I need some help figuring out why theDuramax short bed crew cab 4x4 is rated by Chevy for fifth wheel towingat a max of 13,600 # while the2x4 is rated to tow 1,600 # more (15,200 #). What causes the confusion is that the Chevy says they both have a GVWR of 9,200 and a GCWR of 22,000, and thatthe "MAXIMUM TRAILER RATING ...is determined by subtracting the tow vehicle's weight (curb weight)from the GCWR."The estimated curb weights of the two vehicles shown on the Chevy websiteareapproximately 250 pounds different. Applying Chevy's definition of "MAXIMUM TRAILERING WEIGHT"should yield maximum allowable tow weights thatare 250 pounds different, not 1,600. A final note - thisconfusion only arises with the 2500 HD.The Chevy site shows a difference of only 300 pounds (the approximate difference in estimated curb weights)for the maximum allowable trailer weights for the 4x4 and 4x2 3500's. I have taken my truck (with fifth wheel hitch) across the scales and it weighs in at about 7,500 with the wife and I along with the dog, etc. Subtracting this from the GCWR yields a maximum trailer weight of 14,500 pounds, rather than the 13,600 listed on Chevy's site. I am tempted to go with this larger number based on the GCWR. Can anyone come up with an explanation to convince me that the 13,600 number posted by Chevy is indeed the number I should be limited to? One mechanic I talked to said the 1,600# difference is due to the ineherent weakness in a 4x4 transfer case, but that doesn't explain why the 3500 has a difference of only 300 pounds between the 4x4 and 4x2 max trailer weights. All thoughts would be appreciated.

 

I would not exceed the recommended wieght for warranty purposes alone.
What if.....the numbers are reversed and the max for the 4X is correct.
How will you feel if you exceed the wieght and something fails injuring the wife and, more importantly, the dog?