Bummed out!! Truck can't tow what I need her to.

440hsp · Jun 22, 2017

After crunching numbers, with the wife, the kids, the dogs, and the trailer we want, its not gonna work. Put me almost 1k over max capacity. Dont really want a new truck so i guess we gotta look at a lighter 5th wheel. Just sucks because I know ( White Shadow ) could do it. Anybody else run into this?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

440hsp · Jun 22, 2017

Just checked out the towing capacities for the same year laramie 4x4 3500 SRW and it has less towing capacity but a higher payload which in turn ups the GVWR.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

theviking · Jun 22, 2017

#FirstWorldProblems

440hsp · Jun 22, 2017

Lol

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

MN-Ram · Jun 22, 2017

How does the 3500 have less towing capacity? Aren't they basically the same truck with different suspensions?

Ratket · Jun 22, 2017

That's just legal mumbo jumbo-

440hsp · Jun 22, 2017

Yeah, thats what it says from the downloadable pdf I got from RamTrucks.com. I thought that sounded too weird.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

440hsp · Jun 22, 2017

Also both the 2500 and the 3500 SRW have the same GCWR. I thought the 3500 would be more

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

SouthTexan · Jun 22, 2017

There is absolutely no law in any state stating you can't go over the number on the tire load and inflation sticker. All they care about is what the vehicle is registered for so if you are that worried about it then register it as a 3500's GVWR.

You basically have the same truck as 3500 accept for the rear suspension. The brakes, frame, axles and such are all identical to the 3500. So mod the rear suspension to be able to handle the added weight better and be done with it. You will not get into any legal trouble for going over the manufacturers rating since there is no such law stating you have to do so. The 2500 diesels payload ratings are nerfed by government regulations, not by what they can actually handle.

mtofell · Jun 22, 2017

I think "carrying/payload" is being mixed with "pulling/tow capacity". The 3500 likely has less towing capacity because it's slightly heavier than the 2500. The payload is more because of the extra rear suspension.

Many really smart towing folks will tell you FAWR and RAWR are the key numbers to stay within and that the GVWR on the 2500 is artificially low to help people avoid paying high registration costs. If you tear 2500 and 3500 (SRW) trucks apart and lay all the pieces on the ground the ONLY differences you will find is some rear suspension and the numbers on the weight tag.

440hsp · Jun 22, 2017

@ SouthTexan and Mtofell, the trailer that fits our family has a loaded weight of 13995 lbs. And a tongue weight of 2180 which is my entire payload capacity. After the whole family gets in the truck not including anything else that puts us around 1400lbs over the (rated) 10000lb GVWR. I have an airlift load lifter 5000 airbag kit for the rear and new shocks. Do you think my 2500 can tow that trailer safely across the U.S??

Edit : Sorry forgot to mention the truck

2014 Ram 2500 CC Laramie 4x4 CTD

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

Ratket · Jun 22, 2017

Meh - I still hear mumbo jumbo lolol ..
Sorry had to

Ratket · Jun 22, 2017

How long is that 5th wheel?

440hsp · Jun 22, 2017

Lol. Just trying to be safe. I believe my truck can safely tow the trailer but I would like to hear from guys that do this a lot more than I do.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

440hsp · Jun 22, 2017

Around 38ft

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

440hsp · Jun 22, 2017

Grand design 311bhs 5th wheel

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

Ratket · Jun 22, 2017

I have personally hauled 1 ton/ 2k pounds in my bed before and my truck absolutely loved it - I was amazed how well the 6.4 did-
I can only imagine that if I had a cumins I would of been tickled- Wait for them to chime in - I think your truck would tow it just fine - the bags should help tremendously - if braking is a concern u can also upgrade your pads/roter"s and brake lines. They should chime in shortly

It's only double axle.. hmmmmm

440hsp · Jun 22, 2017

Yeah, normally those fellas chime in whenever i have questions dealing with towing. Swampfox too

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

SouthTexan · Jun 22, 2017

My 5th wheel is about 14k loaded and I hauled it to the coast and back (160 miles one way) many of times without air bags before the truck was leveled. It sat completely level with the trailer hooked up, but now that my truck is leveled then I will need air bags to bring the back up.

As I said before, the truck is identical to a 3500 except for the rear suspension. The rear brakes and axle identical so you know they can take what ever a 3500 is rated for. Beef up the rear suspension to handle the added weight and there would be no difference between the two. Although you would not have to add much since the difference in rear GAWR between the 3500 and 2500 is only 500 lbs. Well, at least for my truck.

The most I have loaded my truck is 3,200 lbs and it handled it with no issues or much sag in the back. If I had air bags or Timbrens then there probably would have been no sag.

440hsp · Jun 22, 2017

Definitely got the bags for that reason because I'm leveling the front. Im gettin the damn trailer.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

Bummed out!! Truck can't tow what I need her to.

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Similar threads

Forum statistics

Share this page