RAWR of '03 2500HD?

[wheeler]

Hello everybody-- can someone tell me the front axle weight rating and the rear axle weight ratings of the 2003 2500HDs? Thanks!!! --wheeler

[ 09-14-2002: Message edited by: wheeler ]</p>

[bwhuntr]

Here they are.
2wd version is 4410# front, 6084# rear
4x4 version is 4670# front, 6084# rear.

Numbers are for crew shortbox

hope this helps. Any other configuration let me know.

[Steve Cornell]

bwhuntr,

Are you sure this is rating on the axle??
or that is the rear limit because of the tires (3042 lb ea.)

just wondering if the axle is rated for more.

when my tires wear out I will be installing 265s which are rated for more capacity.

[IndigoDually]

I believe that the tires are the limiting factor for the gawr. The only problem with changing the tires and adding more weight is that the door jamb sticker still says the lower number if you ever get in a jam.

John

[DmaxMaverick]

American Axle rates the axle at 10,800, in any vehicle. The OEM manufacturers determine the GAWR by the remaining components and guesstimation. Mostly guesstimation.

This is the rear axle. Got no idea how the front is rated.

[ 09-16-2002: Message edited by: DmaxMaverick ]</p>

[bwhuntr]

Steve,
DmaxMav is technically on the money. However, you asked for GAWR front and rear. I build numerous dumps, wreckers, stake trucks, etc. for a commercial dealer. These are the numbers that GM requires you to follow so as not to void any warranties/litigation. The ratings are derived from the weakest link in the drivetrain. I am sure that the axle itself can probably handle many #'s over that weakest link.

[wheeler]

Hey guys, wheeler here, thanks for the input! I realize these calculations are kind of like picking nits and it is comparing apples or oranges but if you don't mind...

... I'm still trying to get into a 2003 Chevy 2500HD to pull my 12,700 pound fifth wheel. Unfortunately the 3500 dooley will not work for me and if I can't make the Chevy 2500HD work I may have to -- horrors!-- look at the 2003 3500 single rear wheel from a competitor!

So, if I'm willing to be over weight on the 9200 pound GVWR of the 2003 Chevy 2500HD (like many of the real world users are)...but I'd like to be *within* the front and rear axle weight ratings, which I'm told is 4670 for the front and 6084 for the rear (which happens to be twice the tire limit of 3042 lb ea.)....

Here's what my (year 2000 DOD*E Cummins quadcab 4x4 shortbox) 2500HD axles weighed on a certified scale when I had my truck and trailer fully loaded to the top for a six week trip-- and this was uncharacteristically heavy, I would probably not pack that heavily again--

Full of food, clothes, etc., full holding tanks, full water tank, passengers, dogs, etc., my certified front axle weight was 4640 pounds and my rear axle weight was 6140 pounds.

Okay, on the front 4640 is within the 2500HD's front axle weight rating, and on the rear, 6140 pounds is very close to RAWR of 6084 pounds.

Hmmmm... maybe I'd get higher rated tires and just go for it. What do you think? Thanks!!!! --wheeler :confused:

[ 09-16-2002: Message edited by: wheeler ]</p>

[Colorado Kid]

That's what I'd do.

I'm on record as believeing the GVWR is irrelevant when a trailer is attached...when you hook up a trailer your rig becomes a combination and the GCWR governs. GAWR's still apply and as you've noted you'll be right at the limit. The axel itself and the brakes are equal to the 3500 version. The GCWR is also identical between the two versions. Model for model the GM's weigh around 500# less than brand D, although I don't know how much of the savings is on the rear (I'd guess not much). Put some load range E 265/75R16's on and don't worry about the axel. (You may descide you need more spring however...add a leaf or airbags will fix that).

[hoot]

Per this GMC spec, the 2500HD axle ratings.....

Front 4500-4800 depending on body type.

Rear 6900


Now the spring ratings are different.....


Front spring cap. 4500-4800 depending on body type.

Rear spring cap. 6084

http://www.gmc.com/gm***p/sierra/specs_capacities***p?vehicle=sierra2500hd

Sorry but this forum software doasn't allow the link to be displayed properly.

[ 09-17-2002: Message edited by: hoot ]</p>

[RVGuy]

Wheeler,

Wow, that means fully loaded you had approximately 25 - 26% of your trailer weight at the kingpin. Too bad you couldn't move the trailer axles a bit forward so as to move some of the kingpin weight toward the rear. My calculations indicate you had in excess of 3,000 lbs in either kingpin weight or some awfully heavy bags in the truck bed.

For those long, 6 week trips, try loading as much weight toward the rear of the trailer as possible. Sounds like you had allot of stuff in the front basement storage.

[AbqGeorge]

I tend to agree with the Colorado Kid here. I believe GVWR is taking into account all that weight being placed into the box and needing to be stopped with the brakes on the truck. I put two tons of wet sand in my 2500HD one time and it taxed those 4-wheel disk brakes pretty good.

Make sure you keep the FW brakes tuned up, get the higher rated tires and go for it wheeler.

[wheeler]

Thanks for the input, CC, RVGuy, hoot, AbqG. Astute conclusion RVGuy, yes the truck is heavily weighted because I have a very heavy fifth wheel hitch (the automatic sliding Pullrite Super Glide) and the 5er's storage basement has a six golf cart battery bank up front that weighs 400 pounds. I still have lots of capacity on the trailer axles & tires so to the extent possible I'll pack some weight towards the back. Anyway, I've been trying to sort out my thoughts here and I appreciate the input! Regards, --wheeler****script: x()

[ 09-20-2002: Message edited by: wheeler ]</p>

[Maverick]

Wheeler,
I did haul a 02' 2500HD ext cab, an 99 1500 ext cab, and a 00' Surburban today. It was a tight fit on the trailer but no problem. I ran across the scale and weighed out as follows:

Steer-----4,380 lbs
Drives----9,480 lbs
Trailer--17,720 lbs
GVW------31,580 lbs

Now thats a load. No problem for a DURAMAX!!!!!

If I can load my 3500 up like this and run, I would say you will have no problem with your 2500HD.