3500 vs 5500 towing

[Greg10yes]

Question for the knowledge base. I have a 20 3500 longbed, HO Aisen, 3.73 rear end, my brother has a 2021 5500 w/ 4.44 rear end, only comes with std output and an Aisin, I think it is the only option in a 5500. Anyway, my trailer is about 13000lbs, his is closer to 20000lbs. Typically tow at 65mph, going up long hills my 3500 holds speed, his 5500 drops at least 10-15 mph Any ideas why his 5500 can’t keep up with my 3500? I understand he is heavier, but thought he could keep up.

Thanks

 

[Blythkd1]

One point of clarification, the 5500 likely isn't even "std output." There are actually 3 different engine output levels. I know the 3500 chassis cab truck is lower HP/torque than the SO engine, not much but is a bit lower. Pretty sure the 4500's and 5500's are the same way.

 

[CdnHO]

Don't forget that 4.44 gear in the 5500 is pretty well negated by the larger tires on the 5500. So basically it is the engine output as well as his trailer weight that is putting your brother at a disadvantage pulling hills.

 

[bobbo7915]

the 225/70r19.5 on the 5500 are smaller outside diameter then the factory tires on the 2500/3500, roughly a 32" on the 5500 and 33.4" on the 2500/3500

 

[CdnHO]

the 225/70r19.5 on the 5500 are smaller outside diameter then the factory tires on the 2500/3500, roughly a 32" on the 5500 and 33.4" on the 2500/3500

I was using tire size on 3500 Dually.

 

[IndyRamMega]

You're towing significantly less weight with a significantly more powerful truck....it's that simple...

 

[AH64ID]

I was using tire size on 3500 Dually.

They are basically the same size.

225/75R19.5 rolls at 649 rev/mile and 235/80R17 rolls at 647 rev/mile.

70 mph in a 3500 DRW is 1775 with 3.73’s or 1950 with 4.10’s.

A 5500 would be doing 2120 at 70 with 4.44’s.

You're towing significantly less weight with a significantly more powerful truck....it's that simple...

Correct, nothing more to it. All said and done there is probably 10K more lbs to move with less hp/tq.

 

[Brutal_HO]

20 HO:
400 hp
Torque 1,000
max tow 25K

21 CC
360 hp
Torque 800 lb-ft
4.44 max tow 23K
4.89 max tow 34K

bare CC is about 1K heavier.

He's pulling the equivalent of another travel trailer with 200 lb ft less.