Increasing the towing capacity???
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2007
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RE: Increasing the towing capacity???
ORIGINAL: Campingmike
I have a 37' fifth wheel which has a GVWR of 13,500 #. I am looking to get a newer truck. I currently own a 1999Ford F350 Dually Diesel 4X4 with an automatic tasmission ( 7.3L) and 108,000 miles on it. I have been looking at both the Dodge Megacab 2500 and 3500 and notice that the tow capacities are 12450 and 15450 respectively with the 4:10 gear ratio. I have been told that I could buy the 2500 and put air shocks on the rear for the extra towing capacity and get the same as the 3500, as the rear suspension is the only difference. I question this and need help solving this delima. I will go with the PullRite 16KSuperglide either way so I don't have to worry about making sharp turns . This hitch will automatically slide the hitch head back proportionally so there is no interference with the cab. One other question if where to install the hitch in relation to the rear axle. Some say to have the hitch directly above the rear axle, and others say to install it 2" behind the axle to improve handling, because of the weight of the diesel motor in front. Any input on either of these two questions from those who have experienced these senerios would be appreciated.
I have a 37' fifth wheel which has a GVWR of 13,500 #. I am looking to get a newer truck. I currently own a 1999Ford F350 Dually Diesel 4X4 with an automatic tasmission ( 7.3L) and 108,000 miles on it. I have been looking at both the Dodge Megacab 2500 and 3500 and notice that the tow capacities are 12450 and 15450 respectively with the 4:10 gear ratio. I have been told that I could buy the 2500 and put air shocks on the rear for the extra towing capacity and get the same as the 3500, as the rear suspension is the only difference. I question this and need help solving this delima. I will go with the PullRite 16KSuperglide either way so I don't have to worry about making sharp turns . This hitch will automatically slide the hitch head back proportionally so there is no interference with the cab. One other question if where to install the hitch in relation to the rear axle. Some say to have the hitch directly above the rear axle, and others say to install it 2" behind the axle to improve handling, because of the weight of the diesel motor in front. Any input on either of these two questions from those who have experienced these senerios would be appreciated.
The Superglide hitch is a very nice hitch. I have one myself and would not trade it for the world.
as far as placement, the thing with the superglide is it can only go in one place, the mounting brackets are built specifically for the truck and you do not have to drill anything...at least I didn't but mine is a 2500QC.
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Ft. Meade, MD
RE: Increasing the towing capacity???
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Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 736
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RE: Increasing the towing capacity???
Call your local State Patrol and ask them where they have scales set up.. and inform them that's you are looking to get the truck and trailer weighed... to make sure it's safe... I belive most states can help out with that..... They do it for Tracter Trailers.... they go front axle... drive axles and trailer axles.....Could'nt hurt....
Joined: Aug 2007
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RE: Increasing the towing capacity???
I think I will go for the 3500 mmegacab 4X4 diesel but stick with the SRW instead of the duallies. I know from experience that they can be a pain when trying to manuver around in 4X4 mode, and for as much as I do travel with the fifth wheel ( I am seasonal at a campground and pull off only 4-5 times a season) I do not think that I need duallies again. As far as the superglide, I have 2 concerns, one not being able to hook/unhook at greater than 16 degree angle which is what the superglide website says is the max angle and the other is tow trucks needing to to my fifth wheel if per chance it breaks down. one of the main advantages of having a fifth wheel is being able to hook/unhook at practicly any angle up to 90 degrees , which I have had to do before and won't be able to do with the superglide, RIGHT ? Any ideas ??
