Brian is the hitch on a 2006 Dodge dually a Class III or V? It looks kinda wimpy to me...

The scenerio:

New 2010 F350 4x4(Crew cab)
6.6 diesel turbo
4:10 gears

Max tow rating(fifth wheel): 17,700#
Front axle: 6,000#
Rear axle: 7,050#

GVR: 6,050#+7,050# = 12,050# Which is an F-plate

GCWR: 12,050+17,700(47 fountain with boat half full of fuel)=29,7050# wich is over the GCWR of the truck, which means you will have to move up to a F450 which has a GCWR of 33,000#'s with a 4:30 gear.

Either way I slice it, I need a CDL and and F-plate!

GVW 13,050
Also, the weight of the trailer needs to be included in the combination weight.

documenting old signature

Why take a chance with a diesel V8 which has proven to be an inferior platform for heavy hauling? Go buy a Dodge 5500 with 4.44 gears. You'll still need a CDL but you'll have peace of mind knowing the engine is reliable and can handle the weight.

Brian the guide shows 15,850lbs for a 2006 Dodge dually with the manual trans and 3.73 rear axle. I saw a rating at the dealer of 12,500lbs on the receiver hitch and 16,500 on a gooseneck. I know now that my receiver hitch is a Class IV which I don't think is rated for almost 16,000lbs. Something doesn't seem right here...

The Heartland Cyclone Toyhauler is 14,000lbs dry so if the dealer is right that gives me a 2500lb cushion for water and all the other stuff.

I was looking at the charts and shows my 2003 2500 suburban 6.0 4x4 with 3.73 gears rated at 7600 lbs,but with 4.10 gears rated at 9600 lbs,how does the gear ratio come into play once your moving on the expressway or when your stopping?from what I know the frame,suspension and brakes are the same,

also would using a weight distribution hitch increase the towing capacity to 12.000 lbs as the sticker on the hitch says and would that be legal?

thanks guys

The rating on the vehicle sticker is what it is. I agree, the engine size and gear ratio has nothing to do with how well the vehicle stops and handles the weight. Those actual weight ratings have to do with the warranty.

That said, the stock hitch is JUNK, even with a WD setup. You need to go to a true Class-V hitch on that truck.

On top of that, while the truck is capable of towing 12,000 lbs. (properly equipped with the 8.1L and 4.10 gears); it won't do it forever. I towed 12K lbs. with mine (2500 Avlanche w/ 8.1L & 4.10 gears) and I knew I was wearing it out. I also had rear wheel spacers added to widen the track, 8" wide wheels & slightly bigger 265 series tires; as well as some bolt on performance.

You will not be able to tow 12K lbs. with a 6.0L and 3.73s, period. You will destroy the truck. Not to mention you will be blatantly illegal and wide open for a lawsuit in the event of a mishap.

You need a new truck to tow 12K lbs.

thp500s tried towing his 38 Formula with his 6.0L 2500 Suburban, and I think he has 4.10s. He bought a 1-ton dually immediately.

thanks for the reply.

The 1st thing I did was replace the hitch with a puttman hitch.

No I never thought I would be able to tow 12.000lbs with the suburban.

The boat that I pull is a 30 foot Powerquest with a steel 3 axle trailer with brakes on all axles,the brochure has the boat at 7.200lb I would think with the trailer it would be around 9.200lbs, always tow with at least gas as possiable and dont really carry anything on the boat.

as far as the truck it does have heavy duty suspension option which gives you 8.600 of gvwr and the heavy duty towing option which I dont know what that is,

I used to pull this boat with my 2000 tahoe with a 5.3 and believe it or not it did good.not saying that made it legal.

so with all that been said,if I changed my gear ratio to 4.10 would the truck then be leagal to pull 9.600lb as stated in the owners manual?

thanks for the reply and info.

The 4.10 will help but you really need a bigger motor. How about dropping a Cummins in the 'Burb?