First of all, great site. Very helpfull.

Last year, I purchased an extended cab 97 chev 1500 4x4 with the larger auto tranny with a large cooler (the same tranny as in the 3/4 ton and 1 ton's), with the 6.5 turbo diesel.
The truck has 240,000 km (150,000 miles) but is mechanicly sound with many new parts and I run synthetic in everything but the tranny.
I don't know what rear end gears I have, but I run 285/75 16 tires for the extra clearance. I also added 2 leafs. I am putting in a brake controller. I have started using the truck for work in the oil patch on some of northern Canada's worst roads. (Buldozers often have to pull us into the site) We often haul different types of trailers, and although the truck can handle the tounge weight with the extra leafs, I am not sure if I am legal or safe with some of the trailers. I estimate our "office shacks" are about 8000# but the flare stacks are likely a little more. The flare stacks are 40 feet long single axle and do not have trailer brakes. The shacks are tandem and do have brakes. I am not sure what I am safe or legal to haul. I am guessing you are going to tell me to buy a 1 ton, which is ok because I am trying to convince my wife I should buy I new truck. I might go buy a dodge 3/4 or one ton diesel crew cab short box. Is there much difference between the tow ratings of these two dodges?

p.s. A guy I work with hauls a 17,000# office trailer with a 2001 chev 1500 with a 5.3 with 130,000 oil patch miles on it! crazy bas%$&. (he bent his frame last year)

Thanx for any help and information, steve.

Thanks, your 1500 only has a semi-floating axle. That's going to be your weak spot after the u-joints have gone out. A 1/2 ton is really not made for much over 6000#'s back in the nineties. A 3/4 ton on a Dodge diesel in the last 5 years would be good. The camper package will give you extra leaf springs. 2003 and newer only the 3500 has the extra top springs. I hope I'm not in front or behind your friend from work when he's towing.