Max trailer weight difference.
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Max trailer weight difference.
I have a question for you guys. My truck (see sig) is rated to tow max trailer of 10400lbs. I have the 3.73 gears. Now, the EXACT same truck (my friends) but with the 4.30 gears is rated at around 12,500 or close to it.
My question is this....is it a safty issue to pull a 12000lb trailer with my truck or is it just harder on the truck? I can't see why it would be a safty issue since the trucks are identical! Also, the GCVW is different on the trucks as well.
Now, just so people don't freak out and think that I want to go above my max weight....My TT is only 10000lbs max so I am good there. I am just wondering why the big difference.
Thanks guys,
Mike
My question is this....is it a safty issue to pull a 12000lb trailer with my truck or is it just harder on the truck? I can't see why it would be a safty issue since the trucks are identical! Also, the GCVW is different on the trucks as well.
Now, just so people don't freak out and think that I want to go above my max weight....My TT is only 10000lbs max so I am good there. I am just wondering why the big difference.
Thanks guys,
Mike
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Max trailer weight difference.
The difference is in the spring weight and gearing of the axle. Your rear GAWR is lower than your friends with the 4.30. BTW by changing from 31.5" to 33" tires on your truck, you have efectively reduced the gear ratio from 3.73 to 3.56 and reduced your towing limit further. The 10.4K tow rating is with a bare bones empty truck and one 150lb driver and NO passegers or gear/cargo. Your probably way over what you should be towing with a 10k travel trailer.
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From: South Dakota
Max trailer weight difference.
I noticed that before I ordered mine which is why I went with the 4.30 rearend. I think it has to do with the ability to get moving easier because of the lower gears and it doesn't put as much strain on the drive train, which comes into warranty work. I also thought it might have to do with when you let off the gas, you slow down faster with the lower gears. I don't know if that has anything to do with it though. I'm guessing it has more to do with what I first mentioned. Again, I don't know for sure, just my opinion.
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From: Oregon
Max trailer weight difference.
It's the gear ratio that gives a better tow rating. The springs are the same as are the rear GAWR of 6084lbs.
Sure you can pull it...might feel a little sluggish though.
Sure you can pull it...might feel a little sluggish though.
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Max trailer weight difference.
Originally posted by Steelheader14
It's the gear ratio that gives a better tow rating. The springs are the same as are the rear GAWR of 6084lbs.
Sure you can pull it...might feel a little sluggish though.
It's the gear ratio that gives a better tow rating. The springs are the same as are the rear GAWR of 6084lbs.
Sure you can pull it...might feel a little sluggish though.
As far as sluggish....I get up and go just fine. It has no problem keeping up with the speed limit...big grades slow it down a bit but it's not bad at all.
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From: NE TX
Max trailer weight difference.
A rating is just that. The torque required to pull a 10000 lb. trailer is produced by various engines and at differing rpms, hence a higher rating for diesels, V10 than gas V8, etc. With lower gears you keep the engine at a higher rpm giving more applicable torque. Ford (and others) have engineers figure this rating by formulas or something. Anyway I use it mostly for comparison and to develop expectations. Everyone already knows that a half ton can move much more than 1000 lbs. I prefer heavier trucks for the brakes. I have to give up some ride quality sure but my truck rides fine when loaded. I have gone over the rating and sometimes the front gets light and brakes get slow. As long as you know you're trucks limits and it performs well you should be fine. If you want more low end power you can change the gears when needed and effectively raise the rating from stock. I try to load the trailer to help my truck when I approach it's limit and drive respectively. Trailer brakes help too.
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