[mattyj724]

So there is alot of talk about how much the ecodiesel can haul. Towing is around 9K which is plenty for me. I do not have a CDL and cannot tow above 10K anyhow. But hauling stuff in the back. my truck is 1300LBS. Family of 5 = 530lbs. So i can only haul about 800LBS.

My question is what is the weak point?? We have better towing power than the 5.7L. Even in the 2500. So its not the engine. i thought it was the rear suspension. Can we add better coils? maybe the 2500 ones? or is it the axles? Anyone with good knowledge of this stuff.. \

 

[dravas]

Increase payload capacity? - DodgeTalk : Dodge Car Forums, Dodge Truck Forums and Ram Forums

 

[ED_Lover]

I think there is a lot of confusion about what a CDL is and when it applies. In the case of any RAM 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, or 1 ton pickup the GVWR does not meet the threshold to require a CDL. The 10k pound rule people often quote applies to the trailer in the case that the pulling vehicle exceeds the GVWR requirement. It does not mean if you pull a trailer that weighs 10k pounds you need a CDL.

 

[Haulin]

I think there is a lot of confusion about what a CDL is and when it applies. In the case of any RAM 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, or 1 ton pickup the GVWR does not meet the threshold to require a CDL. The 10k pound rule people often quote applies to the trailer in the case that the pulling vehicle exceeds the GVWR requirement. It does not mean if you pull a trailer that weighs 10k pounds you need a CDL.

Just noticed your username is ED Lover, which reminds me of this guy:

 

[mattyj724]

I think there is a lot of confusion about what a CDL is and when it applies. In the case of any RAM 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, or 1 ton pickup the GVWR does not meet the threshold to require a CDL. The 10k pound rule people often quote applies to the trailer in the case that the pulling vehicle exceeds the GVWR requirement. It does not mean if you pull a trailer that weighs 10k pounds you need a CDL.

From dmv.gov

Any vehicle with a semi-trailer or trailer with two or more axles. This group also includes any combination of vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 26,000 pounds, provided that the gross vehicle weight rating of the towed vehicle is in excess of 10,000 pounds


So yea, either way still doesnt help my question of hauling sh*t in the bed!!

 

[Anomaly]

From the CA DMV for Class C license.
You may tow a:

• Single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less, including a tow dolly, if used.

With a vehicle weighing 4,000 lbs. or more unladen, you may tow a:

• Trailer coach or 5th-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation.
• 5th-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but under 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation, and with endorsement.

 

[mattyj724]

ok...... Now back to my question.. What is the weak point in these trucks? Why the low haul ratings?? it is the lowest of the big three right??

 

[Anomaly]

ok...... Now back to my question.. What is the weak point in these trucks? Why the low haul ratings?? it is the lowest of the big three right??

Payload ratings are not determined by the same standards by different manufacturers. This has been discussed ad nauseam in other forums. The bottom line is that if there isn't a standard by which payload is set, then all bets are off. For example, some specify it without a rear bumper or spare tire, because you can order it that way. And, who knows what else? Advertised payload is manipulated for advertising purposes first and the harsh reality is what the sticker in you door says. Even the payload rating on my window sticker was more than what is stated on my door sticker. Also having a GMC 2500HD with Duramax, we call our RAM 1500 our "little truck" or our "big car". My advice to anyone is to pick the right tool for the job.

 

[rem26]

From the CA DMV for Class C license.
You may tow a:

• Single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less, including a tow dolly, if used.

With a vehicle weighing 4,000 lbs. or more unladen, you may tow a:

• Trailer coach or 5th-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation.
• 5th-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but under 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation, and with endorsement.

Is that a state DMV? www.dmv.gov does not exist. In CA, I could see that kind of stupidity. That would mean virtually every horse trailer behind a dually needs a CDL here.

 

[dravas]

...here is the bottom line...

Your truck is not 1,300lb, 5,700lb maybe but not 1,300lb. The lightest ram is around 4,700lb the heaviest ram is 5,700lb.


The difference between our trucks and the 2500 is the springs, shocks, engine and transmission, tires also they used to have different axles but some forums are pointing out that the 2500 and the 1500 share the same axle. And cooling lots of cooling.

One of the main reasons our trucks are rated low on payload is because we are a Class 2a truck.
Truck classification - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Taxes and requirements change the higher up the range you go. Our trucks are designed for light duty and underrated mostly because any higher and we are a 2500 and have to follow those rules and regulations.

So if you want to make a 1500 to do 2500 work you can, but you are no longer under warranty, and the price of modifications you might as well gotten yourself a 2500.

Now do they know you are going to run it hard yes, and they do allow for occasional use of stressing the truck...but under long term stress, your rear coils are going to sag, your transmission is going to need a tune up much sooner than norm, and if you dont up grade your cooling your are going to damage your components over time due to over heating.



Our trucks can take a overload of maybe a 1,000 pounds and shrug it off. Here is why

Payload is curb+passengers - GVCW+towing.

I think our trucks come with 500LB tongue weight limits with our truck (standard hitch?) but that can be added to a payload if not towing just know the bed of the truck is taking that much burden.

and lastly we are not the only trucks with this problem....all 1500s have this problem.

Toyota
The Tundra Has Ridiculously Low Payload Capacity (???)!!!

Ford
http://www.raptorforumz.com/showthread.php?t=18695

Chevy
How Much Can I Tow/haul With A 1500 Silverado? - 1999-2006 & 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 - GM-Trucks.com

 

[Accused]

the coils hurt things yes.

And aren't the HEMI's rated higher for hauling, yet the trucks are identical...????

 

[Haulin]

I wonder if the next generation nissan titan truck will have this problem as well, hopefully they're aware of it and have it in mind while developing the truck.

 

[dravas]

.....Its a half ton right?

Then yes its going to have the same problem...its a 1/2 ton problem.

And now that I think about it...I can see how going all aluminum body and saving 700 pounds can change a payload rating from 800lb to 1500lb.

 

[Anomaly]

Our trucks can take a overload of maybe a 1,000 pounds and shrug it off. Here is why

Payload is curb+passengers - GVCW+towing.

I think our trucks come with 500LB tongue weight limits with our truck (standard hitch?) but that can be added to a payload if not towing just know the bed of the truck is taking that much burden.

I think that your formula for payload needs some explanation, as I don't get it.


My understanding of payload is the following.


GVWR = total permissible weight of vehicle including driver, passengers, vehicle, options including trailer tongue weight.


Curb Weight = weight of vehicle with all fluids and gas. No load or occupants.


Payload = GVWR - Curb Weight - occupants

 

[dravas]

Similar to a vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, the gross combination weight rating is a specific maximum weight limit determined by the manufacturer. See rams tow rating website for how they do the calc.



It's important to remember that the GCWR is not an actual measurement of the weight of a tow vehicle and a trailer, but rather the combined maximum weight limit that the manufacturer has set for the two vehicles once attached.


used how rams website does the calc and they always seem to assume you are going to tow something.

 

[Haulin]

I think that your formula for payload needs some explanation, as I don't get it.


My understanding of payload is the following.


GVWR = total permissible weight of vehicle including driver, passengers, vehicle, options including trailer tongue weight.


Curb Weight = weight of vehicle with all fluids and gas. No load or occupants.


Payload = GVWR - Curb Weight - occupants

Thanks for breaking that down. Never knew what GVWR was.
Should also help to clear things up on here.