2010augusta
Well-known member
Here is a Page I created to help people figure out just what their truck is rated to tow.
//heartlandowners.org/showthread.php?t=9004
Just remember when looking at the trailer weights, ignore all the dry weights and focus in the GVWR for the trailer and take 15% - 25% of that for a loaded pin weight.
//heartlandowners.org/showthread.php?t=9004
Just remember when looking at the trailer weights, ignore all the dry weights and focus in the GVWR for the trailer and take 15% - 25% of that for a loaded pin weight.
sidney dreyfus
Well-known member
Dodge 3500 DRW
We have been towing our BH for 2 seasons and I feel very comfortable recommending our truck to anyone. We have the 4 X 4 which we have used on the beach and on wet pavement. The Dual rear wheels have provided us good stability and our Cummins 5.7 liter engine has handled our trailer's weight of around 14,000 lbs without a problem.
We have been towing our BH for 2 seasons and I feel very comfortable recommending our truck to anyone. We have the 4 X 4 which we have used on the beach and on wet pavement. The Dual rear wheels have provided us good stability and our Cummins 5.7 liter engine has handled our trailer's weight of around 14,000 lbs without a problem.
thomasinnv
Well-known member
if you are strictly a pavement queen and follow the sun, then really no need for 4x4. myself, i have used it just a couple times, but sure was glad i had it when i needed it. we do not strictly stay to the pavement though.
dieselengineer
Charter Member
Get the 4x4 for the low range. It makes backing into the camping site a walk in the park.
TXBobcat
Fulltime
I have the 4x4 also. Have used it both with and without the BH. Went to Rockport and got out on Padre during Spring Break and would have been stuck in the sand if I did not have the 4x4. Same problem at the campground. Backing in the road was narrow and when I went to back into the site my front wheels went off the road into sand and would only back up behind the wheel until I put it into 4x4.
Was at another campground and the sites were grass with a bit of an up slope to get out. Would have to have pulled out if I didn't have 4x4.
In the long run you normally won't use it, however the times when you need it I feel it is well worth having.
BC
Was at another campground and the sites were grass with a bit of an up slope to get out. Would have to have pulled out if I didn't have 4x4.
In the long run you normally won't use it, however the times when you need it I feel it is well worth having.
BC
Rigmover06
Well-known member
DRW vs SRW
Believe it or not but the GVCW of a dually is actually less than a Single Rear Wheel. By 500 lbs.
Unless your going places off the beaten track, 4x2 would be the way to go. 4 X 4 is expensive to fix.BTDT
Dan
Believe it or not but the GVCW of a dually is actually less than a Single Rear Wheel. By 500 lbs.
Unless your going places off the beaten track, 4x2 would be the way to go. 4 X 4 is expensive to fix.BTDT
Dan
The advantage of the 4 x 4 is the benefit of low range in the transfer case. This provides a tremendous amount of pulling (or backing) power in a slow controlled fashion. Another thing to consider is the height of the 4 x 4 versus a 2 wheel drive. The 4 x 4 will sit up several inches higher so running boards may be required.
nemo45
Well-known member
You should also know that on a Dodge, 4WD also takes 500# off of the payload, meaning you would lose 500# from the amount off pinweight you could carry. Also, on a Dodge, going from a 3.73 rearend to a 4.10 adds 2000# to the amount of weight you can tow, from 14,500# to 16,500# or 21,000# to 23,000# GCVWR. These figures are for 2002 to 2006, 3500 SRW Quad Cab with the CTD. I'm sure Chevy and Ford figure variations would be simular with with simular equipment additions.
2010augusta
Well-known member
But can you ever find a Dodge with 4:10 gears on a dealer lot anywhere? When I looked last year there where NONE to be had anywhere.
DougLynne
retired Alberta Chapter Leaders
I think one of the biggest issues is the resale value and ability to sell used. I had a 2000 4X2 and took a beating on the resale, everybody wants a 4X4. I bought another 4X2 as I believed it would last me a long time and I don;t really need 4X4 but for some reason I have been stuck several time with this truck and never with the 2000, go figure. Just my 2 cents worth..../Doug
dieselengineer
Charter Member
4X4 is great especially when you are asked to pull your neighbor, that is stuck in his campsite in his Ford. It happens. 
nemo45
Well-known member
Order one. That is if Dodge is making trucks again.
