Posted 2008-06-11 4:37 PM (#85542 - in reply to #85522) Subject: RE: Tow Vehicle for a GN Trailer
Veteran
Posts: 134
Well it wasn't the biggest truck i could find, and i just don't drive it in Montana. I have also driven in Seattle traffic, minneapolis traffic,Dallas, Oaklahoma City and Denver. My trucks also do double duty as grocery haulers. They are my everyday vehicle when not pulling a trailer, but to get back to your original question no I don't think that the 5.4 engine is big enough for what you want to do. Nothing scarier than being under powered when pulling a trailer. Enough said
Posted 2008-06-12 8:48 AM (#85561 - in reply to #85254) Subject: RE: Tow Vehicle for a GN Trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I haul a heavier trailer than your proposed #10800 with a SRW truck. There are no stability issues that would want me to switch to a dually. I don't have the indoor storage space for a DRW, don't want to buy the extra tires or spend the extra gas dragging them around. I am very satisfied with a SRW truck as a tow vehicle.
A good friend of mine has a similar truck except he has the v10 gas. He's retired and picks up extra money shuttling and delivering RV trailers for local dealers using a fifth wheel. His truck is also used for daily travel, mine is only used for hauling. We both discussed at some lengths, the pros and cons of gas vs diesel before we ordered our trucks. He chose gas, I chose diesel. We both have a 4X4 CC with a full bed. We both are pleased with our decisions
We live in a mountainous area of western PA, which has a few grades of 7% and 11%, but not nearly the lengths of the inclines found by the western US inhabitants. With my diesel, I chose the 373 axle ratio, with his gas, my friend chose the 410. Both work well.
You have to decide which is more important to you, daily transportation or hauling. Either truck, A SRW or a dually will do both, but your comfort and expenditure levels will vary depending on your choice.
The area in which you live and its topography, your daily commute and parking concerns, and the extent of your towing, will all vary from the truck owners who have previously given you their choices of vehicles. You have to determine what is best for you.
Posted 2008-06-12 10:58 AM (#85576 - in reply to #85254) Subject: RE: Tow Vehicle for a GN Trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
That's been my point all along. Good idea to test drive both vehicles, and if possible pulling your trailer. I realize that may not be possible if they don't already have the GN ball in them. Like I said my truck is a 350 CC, SB, SRW. My trailer is heavy enough that I was dropping about 2 1/2" so I put air bags on this winter and they make all the difference in the world. Good luck and have fun with whatever you purchase!
Posted 2008-06-17 9:10 AM (#85798 - in reply to #85324) Subject: RE: Tow Vehicle for a GN Trailer
Member
Posts: 14
Location: NJ
RANT ON,
Sounds like you didn't read what I wrote before you ranted. "cheap on the towing vehicle..." and "I want GREAT FUEL ECONOMY" only appear in what you wrote. I was questioning towablility.
I was looking for educational real world experience as other members have posted.
Posted 2008-06-17 9:22 AM (#85801 - in reply to #85254) Subject: RE: Tow Vehicle for a GN Trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Both of our trailers have a three horse capacity, in which we commonly carry two horses. The third stall is used for storage. We have, on occasion, hauled a third horse, but that is not a common occurrence.
We have installed Timbren aux springs on our truck, which ensure a level ride. We have not had any towing difficulties due to a lack of power or stability. We can tow at any highway speed that we can afford, with the air and cruise on. We've been in many conditions of high cross winds with no adverse affects; passing or oncoming trucks have no influence.
One area that should be mentioned is when using a truck camper. We had several and ended up with a 10' model that was the reason we installed the Timbrens. Without them, the truck should have been a dually, for it was top heavy and adversely affected by cross winds. After the aux springs were installed, most of these conditions were eliminated.
With my rig, I am comfortable towing up to about #12k in weight. I did tow a larger trailer for a friend, and while it towed well, I could definitely feel the difference on the back of the truck. The rear tires were overloaded, and it would have been unsafe to go any distance. He has a dually, and it is apropos for his usage.
Everyone has his own needs in the way of proper equipment. What may work for me, may be insufficient for another horse owner. You have to determine what your requirements are, and buy accordingly. Bigger is not always better.
Posted 2008-06-25 3:03 PM (#86350 - in reply to #85254) Subject: RE: Tow Vehicle for a GN Trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
In snow or slippery conditions, the duals will actually be worse. My father-in-law and I just finished hauling corn to market, we were both using identical 650 bushel wagons. I was pulling with my 01-F350, V10, CC, SB, SRW, 4WD. While he was pulling with his 2000 Chev 3500, CC,LB, DRW, 2WD. He had to put 500 lbs weight in the back so he could get traction at the start. Only a few times did I even need the 4WD. I would choose the 4WD over the duals if you need to make the choice.
Posted 2008-06-25 4:34 PM (#86362 - in reply to #85254) Subject: RE: Tow Vehicle for a GN Trailer
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
I know a couple people who have DRW 2WD tow vehicles. I know both wish they had gotten 4X4 and will in their next vehicle.I know I wouldn't buy a truck for towing without 4X4. I didn't want a dualie, and am very happy with my choice of 2500 QC 4X4. :-) Granted I don't tow a monster trailer (even our new one is only 10K GVWR), so the choice of 2500 was best. If Dodge made one and I had the chance I would have looked at SRW 3500s.Cheers!~K
Posted 2008-06-27 8:55 AM (#86497 - in reply to #85793) Subject: RE: Tow Vehicle for a GN Trailer
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Hunterdon County, NJ
Originally written by PRC on 2008-06-17 7:22 AM
Gard,
Are you towing horses in the trailers?
Wondering about DRW because of live weight?
I am researching information to help me with my next truck purchase. This is the first time I've run across the mention of "live weight". Is this a consideration for choosing between SRW and DRW? I am leaning toward a SRW configuration but my load estimates are only a few hundred pounds below the capacity of SRW. Should I be considering DRW due to this live weight?Tony
Posted 2008-06-27 11:00 AM (#86506 - in reply to #86362) Subject: RE: Tow Vehicle for a GN Trailer
Regular
Posts: 54 Location: Danielsville,Ga.
Originally written by statzk on 2008-06-25 4:34 PM
I know a couple people who have DRW 2WD tow vehicles. I know both wish they had gotten 4X4 and will in their next vehicle.I know I wouldn't buy a truck for towing without 4X4. I didn't want a dualie, and am very happy with my choice of 2500 QC 4X4. :-) Granted I don't tow a monster trailer (even our new one is only 10K GVWR), so the choice of 2500 was best. If Dodge made one and I had the chance I would have looked at SRW 3500s.Cheers!~K
The only difference between the Dodge 3500 SRW and the Dodge 2500 is Overload springs and cab-lights. The 03 3500 SRW truck I owned was rated 9900 GVW so a few extra lbs. of payload or tongue weight.,it was a great truck,I towed with it for 155,000 miles with zero problems and then traded for a duallie,wish I had it back now.!!! It ould be payed for.
Tow Vehicle for a GN Trailer
