Hey tow gurus....can it handle it?

[1carguy]

I have a 2013 GMC 2500HD 6.6L Duramax, crew cab, standard bed, GT4 diff (3.73 gears). Standard suspension except Bilstein shocks.

My GMC owner's manual says max trailer weight is 14,700 lbs. and GCWR (loaded truck and trailer combined) is 24,500 lbs.
The sticker on the door jam says GVWR is 10,000.

The specs on the FW I am looking at says dry weight: 11,700 lbs and GVWR: 13,500 lbs.

Unless I'm missing something, this truck should have no problem pulling this FW, right?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I'd say more like barely adequate.  To figure the tow capacity for your specific truck, the best method is to get it weighed on a scale with you and family onboard, then subtract that number from the 24,500 lb GCWR.  Your truck may or may not be able to handle the full 14,700 lbs shown in the manual - any trim options you added will decrease that.  So will passengers and gear in the truck.

The one factor that is missing is your truck payload. It has to be sufficient to carry both the 5W in weight plus the hitch, passengers and gear loaded in/on the truck. A 13,500 lb 5W will have a pin weight around 2700 lbs, so when you add passengers and hitch the total will be 3000-3300 lbs. That's a lot for your truck, but check the placard on the driver door post for Max Payload (Passengers and Cargo). You may come up short on payload - many 3/4 ton trucks do.

 

[SpencerPJ]

I agree with Gary.  You need to tell us what the Payload is.  I will agree also, you have a very capable truck, but that is a beast you are wanting to pull as well.  13.+ gvwr, is not a picnic in the park.  Personally, I don't like 'near' maxing my equipment, but then again, I'm a tad heavy footed to start.

 

[1carguy]

I found a sticker on the B pillar TIRE AND LOAD INFORMATION and it says: combined weight of passengers and cargo should never exceed 2409 lbs.

 

[rbrdriver]

Next thing you need to know is hitch weight of the fifth wheel when loaded. You will probably see that you will really be pushing the limit of that 3/4 ton. ???

 

[Back2PA]

Pin weight of a fifth wheel runs 20-25% of gross weight. At 20% the pin weight of a 13,500# trailer would be 2700 lbs, putting you 300 lbs over not including passengers, driver, hitch and anything else in the truck

 

[1carguy]

Well, it doesn't make sense to go buy a new truck just to step up a little in my choice of FWs. My 2 year old Jayco FW is looking better every day!

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[Gizmo100]

Well, it doesn't make sense to go buy a new truck just to step up a little in my choice of FWs. My 2 year old Jayco FW is looking better every day!

Thanks for the input guys.

And look at the money you just saved.

 

[scale obsession]

And look at the money you just saved.

I think someone should figure up the amount he saved, and then divide that amount, by everyone who helped him save said money, and mail out checks to those who helped HAHA! teasing guys. Its getting late. I'd better get to bed. 

 

[Gizmo100]

I think someone should figure up the amount he saved, and then divide that amount, by everyone who helped him save said money, and mail out checks to those who helped HAHA! teasing guys. Its getting late. I'd better get to bed. 

My rule is.....If I save a bunch of money by doing my homework then I get to buy a new tool or toy.

Others may live vicariously thru me ;D ;D

 

[Oldgator73]

And look at the money you just saved.

He should split it with us (since I am your business manager, don?t deny it, I have a signed contract). 

 

[donn]

13+ GVWR is going to dump close to 3000 pounds directly over your rear axle.  Guaranteed you A, dont have tire capacity, B, dont have wheel capacity, C, dont have enough springs, and D, you definitely dont have enough truck to handle the weight.  Dont believe me, go load 3000 pounds of gravel in the bed and take it down the highway.  Be sure to run it across the scales.  If that does not convince you of the folly of this idea, then go do it.

 

[grashley]

Lots of uneducated campers do it every weekend.  Some get away with it.

Your max load in and on that truck is 2400#.  Even the dry wt will have a pin wt of 2400#.  Now add 200# for the hitch and the weight of all passengers and cargo.  Way Over!

Of course, the RV salesman will say your empty truck can handle the dry pin wt, and they are correct.  He will neglect to say it is at its limit right there, with no room left even for the driver, let alone camper cargo, passengers, truck cargo, etc.

There are several weight limits, and all need met.  You barely meet GCWR.  You fail truck GVWR and likely Rear axle rating and may fail rear tire load ratings.

Do I get in on the saved money jackpot??  Let's see...    $00000.00 / 9 =  OH NO!!!!!!!

 

[Gizmo100]

He should split it with us (since I am your business manager, don?t deny it, I have a signed contract). 

And your the reason I have 4 Tax attorneys for my full 7 year audit next week.

By the way my copy of that signed contact is with the IRS it seems they are concerned about it being notarized by Mayor McCheese.

Do I get in on the saved money jackpot??  Let's see...    $00000.00 / 9 =  OH NO!!!!!!!

 

Feel blessed...According to my business manager....The money I saved the OP, means I owe my  business manager $28.42. I just can't afford to help people anymore.