05 suramax 3500 drw towing capacity??

[hobbit]

Can anyone tell me what the towing capacity is for the o5 2wd drw 3500 duramax with the 3.73? The brochure shows that it is 16400 lbs with the 4.10 but does not look like you can purchase it with the 4.1(tried a dealer and also GM but not muh faith in their answers). Maybe the brochure is incorrect?

Also what shpuld I expect to get for fuel mileage?

[Craig M]

You can only get the 3.73 with the Duramax.

[DmaxMaverick]

Welcome to The Diesel Page, Hobbit!

3.73 is it with a Duramax.

Your max towing capacity may be rated at 16,400, but you have to calculate the actual. The tow ratings don't mean anything in the real world. Just look at Ford's new claims. 19,200?? That's too funny. Their GCWR is only 21K. That would mean the truck would only be allowed to weigh 1,800, fully loaded and ready to hook up.

The D/A (any of them, 2500HD or 3500) has a GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) of 22K. Subtract the weight of the tow vehicle (fueled, loaded w/ gear and passengers) from the GCWR and that will give you the actual tow capacity. You still have to keep the axle weights in check.

Theoretically, if your tow vehicle is ready to go at 5,600, then you would be legal with a 16,400 trailer. It is possible, but not with a crew cab. A reg. cab, or maybe an extended cab 2wd, may get away with it, but you'll have to leave the dog/wife at home. They (manufacturers) want to post big numbers for us to drool over, so they make up the ratings with a minimally equipped truck, then include the disclaimers (fine print) that say it only works with a certain vehicle.

This allows a 2500HD, or 3500 SWR, to have a higher tow capacity than a 3500 dually. The dually has a higher base weight due to the duals and accompanying hardware. For the same reason, a 4wd will have less towing capacity than a 2wd.

Some states do not recognize the vehicle manufacturer's rating and issue ratings according to how much you pay for when you license it. Many states do not recognize this policy, and require you to follow the manufacturer's ratings, regardless of what your licensing state rates the vehicle at.

[rickdlance]

Just for the record, my 2004 extended cab 2wd with 40 extra gallons of fuel and loaded for a trip weighs 8000 pounds??? That doesn't leave you much for a trailer if you follow the rules.

[hobbit]

Rick
See you have several duramax's. What type of mileage should I expect with a new 3500?

Have yours been trouble free?

[rickdlance]

hobbit, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the dually's took a dive in mileage with the LLY. Both of mine seam to be around 15-16 empty at 75-80 mph. Slower mph will get better mpg. I have actually got 19 with both going back east under ideal conditions at 55 mph. The 2500's don't seam to be affected. My LB7 trucks average 25% better under identicle conditions. My 2001 dually got 20 mpg at 85-90 mph on a trip back from Tucson once (wife's birthday, nuff said). I don't understand how you can make a truck run "cleaner" and burn more fuel doing it.