Why is a Srw rated higher? Because of the GCW? I have a 2005 SRW 3500 and it is rated higher than the Drw. Doesn't make much since, but at least those are the numbers I was already thinking were my tops (when properly equipped).

stainless,

In my research, I have been told that you can't exceed the factory tag along hitch rating no matter what kind of hitch setup you have. What you can do, its put a stronger hitch receiver on that does to alleviate the Weight Distribution requirement, but you still cannot tow more than 13,000 lbs. on the hitch.

In order to get the max trailer rating that you mention, that would be for the gooseneck/fifth-wheel setup.

2+ years ago and older the SRW were actually rated to tow more due to less weight of the tow vehicle. You had less rotating mass, and unsprung weight. As of the past year or so, I have seen them be adjusted to the "right" way around.

[QUOTE=Jupiter Sunsation;2423884]Those ratings are BS, the salesmen told me he knows a guy that pulls twice what those ratings say because he has airbags with a chip/tuner and is extra careful. :hitfan:QUOTE]



Same here. I was told the same thing years ago :D:D


Thanks Brian for the guidelines posted for all to read

Uhhhh... Wrong.

These are manufacturer-set tow ratings, established by the engineers who designed the vehicles. These establish the limits of their capabilities. Exceeding them opens you up to all sorts of liability and gives your insurer the opening to legitimately say "no" to your claims.

If someday you find yourself in court defending a wrongful death suit against you, how would you explain that you established that your estimation of towing capacity was better informed than that of the manufacturer?

under these guides, it states tbd for a gmc 3500 4wd drw. Is it possible to use the gcwr -truck weight and use a beefier hitch to up the tow rating? This is what i have been told by 2 dealerships as well as a large welding shop that has been doing heavy duty hitches for years.

On the 2008s, per the GMC website, it says the maximum you can tow via (any) trailer hitch is 13,000 lbs.

In order to go above that, you need to have a gooseneck or fifth-wheel.

http://www.gmc.com/sierra/3500/specsCapabilities.jsp

thats with the stock hitch

see the ** next to rating /on the bottom states max with standard equipped vehicle

So, with the standard hitch, you get the 7500 WC/13,000 WD rating; right?

What do you get if you get the Optional HD trailering package with the 2.5" receiver?



My understanding per my conversations with my old dealer/regional service manager were such that:

If you upgrade to a heavier duty hitch like the Putnam or Reese that can handle for example 13,000 lbs. as a weight carrying hitch; you could tow such as weight carrying. But if the new heavier duty receiver was rated for MORE than 13,000 lbs., it did not mean you could tow more than the original rating of the overall trailer rating. This had to do with the frame, not the hitch.