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Old 01-19-2015, 08:25 AM   #1
southern thunder
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Montana 3440

We want a bigger Montana. A 3440 is the one we want. Now for the problem. We have a 2011 Ram 2500 4x4 short wheelbase diesel truck. The Payload capacity of the truck is 2210 lbs and the max trailer weight is 12450 lbs. The 3440 weighs 12475 lbs dry, and the hitch weight is 2735 lbs. I notice on the forum a lot of members seem to be exceeding their trucks numbers. If I added Firestorm air bags to my truck do you think my truck would handle the 3440. I only have 25000 on my truck and I hate to trade it.
 
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Old 01-19-2015, 08:52 AM   #2
WeBeFulltime
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That 12,475 dry is going to turn into 15k plus. I see a new truck in your future! Also, your pin will exceed 3k.
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Old 01-19-2015, 09:08 AM   #3
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This is one of those weight police issues, the truck will probably handle the rig but one really should be pulling with a 350+ to be within the numbers. There's a mobile Suite a couple spots down that was brought in by a 2500, it handled it "fine". I sold my 2500 4x4 with less than 20k on it. Ouch, but in the long run towing with the "proper" truck made me feel a whole lot better.
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Old 01-19-2015, 10:15 AM   #4
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I'm no expert on this matter but if I had to do it again I would have kept my 2500, added the air bags, put in two more leaf springs(the only difference between a 3/4 and 1 ton unit on suspension) and beefed up my braking system. That is basically the only differences between the 3/4 and 1 ton units. Don't know what all that would have cost me but it was nice to go out and drive one of the 3500's and I truly like the way it rides and tows. I had a 2004 2980 prior and moved to a 3582 so that's why I traded the 2500 in. The problem with the 2500 basic unit is that it will tow the heavier Monte but the braking system is not designed for that heavy on a unit and it will stop the unit but it will take longer to do it! Let us know what you decide.
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Old 01-19-2015, 11:22 AM   #5
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I went to a 3582 that is why
I have a new 350 on order.
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Old 01-19-2015, 12:42 PM   #6
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Before you get rid of an almost new truck you might won't to look at the SAE J2807 tow standards. For instance the 2500 trucks haft to get their max load up to 60 MPH in 30 seconds while the 3500 DRA trucks get 35 seconds. The 2500 trucks must stop in a shorter distance than the 3500 DWT. The 2500 trucks must maintain 5 MPH higher speed up a grade than the 3500 DWT.
Do a Google search for SAE J2807 or Tow ratings finally pass the snif test.
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Old 01-19-2015, 02:59 PM   #7
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Some of the most over looked things about towing are stability and brakeing. We moved up with our TV for just these reasons. Size matters so we got a C5500. The wind will not blow us around like it did with the HD2500 and stopping this big rig is a lot better.
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Old 01-19-2015, 05:06 PM   #8
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by southern thunder

We want a bigger Montana. A 3440 is the one we want. Now for the problem. We have a 2011 Ram 2500 4x4 short wheelbase diesel truck. The Payload capacity of the truck is 2210 lbs and the max trailer weight is 12450 lbs. The 3440 weighs 12475 lbs dry, and the hitch weight is 2735 lbs. I notice on the forum a lot of members seem to be exceeding their trucks numbers. If I added Firestorm air bags to my truck do you think my truck would handle the 3440. I only have 25000 on my truck and I hate to trade it.
While the air bags may improve the ride and level condition of adding that extra weight over the rear axles, they do nothing to add to the Payload that can be carried in the same truck. If your Payload capacity on your current vehicle is 2210 lbs, then before you add a can of beans to your trailer your pin weight on the bigger Montana already exceeds the capacity of the truck. The 3500 has larger brakes and it has an additional set of rubber on the road to assist in the braking. All 1 ton DRW TV have a greater GVWR than do the SRW.

The only thing about the SAE J2807 tow standards that makes any difference to the consumer is if everyone rates their vehicles using the same standards you are not at the mercy of the manufacturer who makes claims without using the same standards of comparison.

Those tests were all performed while towing trailers that did not exceed the GVWR of the TV, keep that in mind when you read all this mumbo jumbo regarding the test standards.

Purchasing a TV that allows your loaded trailers pin weight and the weight of the fully loaded TV to not exceed the GVWR of the TV will go a long way towards safely pulling/stopping whatever you decide to purchase in the way of a 5th wheel.

There are many who far exceed the capacity of their TV, that is their choice, many have towed thousands of miles without incident, it is a choice you also will have to make.


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Old 01-20-2015, 12:34 AM   #9
southern thunder
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Thanks guys. Good advise here. I was also worried about being involved in an accident, and maybe being held at fault because of exceeding my tow limits.The insurance company may even give me a hard time about paying claims. I just love my truck.
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Old 01-20-2015, 01:47 AM   #10
mlh
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Good point. I have Allstate insurance so I went and ask the same question. Will I be covered. My agent called Allstate. Yes you will be covered was their answer.
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Old 01-20-2015, 02:27 AM   #11
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There is considerable difference in the 2500 and Heavy Duty 3500, and DRW make the whole rig more stable due to increased track on truck
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Old 01-20-2015, 02:30 AM   #12
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Heavier truck would be a good decision.
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Old 01-20-2015, 02:57 AM   #13
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I'm not supporting using the 2500, but if you do I would highly suggest that you upgrade the brakes on the new Monty to Disks. The increased stopping power of the disks would at least help with the smaller TV.
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Old 01-23-2015, 02:29 PM   #14
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Truck will easily handle it. my old 2500 ram pulled our monty 3400rl better/faster/quicker than my current 3500 ram. However i did upgrade truck and feel better about being within legal limits. And it does tow a lot smoother especially in windy conditions. ALso you have to consider liability if you are not within legal limits.
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Old 01-24-2015, 02:36 AM   #15
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Do not overlook the paperwork. What does your vehicle registration card say for total GVWR. I don't care how much you beef up your truck, if the paperwork says you're legal to XXXXX lbs then that's your limit, period. God forbid, if there is a mishap and someone is seriously injured, and you're rig is over the limit the lawyers will have a hayday. Then see how that insurance company backs you up. Civil liability cases are the worst. Even if you eventually win you will loose. Lawyer fees, court costs, etc.

Please, do your homework and be sure everything is right, even the paperwork.
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Old 01-24-2015, 12:36 PM   #16
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by southern thunder

We want a bigger Montana. A 3440 is the one we want. Now for the problem. We have a 2011 Ram 2500 4x4 short wheelbase diesel truck. The Payload capacity of the truck is 2210 lbs and the max trailer weight is 12450 lbs. The 3440 weighs 12475 lbs dry, and the hitch weight is 2735 lbs. I notice on the forum a lot of members seem to be exceeding their trucks numbers. If I added Firestorm air bags to my truck do you think my truck would handle the 3440. I only have 25000 on my truck and I hate to trade it.
Wayne, You answered your own question. Your present truck has a payload of 2210 lbs and the DRY pin weight on the new trailer is 2735.

The 2210 payload is before you add you and wife, fuel, hitch, tools and what ever else you put into the truck. Figure you 200lbs, wife 150lbs, fuel 250lbs, hitch 250lbs and you have added 850lbs which leaves you with 1360 payload.

I want to be legal, and towing that weight you will not be. Your truck can not weigh more than the GVWR of the truck on the plate in the left door jam.

Lots tow over their limits, just not me.
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Old 01-24-2015, 12:52 PM   #17
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Regrettably, I also think a new truck is in your future. Back in the "good old days" when the legal system wasn't so screwed up, you could get away with being overloaded a bit, and not worry. However, nowadays, with the juries and settlements being the way they are, I would be immensely worried about liability. As has been said, IF you are ever in an accident, and your rig is found to be exceeding it's limits, the lawyers will rub their hands with glee. And remember too, the insurance company only covers you up to certain limits, then it's out of your pocket. I just went through this concern recently, and it made me both buy a new truck that would be well within my needed weight range, AND also to buy an "umbrella" policy to further cover me. It's sad, but it's reality today! With so many crazy drivers on the road, you have to protect yourself as best you can. Adding a dash cam is my next step.
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Old 01-25-2015, 08:12 AM   #18
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Rspradling

...my old 2500 ram pulled our monty 3400rl better/faster/quicker than my current 3500 ram...
Pulling is a no brainer, every diesel pick up will "pull" a Montana fine. The issue is the weight...any 250/2500 series truck will be way over weight with this rig.
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Old 01-29-2015, 02:15 PM   #19
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You should pull my entire paragraph if you are going to quote me. Be fair.
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Old 01-30-2015, 01:59 AM   #20
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We pull our 3400RL with an F350 SD ext. cab,SRW and I feel very comfortable towing it and stopping it. I don't think I'd feel that way with anything less.
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