This is copied from my last post on Air Bags. I know need to know if I am S.O.L and need to upgrade to a 3500 Dullie...
Okay airbags going in on Friday morning. only rig we tow so went cheap and got the Ride Rite from Firestone, with just a tee. I only haul one rig so I have no need to change settings , just check them before towing and weekly. A slight problem is that here in California in late 2003 the HO option kept getting pushed back. We ended up with a 2004 non HO. When I searched the tow ratings, it always came back with around 13300. Well found out today 10k is max. Weighed it today and steering was @4270, Drives @5500 and trailer 9860 for a total of 19630. 2630 over without wife, kid, dog and bikes. Man I made a huge mistake. The question for today is with the Bully Dog in HO mode, I have 395 hP and 745 lbs of torque. The difference between the 2004 and 2004.5 is 3000 lbs. Is that just the engine or other factors. Thank goodness we will not be going out of the area much except next weekends 290 mile rt over the Grapevine..

 

Don't take the tow ratings as gospel. I have a slide in camper with truck weighs in at 10,500 I am licensed and insured for 11,000 and can go to 12,500 sticker on door says 8800.Just go to your DOT and ask them how high of weight you can go with tires and axles you have.

 

I am not too worried about the MAN... I am worried about the truck. If the truck can handle it, the wife can handle it. Just checking to see if anyone pulled that much with the few mods I have. I guess I will learn this weekend.

 

As long as the trailer brakes are in working order you'll be fine. I wouldnt woory about it.

 

There is lots of guys out there pulling well over 20,000 lbs and they are just fine. Your truck will do fine, worry more about if you have BBQ liter or something worthy of worry.

 

sssmaly,

I don't think there is anything different between the SO and HO other than the engine programming. Brakes, axles, tranny (I may be wrong here - it may have the 47RE tranny) are the same as the HO 2500. And with your Bully Dog you're making plenty of power to haul a lot more than 10,000 lbs. So don't worry about, you're good to go.

 

I am at ease...... None of you guys are salesman are you? I love hearing the ole line, sure your 1500 V6 can pull that 15k tow behind. Or the other side, buy this closeout truck, it gets great mileage for a V6 and you can tow 10k lbs......Thanks

 

You will have no problem at all.....that truck will laugh at 10k#. You will be surprised how much you can haul.

 

As all others said, no problem with towing that. I pull a 32' flat deck with a total of 18,000 Lbs sitting on it. Add somewhere around 7,200 for the trailer itself and I'm pulling around 25K. My 2500 pulls it but it is tough at times mainly getting it going from a stop. My trailer brakes are great and I added a PAC brake so it does stop better than it goes.

Enjoy the trip.

 

Thanks you guys, you are much smarter than the manufacturer. The 12k lb. toyhauler went up the Grapevine in 92 degree weather at 55 no problem. I was happy Now we can bring the whole thoothbush instead of cutting it in half to save weight

 

I have a srw 2500, and I pull a 37' 5er. It weighs approx 13k, truck is somewheres between 7 and 8 k. I have airbags, and have never had a problem, before or after all my mods. I am now pulling my rig with a stock 07 duramax 2500, no problems

Kevin

 

sssmaly,
You can leave the tooth paste tube at home and just use the rock salt from the salt bag ( you do have one?) mixed with water for toothpaste. I also have a comb with most of the teeth gone as I have most of the hair gone so don't need a "heavy" comb.