Need to go on a diet!

[jhudson]

Just arrived home from our summer travels with the 2014 3725. Thought I would stop by the CAT Scale to see how we were doing. I must admit that I LOVE the extra storage that the 3725 has over my last SOB.... However it is so easy to go over your numbers if your truck is close already. Sure wish I ordered the DRW now instead of the SRW as you can see from my numbers below.

What is interesting is that the addition of the dog and replacement of the Reese hitch with the Trailer Saver BD3 added 260# to the weight of the truck. The new hitch has a smaller footprint than the Reese, but it has a lot more weight. Subtract 50# for the dog and his stuff the new hitch added 210#!

I have already removed extra items that I put on for the "just in case", and dropped my pin weight down by 100#. This is just my extra stuff in the compartments up front and the basement storage. Again so much room make it very easy to just put "stuff" on. Next, need to move inside with DW and remove the "extra stuff" there too.

I know that I will be able to slim down by it sure would be nice not to have to worry about it.

As to performance of the the Montana, it was perfect in all aspects. I didn't have to fix or adjust anything for the entire summer. Great times and averaged 11.5 mpg which is not as good as my other rig, but it was pulling 6000# less weight. Overall I am happy with the 11.5.

Enjoy the numbers.

Jay



2012 3500 Silverado Duramax Extended Cab SWR.
2014 Montana 3725RL
Ratings: (Truck)
GCWR – 24500#
GVWR – 11600#
Rear Axle Rating – 7050#
Front Axle Rating – 6000#
Maximum Trailer Weight – 16900#
CAT Scale weights : Truck with two Honda 2000 generators, 6 gals of regular fuel 2 passengers with dog and accessories, Trailer Saver BD3 and full tank of diesel.
9/14/13 8/22/14 Change
Steer Axle - 4760# 4820# +60#
Drive Axle - 3460# 3660# +200#
Gross Weight - 8220# 8480# +260#
CAT Scale weights: Truck and Montana loaded (extra stuff on board from last weigh-in)
Steer Axle 4800# 4900# +100#
Drive Axle 6620# 6980# +360#
Trailer Axles 11260# 11360# +100#
Gross Weight 22680# 23240# +560#
Here the math: Dates 9/15/13 & 8/20/14
1820#/1260# under GCWR (truck 24500# GCWR) – 92.6% / 94.8%
180# under / 280# over GVWR (truck 11600# GVWR) – 98.4% / 102.4%
430# / 70# under rear axle rating (truck 7050# GAWR) – 93.9% / 99.0%
1200# / 1100# under front axle rating (truck 6000# GAWR) – 80.0% / 81.6%
3200# / 3400# for my pin weight which is 22.13% / 23.0% (Montana)
14460# / 14760 for my gross trailer weight (Montana 16000# GVWR)- 90.4% / 92.3%
Marathon tires 235/16 ST 3420# @ 80 psi 2815# / 2840# each tire 605# / 580# capacity left on each tire assuming that all tires get the same weight. 82.3% / 83.0%

[Mark N.]

This was one the main deciding factors in my choosing the Andersen Ultimate 5th-wheel hitch last November for my Ram 3500 short-bed and my 3400rl.
The Anderson weighs 70 lbs. is rated at 4500 lbs. of hitch weight, and 22,500 of trailer weight. I lift it in and out by myself and store it hanging on the wall of my shed to keep my bed flat and clear when I'm not pulling.
I decided the weight savings would be better used for cargo, not the hitch.
Not to mention it was only $450 delivered! Camping World dealer here wanted about $1600 for a slider. Whew...I glad I didn't go that route.
I know I'm telling readers that all have already made their choices about hitches, but if you ever decide to change, take a look at the Andersen.
I can get very close to a 90 degree jack-turn when backing my Montana. Not quite, but very close. Here's a link showing my max. Jack turn:[img][/img]http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/attachments/2013-general-discussion/168410d1389736433-best-hitch-rv-5th-wheel-mopar-b-w-20131124_114637-800x600-.jpg

[dieselguy]

I've sometimes wondered why unless it was drop dead absolutely necessary one would feel the need to place a truck 90 degrees to the fiver ... never had the opportunity arise in 24 years of pulling campers.

[richfaa]

the first time we had our 06 3400 Montana and truck weighed at the fall rally in 2007 or maybe 2008 I nearly had a heart attack. We were 1200lbs over on the Montana. That Montana had 6K axles which we promptly had replaced with the Mor Ryde IS system. It is not hard to ,load these things up.

[Mark N.]

quote:Originally posted by dieselguy

I've sometimes wondered why unless it was drop dead absolutely necessary one would feel the need to place a truck 90 degrees to the fiver ... never had the opportunity arise in 24 years of pulling campers.

Exactly my thoughts! In nine months, I turned that tight exactly once...to see how tight was the limit. I haven't got that close since.

[JandC]

Looking at your numbers for the 3725RL I don't think you are doing that bad. Even though we are full time I think we carry a pretty light load. Even though you and I have different TV's you seem to be loaded a little lighter:

CAT Scale weights: Truck and Montana loaded (extra stuff on board from last weigh-in)
Steer Axle 4800# 4900# +100# (I am at 4920)
Drive Axle 6620# 6980# +360# (I am at 7020)
Trailer Axles 11260# 11360# +100# (I am at 11,640)
Gross Weight 22680# 23240# +560# (I am at 23,580)

[WeBeFulltime]

quote:Originally posted by Mark N.

Exactly my thoughts! In nine months, I turned that tight exactly once...to see how tight was the limit. I haven't got that close since.

I refuse to put my axles under that type of strain/stress. Would be very easy to twist them loose from the frame.

[DQDick]

It can occasionally cause heart burn, but checking your weight every so often is a very good thing to do.

[jhudson]

quote:Originally posted by JandC

Looking at your numbers for the 3725RL I don't think you are doing that bad. Even though we are full time I think we carry a pretty light load. Even though you and I have different TV's you seem to be loaded a little lighter:

CAT Scale weights: Truck and Montana loaded (extra stuff on board from last weigh-in)
Steer Axle 4800# 4900# +100# (I am at 4920)
Drive Axle 6620# 6980# +360# (I am at 7020)
Trailer Axles 11260# 11360# +100# (I am at 11,640)
Gross Weight 22680# 23240# +560# (I am at 23,580)

It is kind of funny how you can fill things up when you have the space. I am really not too worried about my weight. The one which I watch closely is the rear axle rating. At 7050, I do not want to overload. It is not the axle as it is the same as the DRW, but the SRW tires are the limiting factor. If I had a DRW, there would be no issue here. I already have the rear axle weight down to 6882# which puts me at 168# under my rear axle rating. I still need to move inside, but that will be a different day.

[jhudson]

quote:Originally posted by DQDick

It can occasionally cause heart burn, but checking your weight every so often is a very good thing to do.

Boy it that the truth! I was shocked that I gain 560#. I guess no more ice cream for me

[Captain Joe]

Very nice analysis. You know exactly where you are at and what you have to do to get to your goal. The 3725RL is a great unit with the best storage. Keep charging.

[JandC]

jhudson, I totally agree reference the rear axle on the TV. I keep max air in my rear TV tires and monitor them closely plus I am aware of the weight on that axle. I am probably putting more weight on mine because it is a short bed configuration. I may try moving some tool bags from the TV to the love seat when pulling to help ease up on the TV rear axle weight.

[TAKPAK]

jhudson, we too own a 3725. Love the rig. However, upon putting it on the scales, I was shocked at how much more pin weight it has over our previous 3400, about 1000 pounds more, before we put anything inside. On our GMC 3500 SRW, we are pretty much maxed out on the TV rear axle. I am interested to see how much the manufacturers have changed the ratings, without really changing the parts. Our 2008 is rated at 6400 on the rear axle, we're now running about 6600 on it. And yet, the new rigs with same equipment are rated at 7000 or so. I've talked to the mechanics, and they say it's not an issue, as the specs are conservative to some degree (but don't go overboard). Truck rides fine, it sits level, still has "spring" left in it, just is heavier than before. I questioned the tire manufacturer on the load on the tires, and he said that the 3200 pound each rating (6400 total) is based on the speed rating, which is 95 MPH. At 60 MPH, which is what I drive at, he said it will be no problem with the tires "slightly" over their posted rating. Again, don't go overboard. I have checked the tires at stops for excessive heating, and there has been none. Oddly enough, the 3725 has about 500 pounds LESS weight on the axles/tires than the old 3400 did.

[Captain Joe]

We found that the additional pin weight caused a better ride.

[jhudson]

quote:Originally posted by TAKPAK

jhudson, we too own a 3725. Love the rig. However, upon putting it on the scales, I was shocked at how much more pin weight it has over our previous 3400, about 1000 pounds more, before we put anything inside. On our GMC 3500 SRW, we are pretty much maxed out on the TV rear axle. I am interested to see how much the manufacturers have changed the ratings, without really changing the parts. Our 2008 is rated at 6400 on the rear axle, we're now running about 6600 on it. And yet, the new rigs with same equipment are rated at 7000 or so. I've talked to the mechanics, and they say it's not an issue, as the specs are conservative to some degree (but don't go overboard). Truck rides fine, it sits level, still has "spring" left in it, just is heavier than before. I questioned the tire manufacturer on the load on the tires, and he said that the 3200 pound each rating (6400 total) is based on the speed rating, which is 95 MPH. At 60 MPH, which is what I drive at, he said it will be no problem with the tires "slightly" over their posted rating. Again, don't go overboard. I have checked the tires at stops for excessive heating, and there has been none. Oddly enough, the 3725 has about 500 pounds LESS weight on the axles/tires than the old 3400 did.

I would seriously question your tire guy. That advice does not sound right. If my rear tires were rated for 6400 pounds, that means that if it were my rig I would be overloading the tires by almost 600 pounds. I would not feel comfortable towing even at 60 mph. 60 is my speed towing too, but my tires are not overloaded. You can purchase tires that would be on like the new trucks of 3525#/ tire. The size on my truck is LT 265/70R18 load range E 3525#. The axle and spring pack on the 3500 SRW is the same as the DRW.

I agree that the weight of the pin is heavy on the 3725. As you pointed out that means less weight on the trailer axles which in turn means less weight on the trailer tires. I have the Goodyear Marathons on mine and currently less is better because I would like to get 1more year out of them before I go to G rated ones. Another advantage of the heavy pin is as said in the previous post is my ride is better too.