truck actually weighs. Good advice about the truck/trailer combo. For the 5'er you listed, an F-350 dually would be the absolute minimum. Even then it would most likely be appr. 2k lbs over the GCWR of 20k even though it would be under the GVWR. I don't know what the Chevy and Dodge ratings are, it could be they have that extra 2k in the GCWR and/or weigh a little less than the Ford. For my truck with the 5'er you mentioned, here's how the numbers would stack up. I'm assuming the truck is loaded and ready for the trip, complete with passengers, and the 5'er properly loaded to its gross weight of 14k lbs. Truck - appr. 7,500 lbs Pin weight - 2,800 lbs Total truck weight - 10,300 lbs (My truck has a GVWR of 11,200 lbs, so I'm good to go there.) 5'er gross - 14,000 lbs Minus pin weight - 2,800 lbs 5'er axle weight - 11,200 lbs (This is the weight that would probably show up on the scales for the 5'er axles.) Total truck weight - 10,300 lbs 5'er axle weights - 11,200 lbs Total gross weight - 21,500 lbs (I would be over the GCWR of 20,000 lbs.) So, IMO go buy a truck that will not only tow the 5'er you want within its specs, but one that is big enough to handle the load with ease.
#20 of 20 ryanbab by sanchai Sep 13, 2003 (9:59 pm)
7/70K warranty is for transmition, engine, rear ends with $100.00 deductible, but you can buy bumper to bumper for $1800.00. I am waiting to see the 2004 with Lalemie option, there is none in my city.