Question:
I have a '02 Chevy 6.6 Duramax, single rear wheel type, 4 door, crew
cab type (says its a short bed but I can get an 8' piece of plywood in
it so I didn't think that was that short!) ... just the general run of
the mill Chevy diesel and I am thinking about a nice 5th. wheel...
I know the dual wheel will handle better with added weight but.....
So.... what restrictions might I face pulling a 5th. wheel camper... I
see many, many with duals on the rear but I really do not want to
change my truck over to a 'dualy'... how restricted will I be on
size/weight if I leave it single, as is?
I think the towing capacity is the same but the weight on the 5th.
wheel is probably different, but how different and is this a big thing
with 5th. wheels??
Answer:
Your 3/4 ton Duramax has a higher tow rating than a 1 ton dually of the same
configuration. All 3/4 and 1 ton Duramax have a gross combined weight rating
(truck, trailer and everything in both of them) of 22,000 pounds. As the truck
gets heavier, the tow rating goes down. For instance, a 3/4 ton regular cab
Duramax has a tow rating of about 15,700 pounds while the 1 ton dually crew cab
has a tow rating of about 14,700 pounds. The difference is due to the weight
of the truck.
The duallies have a higher rear axel weight rateing and can haul more weight. I
forget the ratings, but should be able to find them on line or get the booklet
from your Chevy dealer. The higher rear axel weight rating means you can haul
a 5th wheel with a higher pin weight.
With 5th wheeels you need to be concerned about both the towing weight and the
pin weight. Both should be within the capacity of your truck.
