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  • 310GK - Silverado 2500HD gasser

    Looking at potentially purchasing a 310GK. Concerned I don't have enough PU to be safe.

    GCVWR - 24,000
    Recently scaled at 7480 curb weight
    Payload left - 3170

    310GK
    UVW - 12,000
    Pin Weight - 2350
    GVWR - 15,000

    Live in the northwest so I'll be pulling some hills. We generally stay within 150 miles from home.

  • #2
    Originally posted by pwebster2 View Post
    Looking at potentially purchasing a 310GK. Concerned I don't have enough PU to be safe.

    GCVWR - 24,000
    Recently scaled at 7480 curb weight
    Payload left - 3170

    310GK
    UVW - 12,000
    Pin Weight - 2350
    GVWR - 15,000

    Live in the northwest so I'll be pulling some hills. We generally stay within 150 miles from home.
    I think these are your specs. It is possible, but you are very close on many specs. The 310GK ready for camping and a gas f-250 truck is about 22.6K. With careful loading, the pin weight can be about 2,800 or 2,900#. With your specs (below if I am correct on the 2020 2500HD), you are quite close.

    With my 7.3L, 430HP, ten speed, air bags for a smooth ride and 4.30 rear axle, I have 26K GCVWR and do fine on the road. You could pull this, but you have 401K HP and a six speed. Possible, but not as comfortable as I am.

    Best,

    Charles

    Type:
    6.6L V-8 gasoline
    Bore & Stroke: 4.06 x 3.86 / 103.25 x 98
    Block Material: Cast iron with nodular iron main caps
    Cylinder Head Material: Cast aluminum
    Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
    Valvetrain: Overhead-valve, two valves per cylinder, variable valve timing
    Fuel Delivery: Direct fuel injection
    Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 401 / 299 @ 5200 (SAE certified)
    Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm): 464 / 629 @ 4000 (SAE certified)​
    2021 Solitude 310 GK-R. 2020 F-250LB, 7.3L, 4.30, Reese 27K

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by Crespro View Post

      I think these are your specs. It is possible, but you are very close on many specs. The 310GK ready for camping and a gas f-250 truck is about 22.6K. With careful loading, the pin weight can be about 2,800 or 2,900#. With your specs (below if I am correct on the 2020 2500HD), you are quite close.

      With my 7.3L, 430HP, ten speed, air bags for a smooth ride and 4.30 rear axle, I have 26K GCVWR and do fine on the road. You could pull this, but you have 401K HP and a six speed. Possible, but not as comfortable as I am.

      Best,

      Charles

      Type:
      6.6L V-8 gasoline
      Bore & Stroke: 4.06 x 3.86 / 103.25 x 98
      Block Material: Cast iron with nodular iron main caps
      Cylinder Head Material: Cast aluminum
      Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
      Valvetrain: Overhead-valve, two valves per cylinder, variable valve timing
      Fuel Delivery: Direct fuel injection
      Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 401 / 299 @ 5200 (SAE certified)
      Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm): 464 / 629 @ 4000 (SAE certified)​
      Yes, those are the correct specs (3.73 rear axle ratio). I think air bags will be a "must" if I decide to go through with this. Thank you for the response.

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by pwebster2 View Post

        Yes, those are the correct specs (3.73 rear axle ratio). I think air bags will be a "must" if I decide to go through with this. Thank you for the response.
        Yes, the air bags are the favorite mod for DW. Much better ride for her and I like that it reduces load on the rear suspension. I am still within my RAWR, but it is better to have more cushion.
        2021 Solitude 310 GK-R. 2020 F-250LB, 7.3L, 4.30, Reese 27K

        Comment


        • #5
          I tow a lighter Reflection 337RLS with a 2021 3500HD. I would not tow my trailer with a 2500HD.

          I am not a fan of airbags either. I realize many people have utilized them but my belief is that if you need airbags you didnt buy enough truck.

          Just my $.02 from some random guy on the internet, worth exactly what you paid for it.
          Last edited by familytruckster4; 10-04-2022, 07:36 AM.
          2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2021 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas. Nellie the wonder boxer

          Comment


          • #6
            For those that want to move into the Ford vs Chevy discussion since the OP already owns the Chevy, the additional power and torque of the 7.3 is miniscule and would not be noticed. Its true the 10 speed could provide better fuel economy but the Chevy with direct injection would also provide better fuel economy all around so for the most part its a wash when towing. Unloaded the Chevy would be better in fuel economy with all certainty.

            This is due to the direct injection and higher compression ratio with the Chevy which would most likely provide higher torque in the part throttle region over the Ford which is port injected. This comparison can be found in comparing the old 6.0L GM which today the 5.3L DI engine develops the same torque curve. The 6.0L is port injected and the 5.3L is direct injected.

            Chevy will post the SAE power and torque charts where Ford most likely will not. Its the part throttle region of the curve we spend most of our time with some full throttle pulls on the steep grades. Both trucks can run here indefinitely without issue since cooling is key.

            The result? They are both great trucks.

            Jim

            Comment


            • #7
              I am going to agree with Jim, who is a real expert in this area. Below are the 7.3 specs. If you rated the 7.3 HP at 5,200 rpm, it would be closer to the 6.6 Chevy. The torque for both at 4,000 rpm is very close.

              The net bottom line is the Chevy is likely to pull at about the same level as the Ford. I do not have any problem with the 310GK-R and you also should not have a problem on hills. My 7.3 with 22.6K pulls better than my prior 400ISL on a 40DP, but that was at 38K, so not an apples to apples comparison.

              On the air bags, I think you should still meet the RAWR, but I once forgot to air them up and it was a huge difference and much rougher ride. I now check them regularly.

              I understand folks who want a larger truck, but for us this is a good combination with a great ride.

              Best,

              Charles

              Ford 7.3 Godzilla Engine
              The 7.3L Godzilla engine is a big-block V8 launched by Ford in 2020, as a replacement for the 6.8 Triton V10. The 7.3 engine is offered as an upgrade to the standard 6.2L “Boss” engine in F-250 and F-350 models. Additionally it is the base engine for the F-450 to F-600 models as well as the E-350.
              The 7.3 Godzilla is actually the first pushrod V8 produced by Ford in over 20 years. Instead of building the engine off of the modular Coyote platform, Ford went back to its old roots with the cam-in block pushrod design.
              Producing 430hp and 475lb-ft. of torque, the power numbers are quite modest given the engines size. However, these numbers seem to be underrated from the factory and big power can be made with some simple bolt-on modifications.

              7.3 Godzilla Specs
              Displacement 7.3L, 444.9 cu. in.
              Aspiration Naturally aspirated
              Cylinder Bore 4.22in / 107.2mm
              Piston Stroke 3.976in / 101.0mm
              Block Cast iron
              Heads Aluminum
              Valvetrain OHV; variable valve timing
              Compression 10.5:1
              Fueling Multi-port fuel injection
              Horsepower 430hp @ 5,500rpm
              Torque 475lb-ft. @ 4,000rpm
              Transmission 10-speed automatic​
              2021 Solitude 310 GK-R. 2020 F-250LB, 7.3L, 4.30, Reese 27K

              Comment


              • #8
                pwebster2

                I personally do not think you have enough truck for the Solitude 310GK but plenty do tow it with a 3/4 ton truck. Make the choice that is right for you though.

                Brian
                Brian & Michelle
                2018 Reflection 29RS
                2022 Chevy 3500HD

                Comment


                • #9
                  I tow a 3740 bunkhouse with a SRW 3500 Duramax & airbags and I'm at the upper limits of the truck capacity when towing - but I only tow the trailer a few times each year so it's a choice I made. Biggest consideration when matching the truck & trailer is to consider how you plan to use it? I have all the torque & horsepower I need to maintain speed on hills and get myself into trouble so for me it's more making sure I have enough braking power which I do - will you have enough "oomph" to maintain a reasonable speed on the hills you think you'll be tackling?
                  Another point in favor of the diesel engines is the exhaust braking system - I'm told by drivers of other brands they're similar in performance - but my experience with the Chevy Duramax on descents using the exhaust brake has been fantastic. It's absolutely amazing to me how well the truck will control the descent on downgrades with minimal brake input. You'll be using your brakes quite a bit with a gas motor so long or steep downgrades could become an issue as the more you use them the warmer they get the less effective they are. Shouldn't beMy an issue as long as you keep this in mind.
                  Biggest reason I went with the airbags is for those wonderful dips in the road that magically appear out of nowhere - really like how they dampen things out! The added benefit of taking out the little bit of loaded weight settling in the rear to maintain a level truck which increases visibility and is more comfortable was a nice bonus though.
                  And you can always give it a try and upgrade the truck if you don't like how things go!
                  Chris
                  2019 Solitude 3740BH
                  2019 Chevy 3500HD Duramax SRW

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by pwebster2 View Post
                    Looking at potentially purchasing a 310GK. Concerned I don't have enough PU to be safe.

                    GCVWR - 24,000
                    Recently scaled at 7480 curb weight
                    Payload left - 3170

                    310GK
                    UVW - 12,000
                    Pin Weight - 2350
                    GVWR - 15,000

                    Live in the northwest so I'll be pulling some hills. We generally stay within 150 miles from home.
                    In my opinion, I think you should consider a smaller trailer or more truck.

                    If you add the GVWR of truck to the GVWR of trailer, you are over your GCVWR (I'm assuming truck GVWR is the max 10,450#) by over 1000#. You will probably never see those numbers, but you would, technically, be at risk and liable because you are beyond capacity.

                    The other number I would look at is the payload. Literature for 310GK shows 2350 pin weight. As pointed out above, actual pin weight will probably be an additional 200-400# (or more) leaving you with just a few hundred pounds for people, supplies, truck accessories which, in my opinion, won't be enough.

                    I have an F250 with a payload of 3166#. My Momentum 21G has a tongue weight of 1200-1300#. When we are fully loaded and ready to go, I am just 500# under the trucks GVWR (10,800#)....with a "small" bumper pull trailer. Granted you won't be putting much in the truck bed....but will be placing a lot in the trailer "garage" which transfers to additional pin weight which will likely put you over payload as well.

                    I think the truck will pull the trailer anywhere you want to go, even if you are slightly over capacity. But you may not be comfortable doing it.
                    Allen

                    2021 Momentum 21G

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      acoleman43 The new 2500's are not rated at 10,000 lbs any longer, OP will need to review the door sticker (appears as he did based on post #1).

                      Truck plus trailer will be 7480+15000 = 22,480 lbs leaving just over 1,500 lbs for People and all other things in the truck.

                      As stated by Crespro you are close to the truck Vertical payload and GD (along with every other RV mfg) tend to err on the side of LIGHT for pin weights as they do not include Battery, LP, any liquids, or house hold items that may be in the unit.
                      Joseph
                      Tow
                      Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
                      Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
                      South of Houston Texas

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Jlawles2 View Post
                        acoleman43 The new 2500's are not rated at 10,000 lbs any longer, OP will need to review the door sticker (appears as he did based on post #1).

                        Truck plus trailer will be 7480+15000 = 22,480 lbs leaving just over 1,500 lbs for People and all other things in the truck.

                        As stated by Crespro you are close to the truck Vertical payload and GD (along with every other RV mfg) tend to err on the side of LIGHT for pin weights as they do not include Battery, LP, any liquids, or house hold items that may be in the unit.
                        I agree the door sticker should show the actual GVWR.

                        The 2020 Trailering guide shows 6.6L gas 2500 have max GVRW of 10,450.

                        If the truck, empty of people, supplies, etc, is 7480, the pin weight of the trailer is at least 2350, that leaves at most 620# (10,450-7480-2350=620) for people and supplies. I'd guess the pin weight is 200-400# more which leaves just a few hundred pounds for people and supplies. That plus the combined GVWR of each vehicle exceeds the GCVWR of 24,000# by 1540#.

                        Click image for larger version

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                        Allen

                        2021 Momentum 21G

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          acoleman43 I was looking at the total combination. You are correct on what's left for the truck payload.

                          Looking at the chart, I question it heavily. How is a diesel rated at more than the same gas version of the truck. 10450 for the highest gas vs 10,900 for the diesel version. Plus 4wd is rated as 10,900 and 2wd rated at 10,550. Odd as the 4wd by logic should be the same GVWR with less payload due to the extra weight of the 4wd components.
                          Joseph
                          Tow
                          Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
                          Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
                          South of Houston Texas

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Jlawles2

                            I agree that this doesn’t make sense from the traditional perspective where the chassis and suspension were the common denominator. But . . . I discovered this same thing when shopping trucks a while back. It seems that GM changes the GVWR based on limiting factors other than chassis, that are specific to different powertrains.

                            Rob
                            Cate & Rob
                            (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
                            2015 Reflection 303RLS
                            2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
                            Bayham, Ontario, Canada

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Just one other thought. We wanted a one bedroom portable version of home with everything possible residential. We think the 310GK-R is very close to our spec goal. A friend with a class A stopped over and said that our coach was in many ways equal to the high-end class A coaches. We think Grand Design has given us a great platform for our goal.

                              Charles
                              2021 Solitude 310 GK-R. 2020 F-250LB, 7.3L, 4.30, Reese 27K

                              Comment

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