Recertify a 2500 to a higher GVWR?

jejb · Apr 13, 2022

I've seen it posted here and other Ram forums where folks claim you can have a 2500's 10K GVWR recertified by your state to a higher limit. I'm sure that would vary by state, but has anyone actually done this? And if so, what was your process and what was your new limit?

I really don't want this to devolve into another "it's okay to exceed the limits" vs "you'll get sued" discussions. I think we've all read enough of those threads to know the arguments there. Would prefer to only have folks respond that have certified a 2500 to a higher limit.

Thanks

pacofortacos · Apr 13, 2022

From what I have read, there is no way to change the GVWR or payload unless you are the manufacturer or a coach builder and it is done prior to first purchase.

That's not to say that you can't address the weak links, but I think the liability then moves to the modifier.

Your state DMV would be my first stop to see if it is even allowed.

Elvira · Apr 13, 2022

Many farm vehicles have done this and i do know some that had this done for pulling excessive loads. Whether or not they had them listed as farm use is something i cannot confirm. Living in Canada, it was an option at one time to change load ratings. Perhaps checking with the dmv in the states or ministry of transport in Canada. Re certifying for more load is not the option though while staying within safe limits. If you can increase limits on your ownership, that doesnt make your truck physically capable.

2020PW · Apr 13, 2022

In our state they don’t care about the GCWR or GWR. All they care about is what your tags say, you can get any tag you want. It’s all about the $$$$. You register a ranger for 30k, then everyone will exceed the GCWR at the quarry. They would only put 800lb in my 2500 because I didn’t get higher registration tags.

mtofell · Apr 14, 2022

Yeah, I think the question is far too regionally variable to get a solid answer on a national forum. I'd start with the local DOT or DMV. I'm also curious (although have never needed to do it) but I think the best answers will come from your local government. To directly answer your question, I've read all the same arguments you have over the years but can't recall anyone actually re-registering at a higher weight.

GTyankee · Apr 14, 2022

In California, you have to go to the California Highway Patrol for things like that.
My Harley Davidson Trike Frame was originally a 2 wheel motorcycle
The originally frame was cut up & then modified by welded back together.
Just the frame was taken down to the CHP along with all the original paperwork.
The CHP filled out all the proper paperwork & stamped a brand new VIN # on the neck, then the paperwork went to the DMV

GsRAM · Apr 15, 2022

In PA you can register for any weight you want (above the actual unloaded curb weight) if your willing to pay the registration fee. My truck is registered for 10k gross and my annual registration fee is now a ridiculous $250+ per year. I am emissions exempt at that weight but it's a minimal concession.

I could choose to register my truck for 5 lbs more than it actually weighs empty, but if your caught overweight the fines are huge, I think either $1 or $10 for every pound your overweight.

So I send the $250 check to Taxalvania DOT every spring.

mtofell · Apr 21, 2022

GsRAM said:
my annual registration fee is now a ridiculous $250+ per year.

I moved to Hawaii a little over a year ago and just got my first vehicle renewal..... $350/year + $25 safety inspection!! I feel your pain.

GsRAM · Apr 21, 2022

mtofell said:
I moved to Hawaii a little over a year ago and just got my first vehicle renewal..... $350/year + $25 safety inspection!! I feel your pain.

Wow that's insane man! Holy smokes....just crazy.

pacofortacos · Apr 21, 2022

In Pa, sure you can pay for a higher registration, but all that does is keep you from getting the overweight fine for the registration class.
Pretty sure that you would still get an overweight citation if they weigh you and your over the truck limit.
My class 2 sticker is in the glove box - which now that I think of it, has been abolished and it isn't needed as of Jan. 2022

jejb · Apr 21, 2022

GsRAM said:
Wow that's insane man! Holy smokes....just crazy.

Most states get you one way or another. When I lived in MN, they hit you hard every year for newer vehicles, like the Hawaii thing above. Here in Arkansas, the plates are fixed and cheap every year. But we pay "personal property tax" which included a hit for each vehicle (although not as high as MN). The MN and AR hits decrease each year as the value of the vehicle decreases.

Most other states that don't charge either of those taxes get it in gas taxes or property taxes, etc.

2020PW · Apr 22, 2022

mtofell said:
I moved to Hawaii a little over a year ago and just got my first vehicle renewal..... $350/year + $25 safety inspection!! I feel your pain.

Something isn’t right. Hawaii registration fee is $45. Oregon has the highest, 268.50 and $636.50. Internet is awesome.

If you factor in taxes I pay over $500 every year.

mtofell · Apr 22, 2022

2020PW said:
Something isn’t right. Hawaii registration fee is $45. Oregon has the highest, 268.50 and $636.50. Internet is awesome.

If you factor in taxes I pay over $500 every year.

Writing a check is "awesome" too. And unless Doris at the Maui DMV just scammed me I just paid $350. I don't know if they classify it as tax or fee or whatever. It doesn't really matter. It's what it cost.

06 Dodge · Apr 23, 2022

2020PW said:
Something isn’t right. Hawaii registration fee is $45. Oregon has the highest, 268.50 and $636.50. Internet is awesome.

If you factor in taxes I pay over $500 every year.

My cost for my new title & registration, fuel tax, new plates along with license tabs for 4 years for my 2022 was $497.40, to renew lic & reg fee on my old 2006 2500 truck was $160.00 for 2 years, cheaper if I did not live in Washington county that has an added $60. road fee...

NikNak · Apr 23, 2022

In CA three years ago… a buddy bought a 1500 Limited & his registration was $700 for the first year. He’s down to $550/year now & thinks he’s getting a deal. I left CA for TN & my 1500 Tradesman went down from $575 to $74/year in TN.

NikNak · Apr 23, 2022

06 Dodge said:
My cost for my new title & registration, fuel tax, new plates along with license tabs for 4 years for my 2022 was $497.40, to renew lic & reg fee on my old 2006 2500 truck was $160.00 for 2 years, cheaper if I did not live in Washington county that has an added $60. road fee...

mtofell said:
Writing a check is "awesome" too. And unless Doris at the Maui DMV just scammed me I just paid $350. I don't know if they classify it as tax or fee or whatever. It doesn't really matter. It's what it cost.

So… I don’t want to burst anyone’s bubbles but… the internet can be wrong(Santa’s real). There are lots of “fees” added to the DMV final registration cost that isn’t included in the on-line data. The true registration cost is how much lighter your wallet is when you leave with your plates & registration.

dhay13 · Apr 24, 2022

Mine here in PA is 182/year. Just paid it a few weeks ago. My son has a 2021 2500 Cummins and his was $250ish

GsRAM · Apr 25, 2022

dhay13 said:
Mine here in PA is 182/year. Just paid it a few weeks ago. My son has a 2021 2500 Cummins and his was $250ish

Could be differences by county maybe. All I know is mine was north of $250 this year, just paid a few months back and I'm in PA and registered for 10k gvwr.

Recertify a 2500 to a higher GVWR?

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