Max Towing With Chevrolet 2500HD 2004

[tcartwri]

Would love to know how they build that trailer at 4400 lbs..... Our triple axle goose was close to ten...

 

[LD1]

Lots of good info so far, and I am no expert but I will offer my :2cents:

First you need to decide on a tractor. But even on the lighter side of them, definatally a no-go with the current truck. But for a 35-40HP tractor, you are looking at ~3500#, with a FEL and bucket, maybe in the 5k range. Now add loaded tires on the back and an implement or two, 6k minimum and up to even 8k if you carry an attachment or two.

So now the mini EX, add another 8k. So we are at 16k without even talking about trailer weight. So the 2500HD is out. Even a 3500HD DRW likely wouldnt be legal and be over the MFG rating by the time the trailer is factored in, but it wouldnt bother me to do it once in awhile. But if this is business related, you need even bigger than a 3500 DRW for all the equip IMO.

And my 20+5 GN with dual tandems and oak deck weighs 6500# empty. I too would be leary of a 21k tri-axle with a claimed weight of only 4400#

So to sum it up, IMO, unless you plan on buying a bigger truck, I wouldnt spend the money on the trailer, cause you are still gonna need to make 2 trips

 

[WM75Guy]

K-2500 Extended Cab Standard Box HD (4WD)*

6.0L V8

Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR**

3.73 9,900 lbs (4 490 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)

4.10 12,400 lbs (5 624 kg) 18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)

*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.

*Trailer rating limited to 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg) with weight distributing hitch.

**The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle should not be exceeded.

Like Chris said, you need more truck. The 18,500 lbs GCWR severely limits you. How much do you want to spend on maintenance not to mention the safety aspect?

 

[tylertown]

Thats a whole different animal. Twice the motor, way better tranny, and trailer.

Problem with a GN and a minimal truck like yours is just the weight of the trailer alone. A 12K GN is twice as heavy as a Bumper Pull.

I would stick with the trailer you have unless you are ready to upgrade to a 1 ton diesel or heavier.

Chris

Thanks Chris that's what im going to do ill just try to fit the extra fuel millage into my rates

 

[tylertown]

Lots of good info so far, and I am no expert but I will offer my :2cents:

First you need to decide on a tractor. But even on the lighter side of them, definatally a no-go with the current truck. But for a 35-40HP tractor, you are looking at ~3500#, with a FEL and bucket, maybe in the 5k range. Now add loaded tires on the back and an implement or two, 6k minimum and up to even 8k if you carry an attachment or two.

So now the mini EX, add another 8k. So we are at 16k without even talking about trailer weight. So the 2500HD is out. Even a 3500HD DRW likely wouldnt be legal and be over the MFG rating by the time the trailer is factored in, but it wouldnt bother me to do it once in awhile. But if this is business related, you need even bigger than a 3500 DRW for all the equip IMO.

And my 20+5 GN with dual tandems and oak deck weighs 6500# empty. I too would be leary of a 21k tri-axle with a claimed weight of only 4400#

So to sum it up, IMO, unless you plan on buying a bigger truck, I wouldnt spend the money on the trailer, cause you are still gonna need to make 2 trips

thanks for the comment! yes your right. either way I have to make two trips a big trailer isn't going to help me out any with the truck im using. don't want to make any major changes yet like a bigger truck but right now im doing fine. just looking for easy options to expand my working range but it looks like its not going to happen until I take a few extra steps.

 

[tylertown]

K-2500 Extended Cab Standard Box HD (4WD)*

6.0L V8

Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR**

3.73 9,900 lbs (4 490 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)

4.10 12,400 lbs (5 624 kg) 18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)

*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.

*Trailer rating limited to 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg) with weight distributing hitch.

**The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle should not be exceeded.

Like Chris said, you need more truck. The 18,500 lbs GCWR severely limits you. How much do you want to spend on maintenance not to mention the safety aspect?

im thinking the gooseneck will be to much for my truck with its weight alone. im glad I talked to you guys on here. if not I would have bought it and be most likely buying a transmission for this one and putting up for sale for a 1 ton haha thanks for all the info

 

[mikehaugen]

Depenfing on what you are doing a 6 wheel medium duty dump with large tag may be good. A dump would come in handy and decent ones can be had for around 10-15k around here. Cheaper than a pickup for the weight they pull.

 

[tylertown]

Depenfing on what you are doing a 6 wheel medium duty dump with large tag may be good. A dump would come in handy and decent ones can be had for around 10-15k around here. Cheaper than a pickup for the weight they pull.

good idea but would I be able to haul equipment in it too? are the floors and loading and unloading doesn't hurt the hydraulic componets.
I have looked at a few online but cant make up my mind because the weight of an o.bject like a small machine that would fit in the box would be pretty heavy just on a few parts of it. im wondering if the damage the floor

 

[Wolfy]

He meant a tag along trailer.

 

[tylertown]

would I need to go with a pintle hitch for towing a trailer like a Tag Along?