t500hps

Are you talking the 2500HD or the regular 2500 (like the suburban?)

I ask because I used a 3/4 burb with the 6.0 motor but without the allison tranny. It was a bit(h!!! The azz end of the truck was all over the place, especially when a tractor trailer passed me....because I couldn't keep up with them.

Using the 2500HD with the allison tranny seems to make a big difference.

mcprodesign

I got the HD 2500 wt . It has the manual shifter on the floor for the transfer case. Rock guards and a 6 speed auto. ( not alison).

TWIN-SPINS

i know a dually would be best,,,but whats everyone think about this,,,i was thinking about getting some deep dish rims and wider tires for the rear ,,,my thought is that it would increase thread contact,,,for better stoppng power,,,,2500 H D 6.0/allison trans

Wildman_grafix

What is the conventional tow rating for the truck? I never worry about the pulling part, I worry about stopping and if I had a wreck what a Lawyer would do if I was over my rating,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I looked up in my trucks manual and it is rated for 12.5K conventional, but it is a old 1996 7.3 F250. Doesn't take much to hit that number, Goose neck or 5th wheel is where you really get a good rating.

I think Shogen said once that a 38 is about 300lbs more then the same year 35 (I think he was talking twin step side by side 35).

Has anybody put a 38 with trailer on a scale?

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

The 6.0 GMs can hardly move their own weight, much less towing a trailer. You won't be happy with that setup for the long haul (pun intended).

I towed 12K lbs. with an 8.1L in the Avalanche 2500 (same as Sub) platform with the 4speed auto, and most importantly 4.10 rear. I did so for a couple years, but longest trip was less than 200 miles.

It's night and day difference stepping up to a modern turbo diesel, not t mention I also have a dually now as well.

mcprodesign

Imma pull it to the lake for memorial day . Then Imma let it be stored there until labor day. Then bring it back here. I am 1/2 hour from the ocean. I have only been on the ocean a couple times. A 38 would be fun to go on the ocean, and go to the unlimited hydro races at San Diego bay. Thinking the long haul to pick it up might cost 3 grand in fuel. May be better to spend 4-5 K to get it shipped. Thanks ! You confirmed what I was kinda thinkin.... And Yes. I am looking forward to burning lots of fuel in both !!!

chewymalone

Rent or borrow a diesel. You'll make the $$$ back in fuel costs and the increased pulling power will just be icing on the cake. I pull a 35 Top Gun and a steel trailer with a 6.0 Powerstroke F250 and get 12 miles to the gallon at 70+ MPH with plenty of pulling power on hills.

johnzprecision

I have been pulling my 38 foot Fountain Fever for the last 5 years with a 2002 Chevy Suburban 1/2 ton 4 wheel drive 5.3 liter engine. The boat is on an aluminum I beam trailer that is a triaxle with surge brakes on all axles. My Suburban sits level with the boat hooked up and stops with no problem at all. Once you are moving you do not even notice the boat behind you. I would not want to use it to go through a mountainous area but I tow my boat almost every weekend in the summer with out a problem, I normally tow it between 20 to 70 miles. I agree additional would be great but I have no trouble towing it 70 mph down the road, it stops in the same distance that the truck alone would stop in and handles very well. Just to let you know I normally have the truck full of people (Seating for 8) about 150 gallons of fuel and all kind of supplies for the day.

carcrash

My boat is shorter, and the specs say its lighter, but when its full of gear and gas, its probably pretty close to the same weight as your 38. And my boat's wind resistance is certainly a lot more, as I've got a T top with full eisenglass enclosures that I leave up when towing (makes it much easier to deal with mashed bugs and road grime).

My truck is a F350 dually V10 gas. I take it easy, cruise control set at 55, and I get 11.5 mpg on long trips, such as from LA to Tahoe. A lot of hills on that trip!

The mileage goes down quickly if I go faster. At 60 I'm about 10mpg.

If I want to demonstrate the enormous size of my member and hot rod around, I can get the MPG down to about 6. I used to drive like that when gas was a buck a gallon.

Interceptor

If only Chris Sunkin were here to pontificate !