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Old 03-26-2009, 03:50 PM   #1
bafflefinder
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Is 3/4 ton enough for a 3665re?

I just traded our 2005 colorado 34' in for a 09 3665re. the Colorado had a rated 1600# hitch weight which set my Dodge 2500 about 1" above the overloads. The new 3665re has a rated 2000# hitch weight. We don't have the washer dryer so that will help. I am installing Airlift bags to help the pickup sit level. The Dodge engine, trans and frame are the same as 1 ton, I worry a little about the axles. Plenty of power with Edge chip. Any thoughts on how the 3/4 ton will handle it. Only two of us and we travel pretty light. Can't add more other than I love my truck and don't want a new payment.

Thanks for comments.
 
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Old 03-26-2009, 04:06 PM   #2
akf15e
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The only way to find out is to weigh it. Find a CAT scale nearby and weigh all 3 axles. I imagine you will be over for GVWR for your truck. I was very worried about too much rig for my truck, but once I weighed everything I am quite at ease with my decision so far. After more towing with it, I may change my mind, but I kind of doubt it.

My actual pin weight is only slightly more than advertised and is about 17% of total trailer weight. I am well under on axle and tire ratings and 1 ton under my combined vehicle rating of 22K lbs. With full fuel, DW, 170 lbs of dogs, a 16K hitch, a 6 ton floorjack, a kingpin tripod, and 100 lbs of firewood, I am about 550 lbs over GVWR for my GMC. That is the only weight I exceed. When it's just DW and I, we will only be about 150-175 lbs over GVWR.

Certainly a 1 ton will allow you to remain within GVWR. But before you make that purchase make sure you know the actual weights of your rig (loaded), your tire load ratings, axle load ratings, etc. so you can make an informed decision.
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Old 03-26-2009, 04:19 PM   #3
stiles watson
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Can you pull it? Sure. But the scales tell the tale. Weigh your rig. Do the math. Then make an informed decision.
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Old 03-27-2009, 07:22 AM   #4
goin2themountains
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I run the 2500HD in my sig with airbags, and have no problem pulling or stopping the Montana. Yes, I am around 500lbs over gvwr, but am under axle and tire ratings so I made the decision to stay with the TV I have. You are the only one who can make the choice of going over some ratings, or going to a larger TV. Good luck, and enjoy your Montana.
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Old 03-27-2009, 07:57 AM   #5
bsmeaton
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To answer you question - "Is 3/4 ton enough for a 3665re" - No - you will be overloaded (GVWR).

How you decorate the data to get the answer you want to hear is up to you.
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Old 03-27-2009, 08:28 AM   #6
bafflefinder
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Thanks for the input. I am aware that i am close or over weight. Fortunately we only drive about 100 miles and park it at a lake for the summer. We have taken our previous 5th wheel to Mexico and Calif so a long trip will happen but by that time decisions will be made. Thanks again for the input.
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Old 03-27-2009, 02:05 PM   #7
Ozzie
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And there you go...the members here will tell you like it is.
You have to give them kudos for that. You may or not like what you hear, but at least you can make an informed decision.
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Old 03-28-2009, 04:50 AM   #8
TLightning
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by bsmeaton

To answer you question - "Is 3/4 ton enough for a 3665re" - No - you will be overloaded (GVWR).

How you decorate the data to get the answer you want to hear is up to you.
Yep, over weight for sure...the only question is how much.
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Old 03-28-2009, 07:17 AM   #9
49merc
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One thing to keep in mind if you are over gvwr and you are ever in a serious accident you could be in big trouble. If it came to trial and it was discouvered you were overweight they pretty much own you. Check with your insurance agent regarding that. This is just my personal opion.
Bob
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Old 03-30-2009, 03:29 AM   #10
ray fischer
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My Dodge 2500 H/D CTD is part for part identical to the 3500 SRW except for 1 extra leaf in the spring pack. Brakes, axle, tires, etc are the same. I went to a spring shop and added the extra leaf for $450.00 plus I already had air bags to help level it. Note, air bags don't increase suspension capability, they only help level the load. The extra leaf increases suspension by 1000 lbs.I went to the Cat scales. Although I was over on GVW, I was safely under on Rear axle and tire rating. The weight police always ask, can you stop it? I can stop it as safely as I could with a 3500 SRW and I've put it to the test. The only difference between my 2500 and the Dodge 3500SRW is the badging and cab lights and I don't think they help the GVW.
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Old 03-30-2009, 04:06 AM   #11
ols1932
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I've responded to posts about 3/4-ton vs. 1-ton trucks before. Every one of these threads always contain the thoughts by most of us that we are happy with what we have, regardless of what the "weight police" have to say.

That being said, I would feel much safer with a bigger truck than the 3/4-ton I have. Most of the bigger trucks have bigger brakes and although I can safely stop my rig (given sufficient open space), it would be much easier and safer with a bigger truck.

A lot of us are doing with the vehicle we have because we can't afford to buy a different one. We keep repairing ours and usually say, "We're getting a new truck, one piece at a time."

Orv
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Old 03-30-2009, 04:39 AM   #12
billhoover
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The overweight issue is like the pregnant issue...you either are or you aren't, there is no gray area.

As a poster on another forum likes to say..."if you want a big trailer, you need a big truck, if you want a smaller truck, get a smaller trailer."
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Old 03-30-2009, 12:29 PM   #13
Waynem
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Today, I watched a 3/4 ton truck with a big 5th wheel (did not catch the brand) come to a stop in the crossroad I was at when his light turned red. There was no doubt he was struggling to bring that rig to a smooth stop. He did so, but his TV was 1/2 out in the intersection.

Pull with what you are comfortable with, but just remember all the information on the subject.
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Old 03-30-2009, 02:53 PM   #14
grampachet
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This is no answer or advice, but when I checked on the brakes, bearings and other running gear on 3/4 verses 1 ton these parts had the same part number. This makes me wonder why a 3/4 would not stop the same as a 1 ton. Just wondering...
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Old 03-30-2009, 03:30 PM   #15
HughM
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Too many variables to say it was just the 3/4 ton truck causing the driver to struggle to stop at light.
Going to fast?
Saw light change too late?
Brake controller not correctly set?
Fifth wheel too large for 3/4 ton?
Hugh
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Old 03-30-2009, 04:20 PM   #16
akf15e
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by grampachet

This is no answer or advice, but when I checked on the brakes, bearings and other running gear on 3/4 verses 1 ton these parts had the same part number. This makes me wonder why a 3/4 would not stop the same as a 1 ton. Just wondering...
You are right grampachet - if the brakes are the same and the tires are the same, the SRW 1 ton would actually take slightly longer to stop when hauling the same large rig, simply because it is a heavier truck. Only 2 things affect the kinetic energy - mass and velocity (squared). A dually is a different story and would undoubtedly stop better - more rubber on the road to help deplete the energy. I may be wrong on that, but that's the physics I remember from school.

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Old 03-30-2009, 04:34 PM   #17
Steve and Brenda
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I'm running close with a 3400 series, would imagine a 3600 series is over the limit
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Old 03-30-2009, 04:38 PM   #18
bsmeaton
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by akf15e

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by grampachet

This is no answer or advice, but when I checked on the brakes, bearings and other running gear on 3/4 verses 1 ton these parts had the same part number. This makes me wonder why a 3/4 would not stop the same as a 1 ton. Just wondering...
You are right grampachet - if the brakes are the same and the tires are the same, the SRW 1 ton would actually take slightly longer to stop when hauling the same large rig, simply because it is a heavier truck. Only 2 things affect the kinetic energy - mass and velocity (squared). A dually is a different story and would undoubtedly stop better - more rubber on the road to help deplete the energy. I may be wrong on that, but that's the physics I remember from school.

So how much mass and velocity does that "extra leaf spring" actually contribute?! .

Ford stock steel wheels have a different load rating between the F250 and F350, different tire capacities, different axle rating, and different springs. The "leaf spring" thing is kind of an urban legend.
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Old 03-31-2009, 01:21 AM   #19
ray fischer
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He has a Dodge, not a ford. The Dodge parts are identical.
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Old 04-05-2009, 05:15 AM   #20
dnichol
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I have no problem stopping fast enough with my 3/4 ton chevy, when I stop partialy into an intersection I am usually going a little fast & don't want to shake everything up. I use air bags & my rig pulls & stops great. The only thing that bothers me is the single axle, with this big trailer & pin weight, but most are pulled with single axle & I have'nt heard any horror stories. (just advice pro & con,which is what were looking for!
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