Question about 91 - 98 3500 HD's

[TBigLug]

I'm looking into buying a truck and have pretty much set my mind on a '91 - '98 3500 HD with a 6.5 and a 5 sp. I don't know much about the 6.5's other than they don't make as much power as a PSD or Cummins, are not as reliable and don't make as much power. That being said, I love the body style, commercial duty construction and the fuel mileage increase of a diesel over a gasser. So, do you all think a 3500 HD would stand up to pulling a 36' or longer trailer with easilt 5,000 lbs. of horses plus equipment? I wouldn't be using it very often (maybe 2x per month) but I am in the process of converting my "fleet" to all diesels (2500 Duramax for the old lady, 6.5 1/2 ton for me, 3500 HD for the hauling duties, none of which have been bought yet but in process of finding). So, back to my original query, are these trucks worth it for a hauler? I figure with them being 4.56 geared and built as heavy duty as they are it should take some of the strain off the motor. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Matt C]

91' would be a 6.2. 92' was the first year of the 6.5td. 3500 HD's are cab and chassis only, so it could have some kind of utility box on it. They also came with 19.5" wheels. A 3500 would be a regular pickup instead of cab and chassis. A 6.5td will do fine with puling after the correct mods.

 

[dieseldummy]

If you buy a Dmax use it for hauling duties. Forget a 6.5 for a 36' trailer or any trailer for that matter. It won't last and will most likely be nothing but problems. That's just my opinion from past experience...

 

[TBigLug]

Thanks for the info guys. I wouldn't want to use the 2500 D'max for a trailer like that, it'd just smash the poor little fella into the ground. 3500 duallies are too expensive. If I had a 3500 HD with a D'max conversion.... love. Oh well. Maybe I'll get around to that swap someday.

 

[dieseldummy]

The 2500 will fair better than you think. I typically haul farm equipment with mine and it handles it very well. The new 2500's are rated similarly to old 3500's. If you aren't towing very often it shouldn't be an issue.