First tow today- 12k lbs

2014KL · October 2, 2017

I wouldn't tow that much on the highway and stopping isn't an issue. The trailer has brakes. I'd be more worried about swaying at highway speeds

sdeeter19555 · October 2, 2017

Are the receivers even rated for that?

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L86 All Terrain · October 2, 2017

Tow ratings are just guidelines based on the factory specs of the vehicle. Anything you do to your truck will increase your rating (not legally, but in reality). An E load tire, helper bags etc. In the class 8 world, you get credit for things like a wider steer tire, a 12" tire will get you 500kg more than an 11" tire etc. But you are right I see a lot of the mentality "Oh I dropped a gear and rev'd to 3,000rpm while pulling a 5,000lb boat up a mountain, I better buy a Duramax." That's just not true, my rigs pull great with 550hp and 2,250tq, but I will still drop 8 gears and be down to 30mph on a hard pull. Still pulls great when you compare it to a 12L highway rig.

garagerog · October 2, 2017

L86, just curious what is the correct name for those machines on the lowboy? They look like those machines used in logging with an extendable boom that strip the lower branches and then grip the tree trunk and saw thru quickly all in one fell swoop. Also do you have any idea what the gross weight of that load was? I've seen one D10 dozer on a lowboy before, but this load looks heavier.

KARNUT · October 2, 2017

Tree skidder, drags trees from the cut to the loading area.

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Sierra706 · October 2, 2017

Tree skidder, drags trees from the cut to the loading area.

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Or moose back to the pickup ;)

While tires, airbags/spring, and hitches can easily be added, brakes are usually the weak point and not easily/cheaply upgraded. I’ve hauled 4000lbs of compost in the bed from the garden center back to the house. Short trip, truck handled it fine power and suspension wise with helper springs, but I could definitely feel the weight braking. If i was a landscaper or contractor and regularly hauled those kinds of loads i wouldnt use a 1/2 ton, but the occasionally use isn’t the end of the world if you drive carefully.

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L86 All Terrain · October 2, 2017

L86, just curious what is the correct name for those machines on the lowboy? They look like those machines used in logging with an extendable boom that strip the lower branches and then grip the tree trunk and saw thru quickly all in one fell swoop. Also do you have any idea what the gross weight of that load was? I've seen one D10 dozer on a lowboy before, but this load looks heavier.

They are called grapple skidders. A feller-buncher cuts down the trees and these machines drag the trees in big bundles to the machine you are talking about (de-limber) or a Peterson chipper. A D10 is usually around 180,000lbs working weight. These two machines weigh around 50,000lbs each, so about 170k with truck and trailer. I just do this on short bush moves, as it would be way too heavy for a 3 axle trailer legally on the highway. A D10 would need the blade removed and you would still need 8-9 axles on the trailer config., depending what province/state you are moving in. No intention to hijack the thread, just showing that GVWR's are a guideline, not the point in which a vehicle failure will occur. Each State and Province will have different rules and regulations regarding allowable weights and that the 'tow rating' on your pickup truck is a just a guideline but only your axle weights (and hitch rating) really matter. Figuratively, you "could" build a trailer with a gross allowable of 20,000lbs, that could still technically come in under your legal axle weights on your 1500. But as people said, braking becomes a safety concern. Half tons don't have an engine brake to rely on, where I can stop that 100,000lb load in less than a half mile without touching the foot brake at all.

garagerog · October 2, 2017

L86, thanks for the info on the logging equipment, all kinds of heavy equipment fascinates me!

truckguy82 · October 2, 2017

Or moose back to the pickup ;)

While tires, airbags/spring, and hitches can easily be added, brakes are usually the weak point and not easily/cheaply upgraded. I’ve hauled 4000lbs of compost in the bed from the garden center back to the house. Short trip, truck handled it fine power and suspension wise with helper springs, but I could definitely feel the weight braking. If i was a landscaper or contractor and regularly hauled those kinds of loads i wouldnt use a 1/2 ton, but the occasionally use isn’t the end of the world if you drive carefully.

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yeah because you added 4k lbs of mass on the same brakes

heavy trailers have brakes on them

Brandon5799 · October 2, 2017

Reminds me of the day I was asked to help pull a camper, when I got there it was a 45’ mobile home lol. I had a 1 ton Ford V10 6 speed at the time. I was actually amazed how well it did. Suspension handled it with ease, I never broke 40 mph though because I was sweating bullets as it was pulling it down a state highway. I’d hate to know what fines I would have paid if I had gotten caught.