Shortest and lightest TV for a Bighorn 3755 or 3855

Filou

Member
Okay, one more time, again.

I'm not searchig for the smallest truck like a 1500er.
I'm seaching for the smallest and lightest MATCHING truck for the Bighorn. If it must be a F350 Dually Long Box Diesel, okay. If it have to be a 4500er. Even okay.
I dont spend money for upgrading brakes and tires and than risk ou lifes in a not maching TV.
But i look for the smallest matching Truck.
So, if there is a little manufacturer in the middle of nowhere who builds a Cab Forward Shorttruck with GCWR 25000lbs, towrating 16000lbs and an engine strong enough, I will look on that truck.

I'm asking here, because i don't know the hole market of vehicles in the USA. And i hoped that maybe someone know something.
 

DW_Gray

Well-known member
You could do what Johnny Cash did. johnny cash cadillac song video: http://youtu.be/O4pAwosnIQE

Otherwise you'll just have to except the fact that you will not garage your appropriately seized truck.

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Bob&Patty

Founders of SoCal Chapter
Filou, GM trucks have always been lighter trucks than Fords. I dont know about the new Dodge trucks as far as weight but the older trucks were heavy empty. The only way you will know is to do research on all 3 or weigh all 3 truck to truck.

GM 2500 HD trucks are rated to 17200# for a 5er but the pin weight is lighter and I think Fords 250 is about the same. My GMC 3500 HD 4WD C/C L/B DRW is rated at 30500 GCVWR, and would be 31K if it was a 2WD and is legal to pull a 22K 5er. 3500/350's are the same size as 2500/250's but you loose payload rating.

What you decide is up to you and its good you have experence pulling long/heavy trailers. Bottom line is....you cant pull that big of 5er with a small/light truck. Ask yourself this...would I have pulled those big lorries with a 1/2tn pickup truck? Of course not. It would have been suicide.
 

Tundra2084

Well-known member
Filou
Let me see if I get this correct. Your NOT looking for a truck that is unsafe to pull your choices in FW but in fact want to know what the safest, shortest and lightest truck is on the market to pull the units you mentioned? The simple answer in the USA and Canada is, only the big three manufacturers make a truck you can use as a daily driver also, to tow your dream FW. Unlike in Europe and other parts of the world, where Nissan and others make diesel trucks capable of towing those rigs safely, here only Ford, GM and Dodge make them. There are MDT (medium duty trucks) out there but they are even larger than the 350's or 3500's. If you look in our signature you will see we drive a 2005 F350 SRW ,Lariat, Crew Cab, Shot Box, Diesel and it is the wife's daily driver. When she uses it to go shopping she has decided its safer to park a little further away, than to risk possibly hitting a parked car in a spot that is to small. As for parking in a garage you Might be able to park it there but may find it a little to crowded when you open the doors of any truck to park in one.

Good luck in your finding the one that fits your needs and desires and thank you for thinking of the safety of your selves and others buy looking for one to safely tow those rigs.
 

Bob&Patty

Founders of SoCal Chapter
Filou, I just read your last post. You could look for new/used Izusu box van chassis. They are a cabover design and have the Duramax/Allison engine/trans combo. The comfort and nice interiors will be lacking and I dont think I have ever seen a C/C setup. See what Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner and others have in a small cabover truck....just an idea.

This is what I want.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THHwSMi8GVI
 

Jadocs

Member
I agree you need to look at the big three. Focus on the available payload you will need, pick the truck configuration (RC, QC, CC, short bed, long bed, 4x4, 4x2, etc). The minute you start adding options, it takes away from available payload (you will need to do the math, but from what I am reading, you need to take 20% of the trailers GVWR for an estimate on pin weight . You already know you need a minimum of a F350 or 3500HD. You just need to pick the configuration that suits you. Having said that, if the trailer is non negotiable (ie it's the one you ARE getting)...whether the truck fits in the garage or not should be irrelevant.

I will tell you that my 2014 RAM CC 4x4 2500HD CTD is the sweetest driving truck I have ever had (no idea if that would fit in your garage), but it is not enough truck (payload) for that trailer of yours. Similarly equipped 3500's are the exact same size, so I guess it really doesn't matter (size-wise).
 

Filou

Member
Tundra, you are right. Thats exactly what i'm looking for.

I know the figures. FW GVWR 16000lbs, real hitchrating 3000-3500lbs, my wife and me and some small stuff ~500lbs.

So I need a truck with 16000lbs FW towrating, 4000lbs payload and a GCWR of curbweight + 16000lbs + 500lbs persons and stuff.

And the truck, that matches this figures should be as light and as short as possible.

The difference between a F350 SC SB SRW and a F350 CC LB DRW is 31" overall length and 30" wheelbase.

Of course the DRW beats the figures easily. 6000lbs Payload, 22500lbs towrating and 30000lbs GCWR.

But why buying this stiffy pig, if the SRW could do this job, too? (I don't really know if the SRW could do the job, thats why i'm here)
And the SRW has the better fuel economy, lower costs and smaller traffic space.

If we where in europe, the queston is obsolete. MB Sprinter, VW Crafter, Ford Transit (not the small US version) or Iveco Daily/Fiat Ducato (here Dodge Promaster), all the same length (205") and weightratings (11100bs). Dual Cab, DRW (because of the EU tires) and a custom box. Maching done.
 

Jadocs

Member
I guess if the numbers work out for both, then it's a matter of opinion on stability while driving (cross winds, etc). I'm a novice to this myself, hopefully one of the many experienced people here can give you their opinion. I can tell you that if I had to do this all over again, I would be in a 3500HD DRW and I wouldn't be stuck looking for the largest TT.
 

DW_Gray

Well-known member
Have you considered the 2014 Silverado 3500 SRW? It has a little less payload but I think it has better tow ratings than the Ford. Especially important is the 3.73 gear ratio. All you need to do is to beef up the springs.

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Filou

Member
The Ford has only 23500lbs GCWR. ~24000lbs are needed or i must drop some pounds of my body :D
The Silverado/Sierra are short on Payload.

Would make it sense to build in a additional rear airsuspension? Or even a 4-link airride?
 

DW_Gray

Well-known member
The limiting factor of all single rear wheel truck's payload is the rear gross axle weight rating. The limiting factor is based solely on the following three components: 1) springs, 2) wheels, 3) tires. If you upgrade these components, you'll have a truck with plenty of capacity to tow the BH. If it were me, I'd more likely choose the Silverado for the 3.73 gear ratio.

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DW_Gray

Well-known member
Additionally, my Cyclone weighs 19,600 pounds with 3,400 pounds on the kingpin and 6,850 pounds on the rear axle.

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caissiel

Senior Member
I would agree with the 3500 GM SRW. The GM has more distance behind the cab then both Ford an Rams. Better load capacity also. The SC would be hard to find other then the 2500s. All heavier trucks are stock with the CC cabs.
I will never need a DW truck and I tow a 15500 lbs rated trailer very comfortably with my F250 SC long box. And Its way bigger then the previous GM SC std box 2500.

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caissiel

Senior Member
The limiting factor of all single rear wheel truck's payload is the rear gross axle weight rating. The limiting factor is based solely on the following three components: 1) springs, 2) wheels, 3) tires. If you upgrade these components, you'll have a truck with plenty of capacity to tow the BH. If it were me, I'd more likely choose the Silverado for the 3.73 gear ratio.

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I would agree with the 3500 GM SRW. The GM has more distance behind the cab then both Ford and Rams. Better load capacity also. The SC would be hard to find other then the 2500s. All heavier trucks are stock with the CC cabs.
I will never need a DRW truck and I tow a 15500 lbs rated trailer very comfortably with my F250 SC long box. And Its way bigger then the previous GM SC std box 2500. And the GM was much better at holding the weight on the rear axle. F350's SRW are better on paper but same as my F250. But axle ratio needs attention. Anything less then 3.73 is a grocery getter spec.

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DW_Gray

Well-known member
What is the difference between the Silverado 3500HD and the Sierra 3500HD? Only the nose?

The front axle rating of the Sierra is significantly less and makes it a poor choice for 5th wheels. Some 2500/3500s are better suited for conventional towing.

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cookie

Administrator
Staff member
The front axle rating of the Sierra is significantly less and makes it a poor choice for 5th wheels. Some 2500/3500s are better suited for conventional towing.
My research tells me that both the Sierra and Silverado have the same axle rating both front and rear.

Peace
Dave
 

DW_Gray

Well-known member
My research tells me that both the Sierra and Silverado have the same axle rating both front and rear.

Peace
Dave

Not according to the side by side chart I created on FifthWheelSt.com If you believe there is an error please indicate.

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