Manufacture tow ratings and dot regulations

I don't know if you can, but why would you? A manufactures tow rating is the max they recommend towing with the vehicle, that means worst case scenario. Very intelligent people who want to sell you something are telling you this is the best my product can do, don't push it any farther then that. A bigger consideration also isn't how much can it tow, but importantly how much it can stop. I personally think the way to get good performance and longevity out of a piece of equipment is to not buy the smallest tool that will do the job but the largest tool I can do the job with. A heavy duty understressed vehicle will last a lot longer then an over stressed light duty vehicle. It sounds like another case of somebody wants to do big boy trucking with a little boys truck.

Adam

 

I agree with JokinGypsy to a point, especially about the safety aspect.

Lets get down to the facts though. The fact is if you look at the window sticker on a new truck and read the fine print they use the words, and make the statement, Recommendation, Unless other optional equipment has been added when talking about GCVW. Optional equipment, what is that? To me it's a hitch that can handle the weight your wanting to pull, Trailer axles, and brakes that can handle the weight your wanting to pull.

We all watched the Toyota pull the space shuttle, was that legal, or illegal? It was legal, because the combined equipment (dollies) was rated to handle the weight of the truck, trailer, and load being carried. Was using a Toyota to pull the space shuttle smart, or practical? Myself, I don't think so.

Also, look in the door jam of these trucks, it doesn't even mention Grossed Combined Vehicle Weight Rating. It just tells you the axle weight ratings.

All this said, I think you should buy a 4500, or even 5500 and haul with it like if you were using a 3500. Having higher axle, brake, tire, hitch ratings is only a plus if your not maxing them out. And keep in mind that all these trucks come with the same engine. It may be able to pull heavy loads but for how long?

 

I pulled a 5th wheel camper behind a 2500 HD Chevy with a duramax engine. The trailer weigh was 13,500 dry. The pin weight was around 1600 or 17000 I can not remember exactly. The truck was a single rear wheel. I put a set of rear air bags on it because the truck could just barely handle that load, after I did that it was a lot better. I set it up with on board compressor and gauge on dash so I could adjust air bag pressure.

If you are going to pull a load of that size or bigger in a commercial application I would definitely get a DRW truck. The brand if up for debate but the GM product with a Dmax is the best engine by far.

 

Only pull recommended weight or you will damage your equipment

 

The downside about GM 3500's is the low 8400 lb rear axle ratings.

 

If you want to do the work of a bigger truck then get one.

 

Agreed, thats why I say get a 4500, or 5500 Dodge.

 

That is not a big truck, get a truck like a small freightliner or such with a real diesel in it.