C4500 owners, how would you answer this question?

[More Power]

I received the following email about the 4500's ability. Can you help provide an answer? MP



I am purchasing a new 2004 Chevy c4500 series cab and chassis with the Duramax 6.6 Lt turbo diesel and the Allison 1000 series. I have heard some great things about them both, however, I have also read the BB postings in where some owners of the 2500 series have had problems.

My concern is that I am purchasing a truck with a gvw of 17,500 lbs that uses the same motor and tranny that the 2500 series PICKUPS use - with a gvw of 9800 lbs. I would like some input on this and if I the c4500 will handle the loads.
Thank you

Frank S.
NY

[ 03-29-2004, 12:22 PM: Message edited by: More Power ]

[DonG]

I do not own a 4500, but since no one else is reponding, I will give feed back on my 3500 pulling a 14,000 lb. fifth wheel.

My truck is also a two wheel drive if the "C" in C4500 means the same thing. My truck weighs close to 8000 lbs. when we have it loaded with equipment for a trip. Not quite 9800 lbs. but getting close. I have never run any chips on the engine, and have over 16,000 miles with most of that towing.

I am very pleased with the ability of the truck to tow my trailer, even out West where we have several significant hills between the West coast and the East. I get just about 10 mpg while towing. Less in the mtns. and more on the flat lands.

My secret is simply take it easy. Wind resistance alone will kill you if you go too fast.

I hope this helps.
Don

[a5150nut]

If you go back a few years, the C50/C60 Chevys ran the same 350 small block as the 1/2 & 3/4 ton trucks. They did have lower gears but would pull fine. Just not as fast. They also had 2 speed rear axels.

My old 74 3/4 ton hauled 5800lbs of gravel once. Water level in the bed. I got by with it once but wouldn't make a habit out of it......

Don't try to be the first one up the hill and drive what the truck will handle.

[JB6600]

We have not towed with ours yet as we are waiting for the bed before we install our hitch.So far we really like the truck and it appears it will be better than our 2500 D/MAX................JB

[lineman]

More Power, I run a 5500 daily with the D-Max and Ali.Total weight on this truck with all my tools ,wire, ladders, connectors, insulators, and 38 ft material handling boom is 17600 lbs. As I have stated on this board before, this is the best truck that I have had for my work in 22 years.This truck will get up and go way better than the 2003 7.3 F--d ( not 6.0 ) F550 that I just got out of. The only thing that I don't like about the truck is it always fills top heavy.And correct me if I am wrong,I believe this 5500 has 300 hp and 705 ft lbs from the factory. Lineman

[JB6600]

Lineman,
The D-Max has 300 HP and 520 ft. lbs. torque from the factory.It just feels like more :D ...........JB.

[lineman]

JB6600 Sorry about that. I had glanced at the stats in the book and had read the metric version conversion which was 702 m-n,or something like that.But your right about it feeling like that much torque! Lineman

[More Power]

Lineman,

Do you know the rear diff ratio you're running, and at what freeway speeds do you typically run at?

Thanks for everyone's input.

MP

[lineman]

MP, If I remember correctly we speced 444:1, with G80's and 19000 lb rear axles.The G80's are Eaton units.At 65mph I believe the RPM's run about 2200.I am on vacation until Wednesday.I can verify all this on Thursday if needed.But I know I'm pretty close on the RPM's. Lineman

[lineman]

MP,I checked the speeds today on a freeway trip.At 70 in OD:2700rpm , 65 : 2300RPM, 60 WAS 2000 RPM, 55 : 1850 RPM.I have a switch on my dash to lock out the overdrive and with OD locked out, about 56 MPH is max at 3000 RPM, with pilot injection cutting off.The rearend ratio is the 4.44.