1500's are really this useless? - Hit the CAT scale today - Disgusted

TRCM · Nov 18, 2017

Sweetee said:
I know I'm getting in late, but have been following this since it began. Had a '12 RC Express with a HEMI that served us well. Always wanted to step up to a Laramie and finally started looking this summer. After going forth and back for a while, I decided to go with the Pentastar. So far, I have been super happy with the features, mileage and comfort. I too am disappointed with the payload, but can work with it. We only tow occasionally using an enclosed cargo trailer that is licensed at 6000 lbs. If I'm alone in my truck and I have 600-750 lbs on the tongue, I'm below the GVWR.

The problem comes in that most everyone I know who has a 1/2 ton truck here in WI registers their truck with a "B" plate that is good for 6000 lb. I took my truck to our local cooperative and weighed it yesterday. Mind you, I have a BedMat and Leer topper on my Laramie. With a full tank of fuel, "Big Red" weighed in at 5800 lbs! The problem comes in that if I get in my truck, I'm over my registered weight. Needless to say, I promptly sent in a request to convert my "B" plate to a "C" plate which gives me 8000 lbs. to play with.

The difference in cost is $22 per year, but that is a small price to pay for being legal in the eyes of the DOT! 95% of the time I'm by myself, but having that cushion is a relief. With my truck alone weighing 5800 lbs, I have a 1000 payload of people and "stuff" according to the sticker and what RAM says. None-the-less, averaging 20+mpg is a great trade-off for a little more towing capacity for what I need.

My final comment is I'd rather be legal in the "eyes of the law" and be out an additional $22.00!

I had to do the same when I had my 97 dually......the PO had registered it @ 4200 lbs EW and 6000 lbs gvwr so he could get the much cheaper car plates (35 / yr vs 1200 /yr).

When I tried to register it correctly, I had to get the truck weighed, and get an officer from DOT to come out and look at my trucks stickers before they would change it.

The truck weighed more empty than they had it registered for as GVWR.

CostaRam · Nov 18, 2017

Suprisingly Japanese pickups have a much higher payload than the much bigger mid size US pickups.
The Isuzu DMAX (or Chevrolet Colorado in the US) in factory configuration has in Europe a payload of 2200 lbs and can tow 7700 lbs.
The Volkswagen Amarok has in Europe a payload of 2500lbs and can tow 7700 lbs
Chris

D A · Nov 19, 2017

This thread has helped me better understand my 1500 a lot. I do have the opportunity to rent a (6500lb) travel trailer for a day or two for a real touchy feely drive test. I will probably weigh the whole set up as well. VernDiesel, I wish I could understand your numbers better so I might apply the same logic to my measurements. Thanks all again.

Don
2013 Ram 1500 Laramie Hemi 4X4 Crew

VernDiesel · Nov 20, 2017

Tell me which numbers you don't follow and I will see if I can better explain.

Glad the thread has helped. It takes time and working with it. Plus there is a lot of bad information out their from people that mean well. Weight distribution hitches and how a trailer affects payload etc is misunderstood by many.

D A · Nov 28, 2017

First didn't get the meaning of "WDH". Also more details on the final weight distribution adjustments that fixed the concern. I've got my truck weight, but have postponed my TT purchase after joining this discussion. I do intend to rent a TT (6500#) for a day and I'll share the weights for your thoughts. Thanks.
Don

VernDiesel · Nov 28, 2017

WDH is weight distribution hitch. My first post I listed three & a website etrailer. Each hitch has good description there. Each would come with its own set up & adjustment procedure. At the scales weigh your TV & TT then release the WD bars. I push the hitch down & up by standing on it to fully release the WD then re weigh. Pull off the scales un hook and weigh your TV for your baseline. Post your numbers & observations.

hounddog · Dec 8, 2017

WilliamS said:
Your math is correct, the towing setup assumes driver only in the math. So load up the trailer with the gear. Or do like the rest of us, load up the truck and roll out.

Factory numbers include a 180 lb driver and 1/2 tank of gas.

And no offense, but the sticker was on the door when you looked at it. Should have notied then it was only 1100 payload. Reality is, but you're getting you cart in front of your horse. Load the trailer not the truck when you get ready. Load it evenly with more than 50% of your load going in front of your axles and drive on. Payload isn't your entire load, just what your truck is carrying. The trailer axles will do *** too if you load right.

john94si · Dec 12, 2017

I drove with this a few miles from lowes.. i estimate 2800lbs.. that's what bump stops are for.

mohemipar · Dec 12, 2017

I'm actually surprised they loaded that for you.

mtofell · Dec 12, 2017

mohemipar said:
I'm actually surprised they loaded that for you.

X2 - It's only a matter of time (and lawsuits) before Home Depot and Lowe's start checking truck ratings and only load accordingly. I was at HD once and the manager frantically came out asking the loading guys about a truck that had just lost a bunch of plywood a few blocks from the store. It turns out he had loaded it himself and the guys remembered he was nuts. Something like 50 sheets of plywood in a small truck.

ramportin1 · Dec 12, 2017

john94si said:
I drove with this a few miles from lowes.. i estimate 2800lbs.. that's what bump stops are for.

View attachment 115804

This picture is awesome man! i legit lol'd. hats off to you :grd:

Devin1349 · Dec 12, 2017

Well after reading all of this just convinces me that my next truck will be a 3/4 diesel maybe a 1 ton if I start winning rodeos lmao

mohemipar · Dec 12, 2017

mtofell said:
X2 - It's only a matter of time (and lawsuits) before Home Depot and Lowe's start checking truck ratings and only load accordingly. I was at HD once and the manager frantically came out asking the loading guys about a truck that had just lost a bunch of plywood a few blocks from the store. It turns out he had loaded it himself and the guys remembered he was nuts. Something like 50 sheets of plywood in a small truck.

View attachment 115808

I dont know if they are supposed to check out the vehicle they are loading or what but yeah, lawsuits will be flying. Maybe HD has a more strict policy than Lowes lmao.

"Your f***in plywood flew right into my windshield..."
"Well, Home Depot let me load it!"

Wahrsuul · Dec 13, 2017

Well, just saw a commercial for a lawyer office this morning that claims that at least here, if you're hit by a drunk driver, there's a way to also sue the bar that sold him the drinks. It's called the "Dram Shop". Next they'll be suing fast food places for making you fat, or car dealerships that sell cars involved in accidents. What happened to personal responsibility? When did it become someone else's job to stop you from being an idiot? When stupidity stops becoming painful and instead becomes a benefit, you'll see more of it.

stimpy433 · Dec 13, 2017

john94si said:
I drove with this a few miles from lowes.. i estimate 2800lbs.. that's what bump stops are for.

View attachment 115804

I see this all the time across the street at the local Tractor Supply!!!

mohemipar · Dec 13, 2017

Wahrsuul said:
Well, just saw a commercial for a lawyer office this morning that claims that at least here, if you're hit by a drunk driver, there's a way to also sue the bar that sold him the drinks. It's called the "Dram Shop". Next they'll be suing fast food places for making you fat, or car dealerships that sell cars involved in accidents. What happened to personal responsibility? When did it become someone else's job to stop you from being an idiot? When stupidity stops becoming painful and instead becomes a benefit, you'll see more of it.

mtofell · Dec 14, 2017

Wahrsuul said:
Well, just saw a commercial for a lawyer office this morning that claims that at least here, if you're hit by a drunk driver, there's a way to also sue the bar that sold him the drinks. It's called the "Dram Shop". Next they'll be suing fast food places for making you fat, or car dealerships that sell cars involved in accidents. What happened to personal responsibility? When did it become someone else's job to stop you from being an idiot? When stupidity stops becoming painful and instead becomes a benefit, you'll see more of it.

Yep, this has been standard where I live for years. I spent 15+ years in the restaurant and bar business when I was younger and suits against bars were commonplace. We'd even get notified every time someone got a DUI from our establishment and would be threatened with our license being revoked if it kept happening.

Wahrsuul · Dec 15, 2017

When stupidity and ignorance are no longer painful/fatal, evolution stops.

69GWC · Dec 15, 2017

Wahrsuul said:
When stupidity and ignorance are no longer painful/fatal, evolution stops.

idiocracy is in effect and natural selection is gone in the wind.
Pretty soon all we will have to drink is Gatorade..
lol

Sweetee · Dec 15, 2017

Riccochet said:
Things are a bit different in the U.S.

Good info for Canadian members though.

State Troopers and DOT service vehicles on interstates in the U.S. do carry plate scales in their vehicles. My neighbor got ass ***** in fines and his insurance dropped him when he rear ended another vehicle while being over weight.

Was your friend over GVWR or over his registration weight? I think that is the question many have.

1500's are really this useless? - Hit the CAT scale today - Disgusted

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