GVWR Question Chevy 25[emoji6️⃣46️⃣][emoji6️⃣46️⃣]/Ford F25[emoji6️⃣46️⃣]

[deerefan]

I am looking to trade my 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0 2wd for a new 2024 F250 4wd 6.8 gas. The gvwr on my Chevy is 9500, Ford is 10500. Towing capacity on the Ford is much higher. Here’s where I am confused-Chevy has one more spring in the rear than Ford. I am looking for something that can handle a horse trailer and don’t want a lot of sag or add airbags. Trailer has large tack, no living quarters. Thoughts? We do not have the trailer yet

 

[deerefan]

Not sure why my post is full of emojis. Trying to fix now or delete

 

[deerefan]

Any input on the 6.8 is welcome too. Thanks

 

[newbury]

Not sure why my post is full of emojis. Trying to fix now or delete

Seems that you were talking about getting a Ford.
Right now Ford is in a world of hurt due to recalls. I almost bought 2024 Ford F250 diesel a few months ago. Fit all my needs, then the model got recalled for backup camera "safety" problem. No parts, no sale. Now they just got hit with a "no sale" recall due to their screens going blank. About 355,000 F150's, F250's, F350's, F450's years 2025 and 2026 affected.

 

[deerefan]

Seems that you were talking about getting a Ford.
Right now Ford is in a world of hurt due to recalls. I almost bought 2024 Ford F250 diesel a few months ago. Fit all my needs, then the model got recalled for backup camera "safety" problem. No parts, no sale. Now they just got hit with a "no sale" recall due to their screens going blank. About 355,000 F150's, F250's, F350's, F450's years 2025 and 2026 affected.

Yep, this one is on hold for the camera too but they should have it resolved shortly. Too much technology in these trucks now.

 

[ericm979]

There are other factors to spring stiffness than the number of leaves. Width, thickness and length all matter as well. The larger the spring leaf's cross section, the stiffer it is. A longer spring will be less stiff than a shorter one of the same cross section.

Sometimes, depending on the packages, the weight capacity (GVWR - GVW) will be close to 10% of the towing capacity. A lot of half tons are like this but some 3/4 tons too, sometimes depending on the truck's options. I think that the manufacturers do this to improve the ride some. For example some Ram 3/4 tons have a towing capacity of about 1800 lbs and a weight capacity of about 2000 lbs. That doesn't leave much room for putting more tongue weight on the truck or stuff in the bed. This can happen with other brands too depending on the truck options. It can with recent GM 3/4 tons- the GVWR can range from 10,000 to 11500 lbs.

If you're not going to tow near capacity then you might want this set up for the somewhat improved ride.

 

[Racer4]

I noticed when I bought my f250 the leaf springs on the fords have less leaves but are thicker than the GM.

 

[deerefan]

There are other factors to spring stiffness than the number of leaves. Width, thickness and length all matter as well. The larger the spring leaf's cross section, the stiffer it is. A longer spring will be less stiff than a shorter one of the same cross section.

Sometimes, depending on the packages, the weight capacity (GVWR - GVW) will be close to 10% of the towing capacity. A lot of half tons are like this but some 3/4 tons too, sometimes depending on the truck's options. I think that the manufacturers do this to improve the ride some. For example some Ram 3/4 tons have a towing capacity of about 1800 lbs and a weight capacity of about 2000 lbs. That doesn't leave much room for putting more tongue weight on the truck or stuff in the bed. This can happen with other brands too depending on the truck options. It can with recent GM 3/4 tons- the GVWR can range from 10,000 to 11500 lbs.

If you're not going to tow near capacity then you might want this set up for the somewhat improved ride.

That makes sense thanks. I didn’t pay attention to size. I ended up passing on the truck, too much money for a 2024, almost 2 model years old.