I want to start this thread with a hypothetical truck and load. I will edit and add to this initial post to reflect the comments received. I want to help everyone understand how to know what they can or can't pull as well as open a few thoughts. No, I am not sure I understand everything. Please take this as such.

Second gen Dodge with Cummins
Truck weighs 5,000
Truck door sticker indicates GVWR as 8,800
8,800
5,000-
3,800 maximum payload

This would mean that the truck can carry itself and 3,800 payload (fuel, passengers, items in bed, tongue weight of trailer, etc.)

Trailer weighs 9,500
Trailer sticker indicates 14,500 GVWR
14,500
9,500
5,000

This means the trailer can weigh up to 14,500 fully loaded with whatever cargo it holds. (RV-water, food, clothes, gas, etc. Others- whatever you put on the deck or inside.)

Trailer designed to put 20% tongue weight (we will assume fifth wheel here because of the weight of the trailer >10,000) Tongue weight range from 1,900 to 2,900

At this point, it seems that the truck can handle the maximum tongue weight 2,900 and still have passengers, fuel, etc of 900. (3,800 payload)

Next limitation, GCWR Gross Combined Vehicle Weight
Truck with automatic 16,000
Truck with manual 20,000

Automatic
16,000
5,000- empty truck
9,500- empty trailer
1,500 left for payload (fuel passengers, gear, etc)

Manual
20,000
5,000- empty truck
9,500- empty trailer
5,500 left for payload (fuel passengers, gear, etc)

How does this look so far?

Now a question from my situation:
The owners manual shows the big difference from the auto to the manual. If I have a tranny like a goerends, wouldn't that make my numbers reflect the manual tranny? I understand the limitations in the owners manual may have been due to the weak link transmission.

I look forward to everyone's comments.

 

I always thought 20 to 25% for fifth wheel pin weights. 10 to 15 for bupmer pull.

 

I will adjust the inital memo to reflect this. I thought the same but wanted someone else to catch that. I'll allow 20% in this example. Thanks!

 

I dont understand what you want to know. My book says Auto with 355 ratio 16,000 Auto w 410 18,000 Man 20,000. Hell there were two diff. manuals. A 5spd and a 6 spd. I would think the 6 spd could go 21,500 but the book dont say so. I think DOT would write you if it became an issue. Its the gear ratios that seem to make the diff but Id consider the braking issues more important. When Im pullin Im much more worried about stopping than pulling away.

 

"Its the gear ratios that seem to make the diff but Id consider the braking issues more important. When Im pullin Im much more worried about stopping than pulling away."

Lt.B, I agree with your statement. I am often confused by what the manufacturers base a trucks ratings on. But that is for another thread!!!
Stan

 

Well said guys. Obviously stopping is the key to everything as well as being a smart operator.

To cut to the chase, in my particular situation I have a 98 12valve 2500 QC shortbed 2wd with a stock auto and a goerend triple disk TC. You are right, according to my manual I am at 16,000 because I have 3.55's.
The manual also states 8,800 GVWR. I havent scaled so I am not sure where I am at on that. The trailer I have is shown as 9,600 with a GVWR of 14,200.

Quite simply, I think I am going to be out of specs when I pull that trailer. I think the truck can handle it as long as I am safe and careful.

Whay do you think?

 

This topic of what our trucks are rated to haul/tow is always interesting and sometimes heated.
I believe weight ratings posted for a given truck are based on what the manufacturer is willing to cover under warranty and what they believe will create sales.
When we as owners modify a particular component in our truck to improve reliability, this does not change the manufacturers specs.
Unfortunately laws and ratings do not make smart drivers.
Sorry about the preamble to a shorter answer.!!!
In my opinion you will be okay. I assume you are no longer under warranty so anything you do is your expense.
I have modified my truck to make it a better towing vehicle for ME. I assume that is what you are after as well.
Good Luck, be safe, and drive like you are the only one who knows how to drive. (Because there are too many on the road who don't how to drive!!!)
Stan