2500HD vs 3500 SRW GVWR

[MacDR50]

Facts: Everything except spring set, tires and wheels are the same on both units. The rear axles are rated by the manufacturer at 11,000 so GRAWR is not limited by the axles but by the suspension and/or wheels/tires.

My 4x4 2500hd Ext Cab SB
GVWR 9200
Curb weight 6567
Gross Payload 2633
(T&L Dr Chart) 2385

3500 4x4 SRW Ext Cab LB
GVWR 9900
Curb Weight 6815
Gross Payload 3085
(T&L Dr Chart) ????

My GVWR and T&L maximum load is exactly 700 less than a 3500 SRW GVWR and Gross Payload respectively.

I need most of that 700 to handle my 5th wheel so:

I upgraded tires from 245/75R16 (3042 lbs) to 265/75R16 (3415 lbs)
I installed a rear Timbrens set (capacity 3000lbs)

Did I pick up enough to get that 700 lbs? The only significant difference now is the wheels which are 7 inches wide on the 3500 and 6.5 on the 2500. The best I can find on the 16x6.5 rims is they should have a weight capacity of at least 3450 at 80psi. so this shouldn't be an issue.

Do I have a 3500 in all but name. No, but pretty darn close IMHO. I needed 2900-3000 for my PIN on the 5th, me and the Mrs, the hitch and a few comforts in the cab. By jove, I think I have it!

[DmaxMaverick]

You are asking if it is OK to exceed what the law allows. The answer is, no. Too much trailer for that truck, and even a 3500 SRW. We, or anyone, can not endorse that without assuming some liabilities.

Having said that.... Don't know about the Timbrens (no experience with them), but the rest of the truck isn't going to strain over it. I've essentially done the same, only with airbags. Never missed a beat. My trailer probably isn't as heavy as yours, and it's still too big.

On the other hand, any person who responds to your question won't stand up for you in a court of law, if it ever comes into question.

[Mark Rinker]

I install Timbrens on all 2500 and 3500 series trucks that we haul with, mostly so the trucks don't sag under load...a negative visual cue to enforcement that we don't want.

They do help with stabilizing the truck under heavy loads, but really shouldn't be considered 'additional load carrying' equipment. They are really just a (functional) band-aid. There certainly is no negative to running them, when unloaded.

If you tow REALLY heavy, and over uneven surfaces, they can cause lots of shock through the cab, your lower back, etc...I shook a mirror right off the windshield once under these conditions, for example!

[MacDR50]

My GVWR on the trailer is 14,000 due to the CSA rating the Dexter axles to 6000 from 7000 because the brakes are too narrow by their standard. I don't full time so my actual weight never exceeds 13,000. The 3585SA Montanna has a lighter PIN because it is an aft kitchen design. My curb PIN was only 1850 on a curb weight of 11,135 (17%). My loaded PIN is between 2500 and 2600. The maximum PIN for a 2500HD according to GM is 3000# and for the 3500 is 3500#. I accept that a 3500DRW would be much better/safer but I also use my truck to commute to work and there just isn't enough space in my driveway for my wife's car and a dually.

Thanks for the comments. I just thought I would share what I did. Timbrens act very much like a third spring. Just like the three spring set in the 3500 SRW.

[Mark Rinker]

I really like my 2006 K3500 SRW. The ride (loaded or unloaded) is much smoother that any of the three K2500s I've owned. The K3500 dually ride (loaded or unloaded)...sucks, in comparison.

If you haven't driven one, try it. I think you'd soon be commuting AND towing in a K3500 SRW!

[DmaxMaverick]

Not saying you can't do it, but (disclaimer), if it isn't legal, you have to know everything is for "off highway use only", so to speak. And, I was never here......

I have a 32' Mountaineer (measure tape says 36', front to rear), and it's heavy. 3 slides (2x full size, 1x queen bedroom with walk-around), and a mid kitchen. I scaled it right after I bought it, and it was just below the OEM RAWR before loading. It also has LT235/85/16E tires (10 PR), so they aren't a concern (came with "Made in USA" tires, believe it or not). I load it carefully to distribute the weight. It has a rear fresh water storage (just in front of the rear bumper), so w/o water, the pin can be overloaded. Returning from a trip (especially dry camping), it is VERY pin heavy, because all that fresh water is now midship in the gray/black tanks. The truck has never failed to handle the weight very well (stability and braking), but keeping it legal has been an effort in futility. I get it very close, but never under. I've added a motorcycle rack rear of the rear bumper, and that helps, but keeps my trailer axles right at the limit, no matter how I load it. Fully loaded for a 2 week trip to the dunes (with son's smaller MC in the bed), I scaled at GCWR + about 1,600#. Extra tools, clothing, groceries, toys (motorcycles, gas, etc.) really add up. No difference with how the truck handled it with 2K less, but overweight, just the same. I wouldn't head out cross-country with it, but the 200 mile trip to the coast wasn't a big deal. I have considered moving the hitch forward an inch or two (plenty of front axle capacity left), but it handles so well as-is, I hate to mess with it.