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Old 02-14-2010, 07:47 AM   #1
dpam
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Towing Montana 3150RL with GMC 2500 Duramax

I'm a new member and we are thinking of buying a 2010 Montana 3150RL. Is anyone towing a Montana 3150RL 5th wheel with a 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD Crewcab 4X4 Duramax? It was suggested that I put on air bags and it will be fine. The 3150RL pin weight is 1965 lbs and the dry weight is 11,110 and GVWR of the trailer is 13,965lbs, but with our stuff loaded we would be at 12,110 lbs. I appreciate any input.

Thanks,

David
 
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Old 02-14-2010, 09:13 AM   #2
camper4
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Personally, I would get the new Montana and try it first. You can always put the air bags on later. They will not increase the 'official' capacity of the truck but they can be used to level out the sag if there is any.
I used 'super springs' to do that even though I was the only one noticing the sag. You will get all kinds of thoughts. This is a great place for that!
Good luck with your new Montana!
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Old 02-14-2010, 10:23 AM   #3
Art-n-Marge
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The key is knowing the pin weight. Calculate the pin weight about 18% to 22% of the gross weight. Most 5ers carry the cargo weight at the front of the rig (BR clothing and goods, front storage gear, basement storage gear and most heavy addons, W/D, 2nd A/C, etc.)

The documented pin weight and dry weight mean nothing to most of us. We NEVER use our rig with nothing in it, so use the GVWR, GTWR and actual weights as your determinations. If your GTW is anticipated at 12,110 lbs, then the PW will be about 2179 lbs (minimum 18% pw) to 3,072 lbs (maximum 22% of GTW).

You must know the weight of your TV, its RAWR and how much it weighs, then add the cargo, all the hitch hardware (nuts/bolts, hitch base, hitch head and rails), passengers, full fuel tanks and propane tanks then see where you'll be.

If you are within the all the weight ratings, especially of GTW, GVW, RAW, GCVW then you are not required to purchase air bags. If you are close, then you might want to check that any axle of the TV or RV are not overweight.

However, helper springs and air bags can be added to improve the ride, prevent sag (and bring the headlights back down) and prevent your discomfort of just not being as level as you'd prefer. I added airbags to my ride but in my case, with my 4x4, my front end was in the sky. The airbags did greatly improve everything for me, but they DO NOT increase any weight ratings and they'll tell you so - I know because I asked them (Firestone) and they said "absolutely not, it doesn't!".

Have fun with the new RV!
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Old 02-14-2010, 01:22 PM   #4
jpkelpe
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we have a 2005 chevy 2500 with duramax/allison and have no problems towing our 3150RL We have gone from Nebraska to Virginia several times--no added airbags, etc--just trailer package
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Old 02-14-2010, 02:39 PM   #5
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I agree with Paul & Jan you won't have a problem, we have been pulling with about XXXX lb pin weight for 3 years from Ne. to TX. to Ca. back roads in the Rockies, with no problem, just trying to keep it simple for you Dave.

Recheck my numbers, WHOOPS!
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Old 02-14-2010, 02:47 PM   #6
bncinwv
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The weight police will tell you can't, members who have actual experience will tell you that you can. The decision can be made by consulting all of the available numbers, or it can be made by acknowledging the fact that many members do just what you are asking for input for, but ultimately the decision has to be a personal one. Good luck with your decision!!
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Old 02-15-2010, 03:25 AM   #7
Sinterior
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Hi, I'm not weight police, but will tell you my '06 GMC 2500 4X4 D/A with me DW, 5th hitch, tool box and full of "stuff" and fuel weighed 7600lbs, leaving 1600lbs for pin weight.
That truck was just within weight specs except for GVWR which was 1,000lbs over weight with my '09 3400RL, and after trading for a 3500 dually, IMHO there is a BIG difference in towing.
Weigh your truck and trailer, do the math, and decide for yourself.

Many people will say their 2500 trucks tow ok, but, if I'm in an accident I don't want an over weight issue pointing to me as being a cause or at fault.

Here in BC there is a license endorsement for towing trailers over 4,600KG (10,120LBS) where on the written exam (their is a road test as well) you sign and agree to weight limits, and it states if you're over, your insurance may not cover you.
I'm not comfortable with that "may not cover you" statement.

Having said that, I think this only applies to BC residents and others are based on home province/state rules if in an accident in BC.

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Old 02-15-2010, 04:05 AM   #8
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Sinterior

Hi, I'm not weight police, but will tell you my '06 GMC 2500 4X4 D/A with me DW, 5th hitch, tool box and full of "stuff" and fuel weighed 7600lbs, leaving 1600lbs for pin weight.
That truck was just within weight specs except for GVWR which was 1,000lbs over weight with my '09 3400RL, and after trading for a 3500 dually, IMHO there is a BIG difference in towing.
Weigh your truck and trailer, do the math, and decide for yourself.

Many people will say their 2500 trucks tow ok, but, if I'm in an accident I don't want an over weight issue pointing to me as being a cause or at fault.

Here in BC there is a license endorsement for towing trailers over 4,600KG (10,120LBS) where on the written exam (their is a road test as well) you sign and agree to weight limits, and it states if you're over, your insurance may not cover you.
I'm not comfortable with that "may not cover you" statement.

Having said that, I think this only applies to BC residents and others are based on home province/state rules if in an accident in BC.

Good information, I've gone the 3/4 ton route also. The issue is not "towing" as the drive trains are the same...the problem is the ability of the 2500 series truck to handle the pin weight and stay within the manufacturer's ratings. It can't. One suggestion, ignore the empty weights, we operate at nearly GW with a 2,500 plus pin weight.
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Old 02-15-2010, 05:16 AM   #9
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OK...here's our two bits. We are driving our third GMC 2500 Duramax with our third Montana (it's crazy how that Monty just keeps growing). We have put over 100,000 miles on both prior Duramax, quite a bit of mountain driving, never used airbags, with no issues whatsoever. We also attended an SOB rally in September last year and were able to have our rig weighed and reviewed by a member of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Everything checked out OK (don't have the specific numbers with us, those would be at home in snowy Montana, we are in Arizona).
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Old 02-15-2010, 05:17 AM   #10
richfaa
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The "will it pull it" question will about always be sure.. My 1 ton 6.4L will pull a 20K camper.

The question should be .."will I be within ratings and spec's"

As the so called "weight Police" of which I am a member. The individual should have the information to be fully aware of the ratings and spec's to aid in the decision making of truck purchase. Having all the information is part of the all over homework one should do before purchase. What the individual does with all the information is his decision.
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Old 02-15-2010, 06:08 AM   #11
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richfaa

I agree with what you said on the decision, I know that the numbers on my pin weight were wrong, but my GTW 13,56O.
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Old 02-15-2010, 01:33 PM   #12
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by bncinwv

The weight police will tell you can't, members who have actual experience will tell you that you can. The decision can be made by consulting all of the available numbers, or it can be made by acknowledging the fact that many members do just what you are asking for input for, but ultimately the decision has to be a personal one. Good luck with your decision!!
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Bingo, Is that Richfaa driving that rig???? Or is he the one shooting on the back??????
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Old 02-15-2010, 01:47 PM   #13
bncinwv
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We will have to defer to Rich on that one, Phil, I feel sooooooo baddddd for stirring the pot!!! Hee Hee!!
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Old 02-16-2010, 02:05 AM   #14
dmacy
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I have towed my Montana with a 2004 2500HD LLY Duramax with an edge Juice, both with air bags and without. I towed with the Juice set on level 2. There were less down shifts and better fuel mileage. Towing without the bags was all I wanted for a load. The truck seemed maxed out. With the bags it seemed like a more comfortable ride. There was virtually no sag at 85-90 LBS. I did notice a little bounce on bumps or rough road. A shock upgrade might help. I now have a 2009 3500HD dulley. This was a huge upgrade. The 3500 is a LOT! more stable. If you are going to tow any distance I would install airbags. If you are towing short trips the 2500HD will tow OK without them (with some sag). I think at some point in the future you might want want to consider a 3500HD Dulley if you are a serious RVer or towing any distance. No white knuckle driving!
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Old 02-16-2010, 02:19 AM   #15
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Bingo...Love that graphic.. I am the guy in the in the back and am aiming at the tires..
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Old 02-16-2010, 06:47 AM   #16
Art-n-Marge
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I am a volunteer member of the weight police and I did not make the graphic because the vehicle couldn't handle the extra weight so I had to stay home.

Leave it to Rich, he is in the back using a shotgun to shoot at the rig they're chasing. The buckshot is never gonna be accurate enough to hit the tires, but you think he cares? He just likes the spray patterns he's leaving at the back of the rig they're chasing!
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