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Old 08-05-2012, 11:38 AM   #1
ricky4453
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2500HD 6.0L gasser/ Raptor 300MP?

I recently purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4x4 crew gasoline 6.0 with a 3.73 gear ratio. The fifth wheel trailing capacity is 9900 pounds. My hopes are to purchase a Keystone Raptor 300MP which weighs approximately 12,000 pounds. I could not afford a diesel but I was wondering if I put a 4.10 gear in the truck would I need to do anything else to accommodate the 300 MP weight. The Chevrolet website says 4.10 gear ratio will accommodate 20,500. I just want to make sure I'm not missing something. Any help or device is appreciated, thanks
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Old 08-05-2012, 06:54 PM   #2
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I suppose changing to 4:10 will up the capacity, but do nothing about payload. Check your payload ratings on the truck and make sure you aren't exceeding it with the Raptor pin weight. I was exceeding it on my 08 2500HD gasser and did the right thing and sold it and got a 1 ton.
Just food for thought. Btw, my 1 ton tows my 12k (loaded) fiver so much better.
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Old 08-06-2012, 06:20 AM   #3
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What you need to be concerned with are the allowable axle gross weights and the combined gross vehicle weight that is listed on the vehicle placard that is by the driver’s door post. This cannot be changed because these weights are established by the vehicle manufacture and is certified by them. I do not know what the newer Chevy have listed as their weights but I will provide my weights as an example.

The rear axle allowable weight is 6010 LBS; the front is 5200 LBS; these weights are the same for either a diesel or gas engine truck. Where the difference is the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight for the gas engine truck which is 17,000 LBS and for the diesel engine it is 20,000 LBS (this is for 4:10 axles on a 3/4 ton truck). The maximum allowable tow trailer weight is 10,400 LBS for the gas engine and the diesel engine is 12,450 LBS.

The reason for this difference is that the diesel engine will allow the load to be moved from a standing still start easier with less strain on the entire drive train, due to the torque a diesel will provide at lower engine RPM’s then a gas engine will develop. This is the main advantage of a diesel engine over the gas engine. Another area where a diesel engine will out performed a gas engine is various altitudes. As the elevation increase the diesel engine will not lose HP; until a certain elevation is reached such as 10,000 FT due to the TURBO charger which is condensing the air. Where as a gas engine that is natural aspirated will lose power because the air is not as dense at these elevations and the engine is starved for air and loses HP.

So in my opinion change the differential gearing will not allow a heavier tow load for your truck.
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Old 08-06-2012, 07:20 AM   #4
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I think that's going to be a pricy choice. With a 4x4 that means you have to change the gearing in both axles and the end result will still be less than desireable. Plus more than likely you will still come out too heavy on the pin weight and exceed the capacity of the 2500. Do what you well.
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Old 08-06-2012, 12:55 PM   #5
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The approx cost to swap out the gears to 4.10 on your Chevy going to run you about a $1000 an axle. The max tow rating with the 4.10
2500 CC Std Bed 4WD 6.0L V-8 13,000/13,900 (k)
That's According to trailer life these figure also match up with what the dealer told me last year when we purchased our 2500 HD.

The empty weight of the 300mp is 12,000 with a carring weight of up to 4500lb the trailer is way over the safe limit of your 2500 imo.

To be safe you don't want to pull much more that 80% of you tow rating which is 11.200lb and that should be the max weight of tt not the empty weight.

Look for a lighter 5th wheel or a bigger tv to be safe.


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Old 08-06-2012, 01:10 PM   #6
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I guess what I don't understand is a 2500HD diesel can pull it, then why isn't a 2500hd gasser equally as capable with a 4:10 as the tow capacity is significantly increased with a 4:10. Below is the data from Chevy with a 4:10. Changing gears is less expensive than a new truck.

Max 5th Wheel Trailering, 4.10 Rear Axle (lbs.) 20500
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (lbs.) 6200
GCWR, 4.10 Rear Axle (lbs.) 20500
GVWR (lbs.) 9500 9900
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Old 08-06-2012, 01:52 PM   #7
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Thanks for the responses! I guess the numbers are just making sense to me. GM's website says with a 410 Gear I can toww 20500 5th wheel. The 300 ways 12, 15 max loaded for what I plan to use it for. I would think that would be plenty
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Old 08-06-2012, 02:10 PM   #8
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I know its confusing. I have the 300mp towing with a 3/4 diesel. I changed to 4.11 gears and it did wonders. I also have firestone ride rites on the truck to help with pin weight. What most are saying on here is the limits for each truck. They don't want something to happen and the insurance sue you because of the weights don't match up. Do you have the Allison in that truck? That will help also.

Will the truck do it. Probably will, but you need to be very careful. I also have a one ton dually I tow with also. It has the Allison and duramax and does a great job. But to be honest in real world handling my 3/4 Tows it just fine. I mainly use the dually and only use the little truck if i have too. I don't travel that far.

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Old 08-06-2012, 02:25 PM   #9
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I know its confusing. I have the 300mp towing with a 3/4 diesel. I changed to 4.11 gears and it did wonders. I also have firestone ride rites on the truck to help with pin weight. What most are saying on here is the limits for each truck. They don't want something to happen and the insurance sue you because of the weights don't match up. Do you have the Allison in that truck? That will help also.

Will the truck do it. Probably will, but you need to be very careful. I also have a one ton dually I tow with also. It has the Allison and duramax and does a great job. But to be honest in real world handling my 3/4 Tows it just fine. I mainly use the dually and only use the little truck if i have too. I don't travel that far.

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Thanks for the response, I'm new to this towing stuff and I'm analytical by nature so numbers make sense to me, numbers don't lie "in my mind". And based on the data provided by Chevy I m way under max weight for a fifth wheel...A 2500HD can also handle the pin weight according to the data...I think Allisons are only available on Diesels? Mine is not a diesel and doesn't have an Allison trans. in a perfect world I wish I could've afforded the diesel dually. Based on numbers from Chevy's website I thought a gear change would be plenty for a 2500hd to work. I spoke with camping world today and they said the truck would tow the 300mp with a 4:10 gear. I got a great deal on the truck I bought so spending a little extra on new gears is feasible.
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Old 08-06-2012, 03:39 PM   #10
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I think you may have miss read the web site or i'm reading it wrong which is possible page 9-99 in the owners manual.
4.10 5th wheel max 13.900 with gcwr(a) 20,500 page 9-103 (a) the gross combination weight of loaded tv and tt/5th.

I think you need to take the weight of the truck approx 9500 off of the 20,500 and whats left is your tow rating.

If im reading it wrong then i can pull a lot more as well.

With all that said them upgrading to gears 4.10 would get you more in line with the max weight limit and help with hills.

Good luck.

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Old 08-06-2012, 03:47 PM   #11
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I think you may have miss read the web site or i'm reading it wrong which is possible page 9-99 in the owners manual.
4.10 5th wheel max 13.900 with gcwr(a) 20,500 page 9-103 (a) the gross combination weight of loaded tv and tt/5th.

If im reading it wrong then i can pull a lot more as well.

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Thanks for Englishmen for the help. Below is the pasted data from GM website with web link below.

http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado-2...owertrain.html

Trailering & Payload Vortec® 6.0L Variable Valve Timing V8 engine 4WD
Curb Weight (lbs.) 5962
Max Payload (lbs.) 3538
GVWR (lbs.) 9500
Max Conventional Trailering, 3.73 Rear Axle (lbs.) 9900
Max Conventional Trailering, 4.10 Rear Axle (lbs.) 13000
Max 5th Wheel Trailering, 3.73 Rear Axle (lbs.) 9900
Max 5th Wheel Trailering, 4.10 Rear Axle (lbs.) 20500
GCWR, 3.73 Rear Axle (lbs.) 16000
GCWR, 4.10 Rear Axle (lbs.) 20500
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (lbs.) 4400
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (lbs.) 6200
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Old 08-06-2012, 03:53 PM   #12
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Tow rating is one thing, gross combination weight rating is another. It is gross vehicle weight rating of the tow vehicle that is the largest factor, especially with 5th wheels.
This means that the true weight of the truck including optional equipment, hitch, cargo and passengers plus loaded pin and/or tongue weight of trailer can not exceed the GVWR of the truck.
The weight from the hitch or pin usually maxrs out the gvwr of the truck long before the tow rating of the truck is exceeded.
A lot of people ignore this factor, hence they are overloadingthe axle capacity of their truck.
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Old 08-06-2012, 04:04 PM   #13
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[QUOTE=Englishman;46431]The approx cost to swap out the gears to 4.10 on your Chevy going to run you about a $1000 an axle. The max tow rating with the 4.10
2500 CC Std Bed 4WD 6.0L V-8 13,000/13,900 (k)
That's According to trailer life these figure also match up with what the dealer told me last year when we purchased our 2500 HD.

The empty weight of the 300mp is 12,000 with a carring weight of up to 4500lb the trailer is way over the safe limit of your 2500 imo.

Using these weights, your trailer loaded for the road will be AT Least 12000+3000. ( I am quite sure if you weigh the empty trailer as delivered it will be already over the unloaded weight on the sticker. Unloaded weight does not usually include battery, propane, etc.)
The pin weight will be approx 15000x20%=3000lbs, This is really pushing a 2500 cap. If you are not over the rear axle GVWR AND the Max tire weight capacity when truck and trailer are loaded and on the road including passengers and fuel you are safe according to DOT.
In this case, I think you will be hard pressed to meet spec here and if you are by a couple hundred pounds you will not have GOOD towing experience, IMHO,

"To be safe you don't want to pull much more that 80% of you tow rating which is 11.200lb and that should be the max weight of tt not the empty weight."

Your tow rating is considered safe by manufacturer to 100% of the max tow rating.

"Look for a lighter 5th wheel or a bigger tv to be safe."

This is good advice
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Old 08-06-2012, 04:51 PM   #14
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Sorry guys, I must be losing my mind here. The max towing for a 5th wheel is 13900 with a 4:10. I mustve had the wrong spec because I copy and pasted it...It's Monday...I guess I have to consider a different toy hauler which really sucks. I may have to consider a 30FS. I really wanted a Raptor 5th wheel but I don't think my truck will cut it.
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Old 08-06-2012, 04:54 PM   #15
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At least you spotted/asked the question before you got the 5ver good luck and I you find one that meets your needs.

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Old 08-06-2012, 05:48 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by ricky4453 View Post
Thanks for Englishmen for the help. Below is the pasted data from GM website with web link below.

http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado-2...owertrain.html

Trailering & Payload Vortec® 6.0L Variable Valve Timing V8 engine 4WD
Curb Weight (lbs.) 5962
Max Payload (lbs.) 3538
GVWR (lbs.) 9500
Max Conventional Trailering, 3.73 Rear Axle (lbs.) 9900
Max Conventional Trailering, 4.10 Rear Axle (lbs.) 13000
Max 5th Wheel Trailering, 3.73 Rear Axle (lbs.) 9900
Max 5th Wheel Trailering, 4.10 Rear Axle (lbs.) 20500
GCWR, 3.73 Rear Axle (lbs.) 16000
GCWR, 4.10 Rear Axle (lbs.) 20500
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (lbs.) 4400
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (lbs.) 6200
Well is the 12K trailer weight Dry or GVWR?

With the combo in my sig I run 9,700# GVW on the truck, and 8,800# on the trailer. this was 60 miles from home loaded for a two week trip.

I am running 84% of my rear GAWR, and 89% of the front (R 6,084 and F 5200). The 9,700# puts me at just over 86% of my total GAWR.

Your stated GVWR is already over 89% of your total GAWR, your have half the safety margin I have as my GVWR is only 8,800, so as you can see even though I am almost 1,000# over my GVWR, I am at less of a percentage of my GAWR!

Be careful, older trucks were extremely under rated due to HP and torque. I have added a little of both, and tow safely.
Truck is level WITHOUT air bags, and can pull grades at speed.
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Old 08-06-2012, 07:49 PM   #17
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Well is the 12K trailer weight Dry or GVWR?

With the combo in my sig I run 9,700# GVW on the truck, and 8,800# on the trailer. this was 60 miles from home loaded for a two week trip.

I am running 84% of my rear GAWR, and 89% of the front (R 6,084 and F 5200). The 9,700# puts me at just over 86% of my total GAWR.

Your stated GVWR is already over 89% of your total GAWR, your have half the safety margin I have as my GVWR is only 8,800, so as you can see even though I am almost 1,000# over my GVWR, I am at less of a percentage of my GAWR!

Be careful, older trucks were extremely under rated due to HP and torque. I have added a little of both, and tow safely.
Truck is level WITHOUT air bags, and can pull grades at speed.
shipping weight is 11985
tow capacity is 13,900 for a fifth wheel with my 2011 Silverado w/ a 4:10
I was hoping I could maybe could make some modifications to make it work but its not lookig good.
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Old 08-08-2012, 07:48 PM   #18
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Well is the 12K trailer weight Dry or GVWR?

With the combo in my sig I run 9,700# GVW on the truck, and 8,800# on the trailer. this was 60 miles from home loaded for a two week trip.

I am running 84% of my rear GAWR, and 89% of the front (R 6,084 and F 5200). The 9,700# puts me at just over 86% of my total GAWR.

Your stated GVWR is already over 89% of your total GAWR, your have half the safety margin I have as my GVWR is only 8,800, so as you can see even though I am almost 1,000# over my GVWR, I am at less of a percentage of my GAWR!

Be careful, older trucks were extremely under rated due to HP and torque. I have added a little of both, and tow safely.
Truck is level WITHOUT air bags, and can pull grades at speed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ricky4453 View Post
shipping weight is 11985
tow capacity is 13,900 for a fifth wheel with my 2011 Silverado w/ a 4:10
I was hoping I could maybe could make some modifications to make it work but its not lookig good.
No it isn't looking good, if the pin is 3,000#you will likely exceed your 9,500 GVW as I weigh 9,700 with a lighter pin, but heaver base truck though to call.

The killer is you will get killed on hills, even with 4.10 you will struggle.
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Old 08-09-2012, 06:31 AM   #19
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I'm happy to learn that they changed the floor plan of the 297SE to the way we like it and it's 2000 pounds lighter so we will probably opt for that model.
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Old 08-15-2012, 06:12 AM   #20
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I'm happy to learn that they changed the floor plan of the 297SE to the way we like it and it's 2000 pounds lighter so we will probably opt for that model.
Perfect. It's mostly the pin weight that was going to be the killer for you without dual rear wheels.

If you do swap your gears though, why not skip the 4.10 and go to a 4.56 having a gas engine. I've got 4.10:1 in my rear axle and am seriously considering going to 4.56:1 and I don't pull near what you are looking at. $700 an axle seems to be the general quote I get around here.
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