Trailer weight towing capacity 2500HD Vs 3500?

[01_Duramax_Dually]

I have a friend considering a new truck, he went into the chevy dealer and asked about towing capacities. The brochure stated the following:

3500 with Duramax and 3.73 max trailer weight 15,100

Same in 2500HD is 15,600

He called me and asked me why that was. The 3500 should be able to tow more payload. I was unable to answer his question.

Input please..or thoughts so I may answer his question?

Regards
Jeff

[DonG]

Jeff,
I believe the max rated capacity of both trucks is 22,000 lbs. The dually weighs more so it has to pull less to reach 22,000.
However, the dually can handle 11,400 lbs. of bed load vs. the 9200 lbs. for the 2500HD.
Don

[ 04-04-2002: Message edited by: Don G ]</p>

[mdrag]

'01_DuraMax_Dooley,

The 2500HD and the 3500 both have the same GCWR (gross combination weight rating - weight of tow vehicle/driver/fluids + weight of trailer). Since the 2500HD is lighter than the 3500, with the correct set up, it could pull a heavier trailer. So a 3500 CC D/A 4WD - being the heaviest of the models - would have the lowest trailering capacity for a bumper pull set up if one observes the GCWR...

For fifth wheel trailering, the 2500HD has a lower GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and rear axle rating, and therefore a lower kingpin weight rating than the 3500. So even though the 2500HD could pull a heavier trailer based on the GCWR, you have to take into account the lower kingpin rating - and then the 2500HD would not be able to pull as heavy of a 5th wheel as the 3500 and stay within the various ratings.

Hopefully I didn't confuse you even more... :D

[01_Duramax_Dually]

Thank You guys,
I was trying to explain this to my friend. It is a game of math. With all these new trucks it is application dependant. 5th wheel I would use a 2500HD however a 11'6" camper(which is what I planned on) a 3500 is the most practical way.

I forwarded the information to him.

Carry On..........

[ThePend]

Hi guys

I also believe that the type of truck he buys will play a factor. i.e. Reg Cab, Ext Cab, Crew Cab, Short bed, Long bed, 2WD or 4WD.

If he wants the highest towing capacity, 16200lbs, then a 2500HD Reg Cab 2WD Long bed is the way to go. If he wants the least 15400lbs, then a 3500 Crew Cab 4WD is it.

I know it sounds weird that the larger truck tows less, but the weigh of the truck is factored in as well. With the 3500 CC 4WD weighing the most, it tows the least.

At least that is according to the Silverado brochure.

my 2 cents anyway

[larry989]

The killer for the 2500HD is the 9200 lbs for the rear axel.
Once you get everything in/on your truck including the pin weight of the 5er it sin;t hard to go over the 9200 lbs.
Now maybe they will raise all that when they have a few more years under the Dmax.
They raise the CGVWR from 2002 to 2002

Keeping my fingers crossed cause I want a 2500HD, but want to tow a 35" RV (15,000lbs)

[Jackmchome]

I tow a 3 axle 36" fifth wheel @ 15000lbs with my 01 2500HD D/A Reg cab. Factory sez max pin weight of 2500 lbs. My pin is a little over 2700lbs. On a certified scale my rear axle weighs 5560lbs. Max for axle is 6084. Everything works great so far. No add ons or modifications. Just hook it up and go!. :D

[GBurton]

FYI - California owners

I noticed that a few of the folks that made comments about this topic are listed as being from California. May I suggest that you take a look at the two links that I listed below?
I doubt that very many of our CHP officers know about the weight restrictions or about the endorsement that is required. I KNOW that you will have to find someone at DMV who is willing to find the proper procedure to add the over 10k but less than 15k restriction 41 to your license. No, I did not make a typo, once you cut through all of the garbage at DMV you will find out that it is really called a restriction, not an endorsement. The number is D41.

After saying all of that, why am I concerned about having it on my license? It might become very important if you have a accident and have to defend yourself in court. Just maybe the other person’s attorney will know about it and challenge your right to be towing your large 5th wheel trailer without the proper license.

George

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt2.htm
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs3thru5.htm

[ 04-04-2002: Message edited by: GBurton ]

[ 04-04-2002: Message edited by: GBurton ]</p>

[Big O]

Regardless of the 'rated' limits, "In the real world" the 3500 will handle the heavier weights better than the 2500. I don't think it could be denied that duallies give more stablity that single wheels, when towing heavy weights. I have had both configurations, in the big 3 brands, and duallies are more stable. My $.02

[N.E. TMRPR]

I'm not sure if this still applies to the new 2500HD versus the 3500 but everyone worries about getting the weight going, I've always been concerned about getting it stopped. The 3500 always had bigger brakes than the 2500's but that was on the older ones, I'm not sure on the new ones though. Just my 2cts.

[Pizza Man]

In my opinion...for serious towing, one should use a dually. I do not think 3/4 tons should be used for towing long and/or heavy trailers. I think duallies give the truck better stability and help correct over steer better. Also I think when on the highway if there is a blow out on truck or trailer that a dually is safer. And if the trailer catches the edge of the median and pulls the trailer off the road that a dually is better for correecting. This is just my opinion for towing heavy and long loads. With that said I believe that the GM 3500's are underrated and/or the 2500's are overrated. Even though the 3500 crews are heavier, I would much rather be maxed at 26000lbs in a dually than a 2500.

[Maverick]

Well said Pizza Man. I'll have a large pepperoni with extra cheese please. Throw in an extra "Juice" box since I will get thirsty. :D