20K GCVW, Absolute?
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From: Northwest
20K GCVW, Absolute?
Recently bought a 2003, 6.0 PSD, 3.73, SRW, 4X4, Crew Cab Short Box. It's alot of truck, but I'll need all of it. We show horses and travel a couple of months every summer. This year we decided to committ to our own setup for a little independence. Problem is with a typical 3 horse living quater gooseneck, I'm going to be pushing over the 20K limit. Probably looking at 27K wet. (Not sure because we haven't ordered the trailer yet.) 8100 Truck + 12,000 Trailer + 3500 Horses (2 whoppers) + 3000 Misc Gear & Fluids. Could probably cull down to 23-24K, but was looking forward to having the kitchen sink with me.
I see this setup at shows all the time & no one else seems to worry about it. Not willing to step up to a F550 (this is my daily driver). Looked at Chevy's, they jump to 22K GCVW, but it's only an extra 2K and it's a Chevy. Should I worry?
Another item of concern is the new transmission (automatic). I've been playing around with tow mode & it seems kind of rough on the downshifts & takes alot to accellerate up a gear. Any thoughts?
I see this setup at shows all the time & no one else seems to worry about it. Not willing to step up to a F550 (this is my daily driver). Looked at Chevy's, they jump to 22K GCVW, but it's only an extra 2K and it's a Chevy. Should I worry?
Another item of concern is the new transmission (automatic). I've been playing around with tow mode & it seems kind of rough on the downshifts & takes alot to accellerate up a gear. Any thoughts?
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Calgary Canada
7000 is A LOT over, 2-3000 is still considerable.
According to the law, anything over 20,000 is illegal and could cause you serious problems, especially if you're headed to Canada.
In practical terms, 2-3000 is no big deal, 7000 is a stretch.
You really should be using a F450 or F550 in that scenario, at the VERY LEAST, IMHO, you should have gone with a DRW truck.
You can't always have your cake and eat it too.
This topic has been covered a lot in this forum, so do a search, you'll find lots more info and opinions.
Waxy
According to the law, anything over 20,000 is illegal and could cause you serious problems, especially if you're headed to Canada.
In practical terms, 2-3000 is no big deal, 7000 is a stretch.
You really should be using a F450 or F550 in that scenario, at the VERY LEAST, IMHO, you should have gone with a DRW truck.
You can't always have your cake and eat it too.
This topic has been covered a lot in this forum, so do a search, you'll find lots more info and opinions.
Waxy
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From: Northwest
Waxy,
I understand your concerns about the high weight & think you're right. I guess I'll have to cull it down to reasonable. Why would you suggest DRW? It doesn't look like it buys you anything but insurance against blowouts & I'm more concerned with good city manners and traction in the snow & ice. I know this is a hot topic in the pulling community & I haven't been educated enough I guess. (And I thought I did all the research prior to purchase!)
I understand your concerns about the high weight & think you're right. I guess I'll have to cull it down to reasonable. Why would you suggest DRW? It doesn't look like it buys you anything but insurance against blowouts & I'm more concerned with good city manners and traction in the snow & ice. I know this is a hot topic in the pulling community & I haven't been educated enough I guess. (And I thought I did all the research prior to purchase!)
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Calgary Canada
The DRW option gives you a higher payload for the truck, I believe it increases your GCWR (larger, stronger rear axle, (Dana 80) and brakes too I believe) and it definately adds stability to the truck when towing, especially loads that push the limits of the truck.
It adds a definate margin of increased safety when towing, I'll be it at an annoying price.
Waxy
It adds a definate margin of increased safety when towing, I'll be it at an annoying price.
Waxy
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I have an F350 DRW, GVWR is 11,200. I have a trailer with a GVWR of 16,000 lbs. My combined GVCR is therefore 27,200. I pull through the port of entries ALL THE TIME and as long as I am not over the combined GVWR of each vehicle, I am okay. The legality issues come into play in the event of an accident.
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