3500 - SRW VS. DRW

[Soundguy]

having used 3.73, 4.1 and 4.88 in th last few years.. I find the 4.1 a good compromise. still got power.. but doesn't tach you out like 4.88

 

[cockeyedMFer]

Following this thread. I have a 2006 3500 CC8ft bed SRW. I just started pulling my TN75 with bushhog. Once i found the sweet spot on where to place tractor on the 26ft GN deckover, it's seems to limit the hammering from trailer. Still there but not as bad. Also, I put about 40/50lbs in the air bags and seems to help a lot. I basically load tractor on and roll ahead on deck until truck starts settle a little.

Pic of loaded truck. i was kinda disapointed with the hammering, never hauled a combination like this. Handles great, but rough roads it's a bit rougher than i thought.

Any thoughts?

http://www.uscconlinealbum.com/life...1ea-86c8-4159-852b-cd1e541a1b61?th=450&tw=610

Wow, what do the tractor and trailer weigh combined? Looks pretty mean

Not to derail the thread, but I can't believe the numbers manufacturers are posting nowadays. 24k GCWR?! I don't understand how this is possible.

 

[sheriffav8r]

I had 3.73 in my 2001 and really like the 4.10 in my 2011. Stinks the governor kicks in at 103mph, though.....

 

[jeffsw6]

Not to derail the thread, but I can't believe the numbers manufacturers are posting nowadays. 24k GCWR?! I don't understand how this is possible.

Engine and transmission cooling, and brakes, are much better than they used to be. If you believe the various manufacturer videos talking up frame stiffness, etc. then also frames and suspensions are stronger and more sophisticated.

I'm close to the GCWR on my Suburban pretty regularly.

 

[newbury]

Wow, what do the tractor and trailer weigh combined? Looks pretty mean

Not to derail the thread, but I can't believe the numbers manufacturers are posting nowadays. 24k GCWR?! I don't understand how this is possible.

Yeah, the lightweights. Ford F350 - 30K lbs GCWR, F450 33K, http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2012_SuperDuty_Specs.pdf .

That will put you in CDL class REAL easy.

 

[flyingcow]

Cockeyed-


I think the tractor and hog are about 8000lbs. The guy i got the trailer from thought it weighed 5000lbs. But haven't been by a scale yet.

 

[slowzuki]

Why? Farmers have all towed with their 1 tons with weight like that for almost 40 years with tandem dually goosenecks.

Wow, what do the tractor and trailer weigh combined? Looks pretty mean

Not to derail the thread, but I can't believe the numbers manufacturers are posting nowadays. 24k GCWR?! I don't understand how this is possible.

 

[flyingcow]

Wow, what do the tractor and trailer weigh combined? Looks pretty mean

Not to derail the thread, but I can't believe the numbers manufacturers are posting nowadays. 24k GCWR?! I don't understand how this is possible.

It handles it well. Only went about 25 miles(each way) in sunny/muggy 85f weather. Tranny didn't get much above 150/175f. Run about 50mph on secondary roads, in tow mode. Run a couple of good hills. But you did know it was back there, but run good. New brake job, stops very well. Took a bit to get the controller tuned in, but I'm learning. FWIW, i drive a 6 axle milk tractor trailer with a gross weight of 100,000lbs+

 

[Martian]

I've followed this thread, but held off posting till now.

For me, the decision would be simple:
If it's an everyday driver, then I'll take the maneuverability of the SRW because the majority of the time you WON'T have a trailer behind it and need the capacity. If you plan on having it as a second vehicle only for towing, get the DRW because the majority of the time you WILL have a trailer behind it and need the capacity.

The prices aren't that far apart, but you really do get quite a bit more towing capability jumping to the DRW. I just wouldn't want to drive a DRW everyday as it eats the fuel and isn't as easy to maneuver.

 

[Cat_Driver]

I went from a 04 GMC 3500 SRW Duramax, to a 05 GMC 3500 DRW Duramax and they are worlds apart of how much better the DRW is over the SRW.

The stability was amazing, PLUS I did a cross country and did a tire check in back and had a inner rear flat and never knew till the stop. Yes could have happened just as well on the single front tire, but it happened in back and I never went down because of the extra tire on the road.

When it wasn't overheating it pulled everything I threw at it. Finally dumped it after only getting 12mpg and always over heating. That will be my last GM product ever.

 

[Todd727]

That will put you in CDL class REAL easy.

Not with farm plates in most states.

 

[slowzuki]

Something some guys who max their duallies out can tell you, if you are fully loaded and lose a rear tire, the remaining tire is overloaded you generally won't get far before it fails too, even slowing down. I should be clear, won't get far in terms of a trip. You will need to find another tire as you won't be able to run at highway speed.

 

[jeffsw6]

The real issue with a flat is what happens to the tire -- does it rub up against something, get hot, and start a fire? As we all know, once a tire starts burning, it is real hard to put it out, even with a fire extinguisher. So if you have a flat and don't notice it, count yourself lucky your truck didn't burn up!

 

[Soundguy]

Something some guys who max their duallies out can tell you, if you are fully loaded and lose a rear tire, the remaining tire is overloaded you generally won't get far before it fails too, even slowing down. I should be clear, won't get far in terms of a trip. You will need to find another tire as you won't be able to run at highway speed.

with single.. with a blowout.. you may be up the creek.. with a dual rear wheel.. you have a lil better chance of keeping control and pulling over at least.

WORST case is you drop the trailer.. or limp to an offramp.

single rear might have you in the median or a ditch.. ( might get there with the dual as well.. but a lil better chance to avoid catastrophie .. )

 

[Fi-Q]

I went from an 03 2500 duramax to a
06 3500 DRW duramax. towing wise it is awesome. But man it sucks of road and in the snow, it is really bad in the snow. But except the off road thing, i do love the truck. Going from srw to drw male a whole diffrence when towing.

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. i won't tow with a srw again ( i hope.. )