WoodTurner
Member
Is a 2020 GMC 2500HD DuraMax Denali enough truck to safely pull this 5"er with a rotating pin box?
Will this be enough truck for use with Paradigm 340RL?
- Thread starter WoodTurner
- Start date
BryanValRox
Well-known member
Hi Folks, the answer to your question lies within the numbers.
I would suggest that you look at your door tag on your truck and see what the GVWR, Axle, Tire, Payload, and GCWR numbers are. Then compare to the specs and actual numbers from the given trailer that you are looking at. Specific to the trailer, your are concerned with hitch/pin weight and GCWR and actual trailer weight.
Also, sounds like you have a short bed and the trailer has a rotating pin box so you are aware of possible cab clearance issues when turning.
Please remember that EVERYTHING that goes into or on the truck reduces the available payload capacity. And EVERYTHING that goes into the trailer impacts the numbers to some degree.
As a example, some hitches weight @ 300lbs and that reduces your payload by the same as soon as you install it.
Remember trailer specs are usually listed for base models and if you spec extras, like washer dryer or generator options, they will have a big impact on your trailer pin weight. Don’t ask me how I know
.
I would suggest that you look at your door tag on your truck and see what the GVWR, Axle, Tire, Payload, and GCWR numbers are. Then compare to the specs and actual numbers from the given trailer that you are looking at. Specific to the trailer, your are concerned with hitch/pin weight and GCWR and actual trailer weight.
Also, sounds like you have a short bed and the trailer has a rotating pin box so you are aware of possible cab clearance issues when turning.
Please remember that EVERYTHING that goes into or on the truck reduces the available payload capacity. And EVERYTHING that goes into the trailer impacts the numbers to some degree.
As a example, some hitches weight @ 300lbs and that reduces your payload by the same as soon as you install it.
Remember trailer specs are usually listed for base models and if you spec extras, like washer dryer or generator options, they will have a big impact on your trailer pin weight. Don’t ask me how I know
.WoodTurner
Member
Invaluable message. Thank you. Coming out of a 40 foot Class A diesel pusher, I’m on a sharp learning curve.
You're going to need air bags to level out your rear end when pulling this rv.
WoodTurner
Member
Thank ypu for your reply. Im a newbie at this. Front GAWR is 5,600. Rear GAWR is 6,600. With this new info, do you suppose i do indeed need air bags? Thanks for any advice.
bhidalgo
Well-known member
Hey Ya'll,
What is the CARGO CAPACITY of the truck? Info is on the driver's door frame sticker labeled "Tire and Loading Information."
If you can post a picture of both the Tire and Loading Information sticker and the one you got the GAWR info off of, that will show what the truck can do. That data is used to help calculate the weight limits your truck SHOULD be able to handle safely.
Airbags will help level out your truck with your rig connected. However, they will not add to the weight-handling capacities of the truck.
//Bill
What is the CARGO CAPACITY of the truck? Info is on the driver's door frame sticker labeled "Tire and Loading Information."
If you can post a picture of both the Tire and Loading Information sticker and the one you got the GAWR info off of, that will show what the truck can do. That data is used to help calculate the weight limits your truck SHOULD be able to handle safely.
Airbags will help level out your truck with your rig connected. However, they will not add to the weight-handling capacities of the truck.
//Bill
WoodTurner
Member
WoodTurner
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WoodTurner
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WoodTurner
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This a spec sheet I’m also investigating. Thank you one and all for training and teaching a newbie. I knew all and everything about Class A diesel pushers. 
bhidalgo
Well-known member
I’d say no. But it’s just my opinion. I used a program called RV Tow Check to run the numbers off the stickers from your truck.
Based on a loaded RV weight of 16,350, your truck’s specs, and passenger/cargo/gear/hitch/ fuel estimates of 600lbs you’re over cargo capacity of truck by about 250 lbs.
I’d wait and get a bigger truck first.
That is exactly what I did before we got our 310RL. We went from a ‘21 F250 to a ‘22 F350 and all is good.
Good luck - - Bill
Based on a loaded RV weight of 16,350, your truck’s specs, and passenger/cargo/gear/hitch/ fuel estimates of 600lbs you’re over cargo capacity of truck by about 250 lbs.
I’d wait and get a bigger truck first.
That is exactly what I did before we got our 310RL. We went from a ‘21 F250 to a ‘22 F350 and all is good.
Good luck - - Bill
BryanValRox
Well-known member
WoodTurner, these pictures contain the numbers that you need to guide your decision for a given trailer.
Check out the website https://RVSafety.com
This is a company passionate about weights and ratings. They often set up portable scales at RV rallies and provide weighting services.
They have an advantage over CAT SCALE’s as they have portable equipment that is capable of determining the weight of each wheel(which is important). Most folks don’t have easy access to wheel end weighting, so the next best thing is to use the commercial CAT scales at truck stops and use the axles weight numbers to determine where they stand.
A reminder, everything you place in or on that truck reduces payload capacity.(yourself, your spouse, your pets, the hitch, tools, cross box, bed cover etc etc etc.) The goal would be to be within your numbers BUT have some margin for tummy comfort.
I will second Bill’s comments regarding the air bag comment. while it might help level things, it does not increase the ratings that have been established by the manufactor for a given vehicle. Also, just in case I wasn’t clear above, it will reduce your available payload as well
In no way am I making any judgements on anyone that uses air bags(they have their purpose), folks make their own decisions, based on their individual needs and I can and do respect that.
Check out the website https://RVSafety.com
This is a company passionate about weights and ratings. They often set up portable scales at RV rallies and provide weighting services.
They have an advantage over CAT SCALE’s as they have portable equipment that is capable of determining the weight of each wheel(which is important). Most folks don’t have easy access to wheel end weighting, so the next best thing is to use the commercial CAT scales at truck stops and use the axles weight numbers to determine where they stand.
A reminder, everything you place in or on that truck reduces payload capacity.(yourself, your spouse, your pets, the hitch, tools, cross box, bed cover etc etc etc.) The goal would be to be within your numbers BUT have some margin for tummy comfort.
I will second Bill’s comments regarding the air bag comment. while it might help level things, it does not increase the ratings that have been established by the manufactor for a given vehicle. Also, just in case I wasn’t clear above, it will reduce your available payload as well
In no way am I making any judgements on anyone that uses air bags(they have their purpose), folks make their own decisions, based on their individual needs and I can and do respect that.
Hotrodjohn
Well-known member
I have a 340 RL 2023. Onan generator in front compartment and double pane windows. I had a 2019 Duramax 2500 with air bags. Did it tow it? Yes. Was it overweight? Yep. Did I upgrade? Yep. DuraMAX Dually 3500 with 8' bed. Never looked back. The differfence is staggering especially on the Interstate.
Here is what I generally do - take the listed pin weight and divide by dry weight. Multiply that by GVWR to get an estimated pin weight of a full trailer. That shows you are already a few hundred pounds over your payload before you consider anything added to the truck itself (passengers, gear, hitch, etc.). I have seen some folks report up to around 3400# for pin weight on the 340RL. IMO, 16000+ gvwr trailers will be more comfortable to drive with a dually.
Hotrodjohn
Well-known member
I was over #3400 on my 340 I would have to find the scale receipts
Totally agree here. I have air bags on my truck, but only to help level it back out. My truck had a leveling kit on it when I bought it and it helps overcome sag with the trailer on it (mostly to keep my headlights out of eyes as much as I can). Adding airbags will only negatively impact your payload as you are adding new stuff to the trailer that wasn't included in curb weight.I will second Bill’s comments regarding the air bag comment. while it might help level things, it does not increase the ratings that have been established by the manufactor for a given vehicle. Also, just in case I wasn’t clear above, it will reduce your available payload as well
In no way am I making any judgements on anyone that uses air bags(they have their purpose), folks make their own decisions, based on their individual needs and I can and do respect that.
LQAlliance
Member
The difference between a 2022-2024 F-250 and a F-350 is ONLY a stronger leaf spring. That is it. $1000 up grade for $90 cost for Ford. The Leaf Spring is it. Check that out for yourself. That is a fact. Axle weight ratings are the same and the upgrade axles are available on both. An air bag is essentially a heavier lead spring in that it does the same thing supports the axle to the frame bearing the weight. While adding a lead spring or air bags will not increase the Manufactures/legal payload. It will create additional actual payload capacity. I do think you have to look at the next link in the chain is and that is rear axle capacity and DO NOT exceed that. You can do the exact thing Ford does to make a F-250 a F-350 and chain the OEM 250 spring to the OEM 350 spring. To increase the actual payload capacity (not legal). Airbags can do the same thing. Don’t trust me test me, check this out for yourself. I built trucks for a living at one time in my life.
