Another "How much can I tow" question from a newbie

[Steelfeathers]

I plan to purchase a 35' Toy Hauler (dual axle) in the near future. Here's the weight specs:

Hitch Weight 2,850 lbs Dry Weight 12,045 lbs Cargo Weight 4,455 lbs

 

Was wanting the GMC 2500HD/Duramax, but according to the brochure it won't handle the weight.

 

So, looking at the 3500HD (Denali) SRW. The stats show it should be OK

Maximum Trailering w/5th wheel or gooseneck 16,800

 

I really don't want to go the dually route.

 

So, based only on the "book stats", I think I'll be OK.

 

Any thoughts/things I've missed, guys?

[NoMoreGM4Me]

Why don't you want a dually? I am sure it would be more stable.

 

Are you going to use this truck for non-towing or will it be a dedicated tow rig?

[00Silverado4x4]

I plan to purchase a 35' Toy Hauler (dual axle) in the near future. Here's the weight specs:

Hitch Weight 2,850 lbs Dry Weight 12,045 lbs Cargo Weight 4,455 lbs

 

Was wanting the GMC 2500HD/Duramax, but according to the brochure it won't handle the weight.

 

So, looking at the 3500HD (Denali) SRW. The stats show it should be OK

Maximum Trailering w/5th wheel or gooseneck 16,800

 

I really don't want to go the dually route.

 

So, based only on the "book stats", I think I'll be OK.

 

Any thoughts/things I've missed, guys?

 

 

Your hitch weight must be subtracted from the maximum tow capacity of rig. So your capacity is 16,800 - 2,850 = 13,950. Fully loaded rig (12,045 (dry weight) + 4,450 (cargo weight) = 16,495. Leaves you only 305 left that you can put in your truck before you overload. Now also depending on your state, you may already be over weight since your looking at 98% of towing capacity. Remember you still haven't even put yourself in the truck & put fuel in the tank. Don't want to start any arguments, just putting out the generic facts.

[Steelfeathers]

06SierraZ71 - no need for concern about your comments. As you saw in my post, I am a newbie. As for why I don't want the dually, I'll be using this truck for some of my daily getting around. Plus i believe the dually is a bit rougher ride than the single.

 

Like I said, I'm looking for your opinions and, so far, it looks like my idea of the SRW may not be a good one.

[NoMoreGM4Me]

Have you considered getting a motorhome and towing a small car for getting around? It would save on a lot of fuel during non-towing driving.

 

Years ago, a friend's dad retired and bought a 5th wheel and a 1-ton to travel around the country in. He then realized he was spending a lot of money on gas getting 8-10 MPG with the 1-ton while the 5th wheel was parked (he would travel and stay put for a month at a time sometimes). He then sold both and bought a motorhome and a small car that he flat-towed and was much happier with that set-up.

[00Silverado4x4]

It's still a good idea, just the trailer in question may be a bit much for even a 3500. Is there a potential for a small/lighter trailer or as Boss 302 said a motor home with a small vehicle in tow?

[Steelfeathers]

Good point about the gas mileage. I thought the 3500HD dually was good for over 20,000lbs towing? At this point, all options are open.

[APT]

2800 pounds pin weight will grow to about 3500, plus a 200-300 pounds hitch, plus you, plus anyone else in cab and anything else in bed. A loaded (Denali) SRW does not have enough payload.