confused

[PA hayseed]

Read several threads here, which sometimes break into a GM vs. Ford vs. toyota vs. dodge discussion. I am sure some knowledgeable poster can answer this simple question.

2008 2500HD 4x4 (gasser) with 3.73 gears - what can it tow?

Got a real good deal on this truck, will only tow maybe two times per month. Towing dk45 filled rears, loader, and maybe an implement (PHD or BB). Been saving my nickles for an 18ft appalachian trailer (10K didn't want 7k version) which weighs in the neighborhood of 2k. I figure the trailer weight with the tractor loader and implement weight will top 7k.

Second question, truck has tow package, looking at aftermarket brake controller. Question: is the stock hitch good enough? Once again, only towing about 2 times a month, short distances no longer than 40 miles. Will be climbing at least two hills (mountains in PA terms, hills in colorado terms, bumps in Himalayan terms) .

For those who need to know such things, I could not justify the increase in price for the diesel for the little use it will really get. The truck runs fine enough with about a ton and a half in the bed up and down the mountains. It has already hauled it's fair share of topsoil and gravel, and wood pellets.

 

[doall]

Your truck should do just fine towing that load. As far as the hitch read on it what its cap. is. tongue weight and towing weight. Would definitely ad brake controller.

 

[MaJYk]

Stock hitch, and trucks ability will be plenty for what you described, make sure your drawbar and ball are also rated for 10k loads.
If you're new to brake controllers, i recommend you get one that automatically adjusts and that will be "plug and play", simply plugs in under the dash as opposed to older trucks requiring they be wired up. Look in ur manual, I think there's a fuse in the under hood panel that needs to be moved, added or removed for it to work.

 

[timswi]

What engine do you have?

Everything else you mentioned should be just fine. Do check the hitch, ball and drawbar for weight ratings.

You can get a nice controller from pep Boys for around $130. You can get the manufacturer harness to plug it into the harness. hardest part is finding somewhere to mount it.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Ok, we know its a 6.0 2500 4x4 HD with 3.73 gears. What cab and bed does it have? I have a book that list all tow ratings for every truck and SUV made in the last 10 years. Give me that info and I can look it up but I can tell you the range is 9,600# to 10,200# just making a quick glance at the 2008 model year.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

What engine do you have?

Everything else you mentioned should be just fine. Do check the hitch, ball and drawbar for weight ratings.

You can get a nice controller from pep Boys for around $130. You can get the manufacturer harness to plug it into the harness. hardest part is finding somewhere to mount it.

He has the 6.0. They canned the 8.1 a few years prior. The truck should do everything he needs it to do but much more weight and the 4.10 gears would be much nicer.

Good advise on the draw bar and ball. Its often overlooked. My uncle broke one and I have bent them before.

Any brake controller will do what you need. I buy all my stuff from these folks. Best in the business and can get you everything you need to hook it up correctly.

http://www.randpcarriages.com/

Chris

 

[timswi]

He has the 6.0. They canned the 8.1 a few years prior. The truck should do everything he needs it to do but much more weight and the 4.10 gears would be much nicer.

Good advise on the draw bar and ball. Its often overlooked. My uncle broke one and I have bent them before.

Any brake controller will do what you need. I buy all my stuff from these folks. Best in the business and can get you everything you need to hook it up correctly.

R and P Carriages Trailer Sales, Service, Parts and Rentals

Chris

Agreed that 4:10's would be better. For what he's talking about (limited use) he should still be fine. I assumed the 6.0, just confirming.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Agreed that 4:10's would be better. For what he's talking about (limited use) he should still be fine. I assumed the 6.0, just confirming.

I agree. For his current weight towing the 3.73 gear is fine. Any heavier and the 4.10 would be nice.

Chris

 

[jcmseven]

Didn't the 2008 2500 come with integrated TBC??? I know it was and is an option, but I have never seen a 2500 ordered without it. Also, assuming the rear hitch is the same as the one on my 2500 diesel GMC (2009), it should be rated for 13K without a weight distributing hitch. It is tough to find this on the hitch; on mine it is in little stamped print on the bottom of the hitch receiver.

John M

 

[HHR]

Didn't the 2008 2500 come with integrated TBC??? I know it was and is an option, but I have never seen a 2500 ordered without it. Also, assuming the rear hitch is the same as the one on my 2500 diesel GMC (2009), it should be rated for 13K without a weight distributing hitch. It is tough to find this on the hitch; on mine it is in little stamped print on the bottom of the hitch receiver.

John M

The 2007.5 to 2010 hitch on the 3/4 ton is rated 13K WITH a weight distributing hitch.
About half that without the WD setup.