Can someone help me understand why a Supercab has more towing and GCWR capacity than a Supercrew with the same engine and transmission?

Thanks frustration setting in quickly with my new Supercrew.

 

Super cabs weigh less?

 

No question about it. Screw will always weigh more unless the wheelbase is different. The Scab can be had with an 8' bed. That will probably be heavier, but will then be the 8200lb GVWR, which will raise it's tow and payload.

 

But is the difference in vehicle weight the greatest factor affecting towing capacity? Or is it wheelbase length? Either way, it should be a few hundred pounds difference, and if that isn't negligible for your towing needs, a 3/4 ton should be in your future!

 

Why? Sounds like you didn't find out what the truck was rated to tow before you bought it.

 

bed length? I think a longer truck tows better.

 

I knew what it could tow before I bought it, I just don't want to push it to close to the limit on the travel trailer I'm going to buy. I am finding the super light weight TT are all not very well built, so to get a better built one I will be right at my trucks spec limits. Besides this is an everyday driver and I will only be towing a few times a year so getting the 3/4 ton was not worth the extra 10-15K plus the extra in gas mileage loss. I love this truck, its just frustrating that it has so much lower towing capacity than the supercab.

Thanks.

 

A Scab with a 6.5' bed and a Screw with a 5.5' bed are exactly the same wheelbase. Only thing that will change tow capacity between those 2 as long as they are the same GVWR, is weight of vehicle. The tow capacity requires a certain amount of payload to be able to tow that amount. To tow a 7500lb trailer, you need at least 750lbs of payload (may be more for tongue weight), and if with driver, passengers and cargo, you do not have that available, you should not be towing 7500lbs.
Also, the rear end gears make a huge difference. If one is a 3.73, and the other is a 3.31, the 3.31 will have a much lower tow capacity.

 

If you went by the advertised tow rating, no you didn't. The max tow rating presumes an EMPTY truck with just a driver and a partial tank of fuel.

 

Yes it does.

I've got a 20' car trailer, and when I have it loaded, the truck drives a heck of a lot better. When loaded with load, it levels my truck out perfect. I've got a regular cab with the 8ft bed. I actually like the look when it's got a trailer hooked to it.

Acceleration on the other hand... eh, it's ok. But my Tekonsha P3 stops me on a dime, which is what matters the most at the end of the day.