WOW - you run over 400 HP and 800 lb/ft of torque! That must be a lot of tuner! But that means you're comparing apples and oranges - tuned to factory spec.
Suspension upgrades are nice, but they aren't recognized for GVWR, etc by any DOT, so using them to haul bigger loads could become problematic if involved in an accident. The 2012 Ford Dually has a payload of apprx 4800 pounds (13,500 - 8700), so it can handle almost all current Heartland 5th wheels.
This is just my 2 cents worth. your mileage may vary!
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Not going to argue that a Dually is going to be the best option. Hopefully in the next few months I will be switching to a Ford or GM dually. Maybe a Dodge but I am ready for something different.
The numbers set in place by the manufacturer are basically governed by the limit of the tires and leaf springs. Without going to a Commericial tire about the most you will ever be able to handle safely over the rear axle is around 7300lbs (SRW). That is including the weight of the truck and load over that axle. The 11.5 axle weight rating for its safe is around 11,000lb (Give or take) from AAM. Dodge sets the GAWR much lower due to the carrying capacity of the springs. This is true on all brands. You can safely haul more then what is set by the manufacturer by increasing the load capacity of the springs. But staying within the load capacity of the tires. I know what I am saying can or will begin a argument but this is a fact. Now its up to the LEO if they are going to cit you for being over the GWR or GAWR. Though most only want to see that you are not over loading the tires for the private guy.
I have no idea what my engine is putting out at the Crank but I know what it is putting out at the wheels. Last time I was on a Dyno (DynoJet 248) I made 711hp and 1420ftlbs at the rear wheels. At the crank, probably around 790hp and 1600ftlbs. As a 6.7 Ford makes around 350hp and 650ftlbs at the wheels. But if you are curious on what tuner I have it is a Smarty. But I also have Source Automotive Twin Turbo, HTT 64/71/14 over a BW S480, 80hp Injectors flowed/Balance, CP3 flows 110% over stock (Stg 3.5 from Floor It), Grd Heater is Gone, Big Intake, 150 AirDog lift pump, 625 Studs, ATS Stg 4 Trans, and a few other items under it. No NOS, all on diesel.
Though at the end of the day Power is completely pointless in towing. We use to tow around 30klb GCWR with a 1980 Chevy 1ton dually with a 454 on the farm. It was used to haul Gooseneck Grain Trailers.. It was slow but it got the job done. These pickups coming off the line with a advertise 400hp/800ftlbs is nothing more then a sales gimmick. How about they advertise MPG's towing their max GCWR or designing a engine to be efficient towing that weight. If one of the big three could build a pickup that towed a GCWR of 24,000lbs and sustained 15MPG at 70mph I would be all over that pickup.
