Heavy Weight Champ

[AXE]

I was doing some towing this past couple weeks, so I decided to run my rig and trailer across the scales to see what the weight data showed.

I had to run about 35 miles to pick up some concrete blocks that I use to protect some well heads, tanks, and buildings from oil field traffic. These concrete blocks are 2x2x4 feet and weigh about 2k lbs each so they are stout.

Trailer is a 24 ft flatbed beavertail that we mostly use for hauling Bobcat skid steers and a mini x and related attachments. It has a 14k gross and 9500 lbs cargo capacity, so trailer weighs about 4500 lbs.

This doesn't look like a lot of cargo, but it makes the ZR2 growl a little at nearly 24k gross rolling down the road. For reference, that's the weight of about 5 1500 ZR2 or 3 2500 ZR2 rigs.

Here's the scale numbers with truck only, truck and trailer no load, and truck and trailer loaded with 10k of cargo.

 

[AXE]

Here's some pictures of what I was towing. The 2500HD ZR2 towed incredibly well off road getting into some project sites and highway. When towing I ran my air bags at 50-75 psi and i couldn't have been happier with the ride quality and handling. The air bags make a huge difference in towing capabilities, just like my last two 2500HD rigs they are invaluable for working this tow rig likev it should be.

 

[AXE]

So know that every trailer and load is different. If you look at the vehicle and tow ratings you can see get really close to the axle weights in the truck front and rear even though I'm not even close to gross on the trailer. I do have quite a bit of tools, equipment, and hunting gear on board, so I would estimate that to add 800 lbs in the truck.

You should always weigh your rigs and trailers to be sure you're within specs and legal limits, also for safety.

 

[AXE]

It always seems like the truck is squatting in these wide angle photos, but it sits pretty level with the airbags. Here's a photo of just the truck loaded with same trailer and two 2000 lb concrete blocks to illustrate.

 

[GATORB8]

Thanks for sharing. Concrete is definitely one of those thing that looks deceptive on a trailer although it's ~150 pcf.

 

[AXE]

Thanks for sharing. Concrete is definitely one of those thing that looks deceptive on a trailer although it's ~150 pcf.

Yep I needed 8 total blocks, so did two loads. My Dad had hauled 5 at once, but technically it would put that trailer 500 over gross, but not when hooked up and some weight is transferred to truck axle. I would generally trust running a little over gross, but doesn't make it "right".

 

[GATORB8]

Yep I needed 8 total blocks, so did two loads. My Dad had hauled 5 at once, but technically it would put that trailer 500 over gross, but not when hooked up and some weight is transferred to truck axle. I would generally trust running a little over gross, but doesn't make it "right".

What bag setup did you go with?

 

[AXE]

What bag setup did you go with?

Air lift super duty. I have a detailed thread with pictures on this forum.

 

[DNZR2]

A truck that is actually being used to do work. What a rarity.

 

[AXE]

A truck that is actually being used to do work. What a rarity.

Even though I had towed light with it, I finally feel like it's doing some real work.

I would say GM found a great balance of sporty fun and work horse. GM should sell a factory air bag kit for $1500 when ordering these trucks. They sell a lot of useless accessories, but they would sell a lot of beneficial airbags.

Gotta do some work once in a while, save for my new granpa rig like SecurityGuy in a few years........LOL.