I have question about Towing.

How much can I really tow?

2006, 5.9, auto 4x4 Mega.
Spec says I can tow 12450
GVWR 9000
GCWR 20000

So based on a GCWR of 20000, I should only tow a trailer that has a GCWR of 11000.

20000 - 9000 = 11000.

Right?

Also, this is a bumper pull, so the hitch weight should not exceed 1200.

Right.

Thanks,

Stealth

 

That is correct as far as the math. The biggest limiting factor is the trans. There are many hot shotters running 36-38k out here.

 

"Also, this is a bumper pull, so the hitch weight should not exceed 1200."

If you don't have a WD hitch, I believe w/factory hitch about 500 tongue(hitch) weight is as much as you want to go. You can get a WD hitch that is rated for #1K TW, #10K trailer weight. It would be one heck of a ride w/#1,200 tongue weight & no WD hitch!

My .02

 

[QUOTE=Stealth06Ram;1906726]I have question about Towing.

How much can I really tow?

2006, 5.9, auto 4x4 Mega.
Spec says I can tow 12450
GVWR 9000
GCWR 20000

So based on a GCWR of 20000, I should only tow a trailer that has a GCWR of 11000.

20000 - 9000 = 11000.

Right?

Also, this is a bumper pull, so the hitch weight should not exceed 1200.

Right.




Common sense has to play a part in your decision. I'd say sure you can tow it, but you better have excellent trailer brakes, a good controller and not go through the mountains in the winter or be speeding along in traffic a 80 MPH, etc. I wouldn't do it all the time, but maybe for a short distance in good weather. Why would you want to tow that load on a regular basis? If you do maybe a bigger truck makes sense. What are you planning to do?



John

 

You weren't really being serious with this comment..........right? Even by Dodge's down-rated numbers (which is still over 12K on a 2500) they are low numbers. People out there are exceeding that GREATLY, DAILY. Fully loaded truck (passengers, some stuff in the bed, etc) and an 11K trailer...that's a NOTHING job for these trucks. Even our factory Class IV hitch is rated at 8000lbs straight bumper pull and 12000lbs with a weight distributing hitch...I say pull it all day long and laugh at the Fords and Chevys that are pulling over nearly twice as often as you are to stop for fuel.

 

I can tow a 10K trailer with a 20K in hay no probs..Its not the going that kills, its the stopping

 

Thanks for the responses, I guess I should have stated this from a LEGAL perspective.


Legally, you should not exceed the GCWR of 20K, So if the Truck has a GVWR of 9K, the trailer should only be rated for a GVWR of 11K. From a Legal Perspective.

Stealth

Comments?

 

manufacturers GCVWR is a recommendation.

legal GCVW is determined by adding the licensed GVW of the truck with the licensed trailer GVW. So long as you are not exceeding the tire load ratings at any one axle you will be legal. there is more that goes into it but that is the basics

 

I know when you read the laws of various states on towing multiple trailers, it specifically states you cannot go past the tow vehicles GCWR. Doesn't say, "we recommend you don't exceed the GCWR". When I moved to CO, I read the laws for WI, MN, IO, NE, and CO. I would doubt it is any different when towing just one trailer. If I'm understanding the way ddestruel's example, I can hook a semi trailer behind my dodge if I can get it coupled and be legal.

 

The laws should read "Do not exceed the licensed GCWR of the tow vehicle" otherwise half the RVrs and all the Hotshots out there would be in jail.

 

So far, your quote appears to be correct. I'm looking in the WI laws because I'm more familier with that state and they have an awesome online utility for navigating the state statutes. Also, WI will allow you to underlicense the weight capacity of a truck. I can put a half-ton plate on a 3/4 ton truck and pay a lower fee. There has to be a statute here that says you cannot license the vehicle greater than the manufacturer's rating.

 

I did not look in here for your truck, but here is a link to Dodge towing guide.
http://www-5.dodge.com/towing5/D/home.html

 

This equasion assumes the truck will be loaded to it's gross vehicle weight rating. If you only have a passenger and no cargo in the pickup, the truck won't weigh 9000 pounds.

If you want to stay within ratings, I'd say...

20000 (mfg's gross combined rating) minus what the truck scales at with passengers and ready to tow = what the trailer can weigh without exceeding the truck's combined rating...