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Truck/trailer question

Old 12-31-2005, 03:17 PM
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Bailey-86-MA
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Default Truck/trailer question

I am considering a truck trailer combo.

2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, Crew cab, with the Duramax diesel engine, numerous options, 7500 miles

2004 Pace American GT, 46' gooseneck trailer with almost all options. Hauls 2 cars.

$50k for both.

My questions:

1. Is the truck suitable to pull this trailer. The truck is not a dually.
2. Does it sound like a good deal?

Thanks.
Old 12-31-2005, 04:23 PM
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ltc
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As for question #1, try contacting the guys at Atlantic Coast Trailers in Charlton, MA (PCA NER sponsors and good guys). www.actrailers.com
I'm sure they can answer it definitively.
Old 12-31-2005, 04:30 PM
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Roscoe
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Hey Bailey, can you tow my GT3 too?

Happy new year!

Tim
Old 12-31-2005, 04:54 PM
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Dave 86 930 Fl
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Bailey,

I have an '03 Duramax and typically pull an 8500# boat package from Fl to NY without any issues. The duramax pulls so much better than conventional gas engines (torque) that I find myself chuckling every once in while when I pass cars through the mountains in the Northeast.

Regarding price, most Duramax trucks sticker around $50k ... so I'd say it looks like a good deal.
Old 12-31-2005, 08:44 PM
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Happy New Year Tim. If I do I may have space.
Old 12-31-2005, 08:45 PM
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Thanks Dave. That's what I'm thinking but I want to be sure it's a good combo.
Old 12-31-2005, 10:39 PM
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The truck should have a sticker in it's door jamb showing the max GCVW for the truck. Do the math and see (you might also find and owners manual online). Also find out the Chevy/GMC forums and ask about it. I have a Ford and thats what I did. What is the capacity and weight of the trailer with cars in it? You need that info as well.
Old 01-01-2006, 12:31 AM
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mikew968
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That sounds like a lot of trailer for a SRW truck. I think the engine can handle it; it's just question of stability.

Mike
Old 01-01-2006, 08:30 PM
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Yes, you need the specifications on the truck and trailer. Axle weight capacity, GVWR, towing capacity, transmission details, factory towing package, etc. on the tow vehicle and pertinent details on the trailer.

A 46 foot gooseneck style enclosed trailer gives you about 37' 9" on the main floor. Two cars is usually not the issue (two 16 ft long cars plus tie down room), it is the weight of the cars and cargo that really matters.

Estimating from the Pace brochures, a 46' Pace American Shadow GT (no cabinets, spare tire, etc.), GVWR 15,000 lb, triple 5000 lb axles, should have an empty weight of about 7250 lb.

Most folks pulling a heavy gooseneck go with a 3500 series (Ford 350 series) because of the weight rating and drive train mechanical strength. You can wear out the rear end quickly if its not matched to the task. Rear duals help with lateral stability but are not required as long as the single tire set-up has the capacity to hold the gooseneck (trailer tongue weight).

You need to consider what you are hauling, how often, and how far and pick a rig that is appropriate. Many people put all their thought into the cars and not the transporter package. Then they wonder why the tranporter is inadequate or has failures on the road.
Old 01-02-2006, 04:01 AM
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Robert Henriksen
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I'd be surprised if a 2500 SRW was adequate & safe for that trailer, myself.
Old 01-02-2006, 08:41 AM
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no shot in hell of a 2500 anything towing a 46 foot gooseneck. dually 3500 only.
Old 01-02-2006, 06:14 PM
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Dave 86 930 Fl
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I checked my '03 Duramax/Alison manual for tow ratings on K-2500 Crew Cab, Short Box w/4WD and 3.73 gears.

Max Trailer Weight 14,700 lbs
5th Wheel Weight <= 3000 lbs
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) 22,000 lbs

BTW, 3500 series with crew cab, 4wd, Duramax/Alison has same towing capacity ... no difference with dual rear wheels. I've owned many brands of tow vehicles with different setups (i.e., gas, diesel, duallies, crew cabs, 2wd/4wd, etc.) and nothing pulls like these new generation diesels from Ford and GM.

Buy the truck, you can pull a house with it and get 12 mpg while you're at it.
Old 01-02-2006, 06:28 PM
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I like both the Fords and Chevys that are being discussed a lot. But, I also am a believer in viewing the "ratings" with a suspect eye. Most of the US manufacturers, when determining the "towing capacity" and "tongue/goose-neck/5th wheel capacity", etc., use an assumption of a completely empty truck with one person (driver) on board who weighs 150lbs. So, the numbers are horse pucky in value. I wouldn't regularly exceed 75-80% of the manufacturers' numbers, a "rule" which has served me well for 36 years of towing....OK, 35 years...it took me a year to learn this fact!
Old 01-02-2006, 09:19 PM
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I had a F-250 supercab diesel and bought a 24' Millenium trailer to tow my track car. It was able to handle it but I felt it was at its practical limit.
I went out and bought a F-350 crew cab 4x4 diesel w/ the tow command feature and I can tell you it's a different beast.
Now as for towing a 46' gooseneck w/ 2 cars you'll probably have another 6000# to haul over me. That will probably put you over the capacity of a 1 ton truck. You might want to be sure before you buy it.
Old 01-03-2006, 08:33 AM
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2500hd Has a GCVW that is the weight of truck, trailer, cars, gear, clothes, dog, wife, etc. You should be fine, may want to tweak the rear end with some airbags and consider a chip.
The best Duramax site around that has people there that can answer just about all of your questions (like Rennlist) is TheDieselPlace.com Check it out.

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