Towing a Pinnacle

[jefco]

Hi folks, I am new to the forum and about to purchase a 2015 or 2016 Pinnacle. Anyone out there towing a Pinnacle with a 6.6L Chevy HD 2500 or HD 3500 CC SRW? If so, have you had any issues?
thanks in advance for you feedback.
Jefco
Texas

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by jefco

Hi folks, I am new to the forum and about to purchase a 2015 or 2016 Pinnacle. Anyone out there towing a Pinnacle with a 6.6L Chevy HD 2500 or HD 3500 CC SRW? If so, have you had any issues?
thanks in advance for you feedback.
Jefco
Texas

Welcome to the forum.

There are Pinnacle owners and Chevy owners on this site. Chances are you'll be hearing from both very soon.

[SouthCo]

What year Chevy 2500/3500 SRW do u have or are considering?

[jefco]

Currently have a 2007 Chevy 2500 HD, and will purchase 2013, 14, or 15 HD 3500.

[skijlw]

It is hard to find a 3500 short bed. The only difference in the newer GMC/Chevy on tow ratings is pin weight. I chose a 2500 because I liked the ride better and I got the short bed. I added a SuperSpring to increase pin weight capacity from 3K to 4K. It has no effect on the ride when the truck is empty. My pin weight loaded is around 2800lb. My Eagle Premier is heaver than some Pinnacles and lighter than some. The Moride hitch really smooth's out the ride.

[jefco]

Thanks skijlw. Yes, I noticed some of the Eagle Premier's were close to the same weight as the Pinnacle. What is the cargo capacity of your vehicle on the door sticker?
You have been able to tow/stop your Eagle with no problems? The Pinnacle we want with standard options is 13,400 dry, so I am looking at abot 15,000 loaded with a 20.8% pin weight of 3120#. I am still debating whether or not I will have to go to a dually. Comments?

[KC_GMC]

After doing the GVWR calculations, and with the load ratings in mind. I then asked my Insurance guy about a 2500 versus a 3500 (I'm a GMC owner) -

I was told, most 2500's towing 35 foot + 5th wheels are actually at a higher risk of being overweight (on paper) - not that the truck will not tow it - but that it's over it's paper ratings -

Once you operate your 2500 truck out of specifications - if you have an accident - the insurance company will have grounds to completely deny coverage - both on the Auto and the RV -

That said: I went with the 3500 SRW. The cost difference for like models in the Chevy and GMC line ups from 2500 to 3500 is about 800.00

Pin weights on the larger 5'ers can top 3200-3400 lbs - not alot of room left in a 2500's paper ratings after the 5er is loaded up.

Watch the risk calculations and the loop holes insurance companies want to use to deny coverage.

What sucks is after 20 years of risk management, I can't turn it off.

GL to ya! happy

[djalbrec]

I would definitely go with a dually. The extra two wheels on the ground really improve the stability of the whole rig. I have towed with both the SRW and the DRW and will never go back to the SRW while towing a unit that weighs as much as a Pinnacle or Premier.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by KC_GMC

After doing the GVWR calculations, and with the load ratings in mind. I then asked my Insurance guy about a 2500 versus a 3500 (I'm a GMC owner) -

I was told, most 2500's towing 35 foot + 5th wheels are actually at a higher risk of being overweight (on paper) - not that the truck will not tow it - but that it's over it's paper ratings -

A 2500 and 3500 srw extra cab lb are both rated to tow 17,200 and both have a GCVW of 24,500. As you said on paper the 3500 has a higher payload capacity, but that is do to springs and tires only. They both have the same 3.73 rear axle (per build codes) with identical eng and trany. (6.6 Duramax and Allison 1000). If you opt for the 18" tires on the 2500 they are rated at 3,500 lbs each. If you add Timbrens or airbags to a 2,500, to me it would be a wash.

[KC_GMC]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

A 2500 and 3500 srw extra cab lb are both rated to tow 17,200 and both have a GCVW of 24,500. As you said on paper the 3500 has a higher payload capacity, but that is do to springs and tires only. They both have the same 3.73 rear axle (per build codes) with identical eng and trany. (6.6 Duramax and Allison 1000). If you opt for the 18" tires on the 2500 they are rated at 3,500 lbs each. If you add Timbrens or airbags to a 2,500, to me it would be a wash.

But as you say, @ 3100-3300 pin weight, your at or over the payload of the 2500 when you factor in fuel, people, and tools. -

A careful study of the actual numbers on paper will tell the tale - easier to be at risk of being denied pulling with a 2500 (3/4 ton) versus a 3500 (1T) - in the event of an accident.

[fielro]

jefco, welcome to the forum. When you get ready to sell the 07 2500, post the details on forum. You might sell it to a Jayco forum member...

[skijlw]

I gave a lot of thought on this subject before we made a decision on the 2500 SWR. The weight limits fall within the range of the truck. I added the SuperSpring as an insurance for peace of mind. I have towed with a dually on a more limited basis and it towed well. That said the SWR we have tows as well I feel and it does tow better than my previous F-350. The trailer is stable in cross winds and rough roads.
I based some of my final decision on being able to talk and watch what my fellow RV'ers are towing similar rigs with. We stay in a RV park with about 1500 RV's. Everyone has a comfort range to tow in and this set up for me and several others works fine.

[RedHorse1]

We tow the 351RLTS Eagle Premier with the F350 (sorry, I'm a Blue Oval guy). The 5th weighs in at 12780# loaded and we have 3020# on the pin.

[jefco]

Thanks folks for all of your comments. Best I can tell no one with a late model SRW tow vehicle has had any problems with hitch weights around 3100#. As for me the new RV would be too much hitch weight for my 07 2500 and I was going to upgrade to a 3500 anyway. Based on your responses and after looking at capacities on the late model SRW 3500"s that is what I think I will go with. Still welcome any comments
Jefco
Texas

[jefco]

Grumpy,, what is your tow vehicle for your 2015 Pinnacle? DRW or SRW and do you know your approxt loaded hitch weight?
Thanks
Jefco

[Grumpy]

2015 2500, Pins probably around 3,100. I know there are many here who disagree, but after much discussion with my Chev dealer (who I've dealt with since 1989) and several other people pulling larger toy haulers with 2013 2500's that is what I decided on. Truck handles it very well, no issues from semis or wind. I had two drw trucks in the 90's when we had FW's back then and didn't see or feel any advantage. As I said earlier the 2015 2500 and 3500 srw are rated identical except payload and that is do to the springs. I did add Timbrens.

[huronwoods]

We pull a Pinnacle with a 2013 GMC dually. Last time we weighed, there was 7880 lbs on the rear axle of the truck, with two people aboard, full fuel, etc. Rear axle weight with trailer disconnected was 4320 lbs, which gives a pin weight of 3560 lbs.

I believe that 7880 lbs is over the rear GAWR of SRW trucks. It Also exceeds the tire rating for two tires.

Definitely dually territory.

[UPCamper]

Originally Posted by jefco

Thanks folks for all of your comments. Best I can tell no one with a late model SRW tow vehicle has had any problems with hitch weights around 3100#. As for me the new RV would be too much hitch weight for my 07 2500 and I was going to upgrade to a 3500 anyway. Based on your responses and after looking at capacities on the late model SRW 3500"s that is what I think I will go with. Still welcome any comments
Jefco
Texas

With that pin weight, I would only consider a 3500/350. I don't believe there is any 2500 with a high enough payload to handle that. Not to mention, there is only a minimal price difference. As far as SRW vs DRW. I think the DRW will pull it better, but I would put my SRW 350 up to that task and not be concerned about it.

[Bird Dawg]

We tow our 2013 Pinnacle with a Chevy 3500 HD, Dually. It stops the unit without a problem and hills are also no problem. I really like the exhaust brake on the truck.
Both the Pinnacle and Truck are for sale.

Good luck!

[taviking22]

I have the smallest 2012 Pinnacle (31 rlts) and tow with an '06 2500 Duramax. I did add Firestone Ride Rite airbags to assist with leveling. I have logged about 25,000 miles (Alaska and back, for example) without problems.