2015 Ram tow ratings announced!

[mangus2k13ram]

2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 SAE Tow Ratings Announced

I remember working for gm years back, they always exaggerated their numbers.
Having an outside party certifying the tow ratings is big and may effect sales.

 

[swanny297]

To generic doesn't break down 2WD - 4WD and the axle combinations

 

[toofart]

Bottom line, the RAM rating stay the same or increase a few hundred pounds, while GMs decrease up to 400 lbs.

 

[swanny297]

Like others have said including me you run out if payload long before you reach the current ratings at least on a 1500

 

[jadocs]

Like others have said including me you run out if payload long before you reach the current ratings at least on a 1500

Same with a 2500, as it relates to pin weight on 5th wheels.

 

[parkersdad]

I still don't see how that weak ass Chevrolet 5.3 motor can tow more than a Hemi. I know gearing and transmissions have something to do with it but I don't believe those numbers.

 

[Andy578]

I still don't see how that weak ass Chevrolet 5.3 motor can tow more than a Hemi. I know gearing and transmissions have something to do with it but I don't believe those numbers.

suspension and brakes matter a lot too. not so much on the ability to tow but rather the ability to do it safely. it's also entirely possible dodge lowers the numbers to have some breathing room

 

[BoldAdventure]

Like others have said including me you run out if payload long before you reach the current ratings at least on a 1500

Yeah, but the general public and your average shopped doesn't know that. People get really upset on the RV forums when they purchased a smaller 1500 to tow with an learn they were lied to by the dealer and have almost know payload. On almost two forums I frequent, it seems that the people who get shocked the most are Ford EcoBoost owners who are totally lied to about the 11,000lbs and max tow package. Ford's max tow means you get a trailer break and a trailer hitch. That's it! But people hear max tow and think something else.

The standards are great, but I'm sure it won't stop marketers from showing the top of the line decked out King Super Duper Big Cowboy High Mountain Edition Z100000 with giant bold letters saying, "11,000lbs TOWING CAPACITY" and then a little asterisk that says "when properly equipped"

Because at the end of the day, most of public just isn't informed and is easily mislead by marketing and believes what's coming out of the mouth of the salesman. Sad but true.

I still don't see how that weak ass Chevrolet 5.3 motor can tow more than a Hemi. I know gearing and transmissions have something to do with it but I don't believe those numbers.

It goes back to payload. I would of bought a Silverado outright if they just weren't so aesthetically terrible. During our search for the truck, we started with GM, being GM folks. Explored Ford, and Dodge won me over with the looks of the truck and the great interior and I really liked the way the Hemi felt. But one area Dodge just didn't win was payload. And Chevy does beat, Ford, Dodge and Toyota in that dept if you compare payload options on the 1500's.

 

[swanny297]

It goes back to payload.

This .... The curb weight of my 1500 is 5640lbs - my GVWR is 6900lbs so you can do the math. You can also use the GVWR of your axles when buying a trailer if the dealer has scales and you can simulate a loaded trailer - it is possible to be over your payload but under your axle rating and still tow safely without damaging your tow vehicle. We have a Rockwood Ultra lite 2702ss with an Andersen WD hitch and proportional trailer brake controls, I have always towed with a 1/2t because I can't justify a bigger truck to drive daily and go camping a couple times a month.

You can still enjoy camping and the benefits of a 1/2T - properly set up and the right travel trailer - go out and have fun - don't post for help on the RV forums - 99% will tell you a 1/2t can't pull it and you need a bigger vehicle which isn't true.

 

[swanny297]

But one area Dodge just didn't win was payload. And Chevy does beat, Ford, Dodge and Toyota in that dept if you compare payload options on the 1500's.

That's because of leaf vs coil in the rear, ram 1/2t will still outpull any of the other OEM vehicles regardless - pull the exact same load with all 3 and your choice will be easy - the Hemi power beats the others.

 

[TRCM]

This .... The curb weight of my 1500 is 5640lbs - my GVWR is 6900lbs so you can do the math. You can also use the GVWR of your axles when buying a trailer if the dealer has scales and you can simulate a loaded trailer - it is possible to be over your payload but under your axle rating and still tow safely without damaging your tow vehicle.

But, if you do thing this way, you may be 'safe' in your eyes, but can still be illegal/overweight.

Take the empty weight and subtract it from the GVWR......this number may not match the sticker on the door, which is what the lawman is gonna go by if he stops you.

Same thing with axle weights. Many times, the axle ratings when added together exceed the abilities of the truck. This is why you must follow the sticker on the door to remain legal.


Not saying the trcuk can't handle, it, but just because it can handle it, doesn't mean it is legal.

 

[swanny297]

Nothing illegal about using axle ratings in most cases they more accurately represent your payload.

 

[TRCM]

Nothing illegal about using axle ratings in most cases they more accurately represent your payload.

Try telling that to the man as he is writing your expensive ticket.

When I had my 97 dodge 3500 dually cummins 4x4, I asked, and was told by DMV personnel at the weigh station, the sticker on the door is the limit, NOT what the individual pieces/parts may add up to.

I actually had to get them to come out and LOOK at the truck, as the previous owner had lied about it's weight and GVWR so he could get the cheaper car plates on it.

That's like saying if you add headers (+25 hp), a free flow air filter (+10 hp), and synthetic oil (+5 hp), that you will get 40 extra ponies.......

 

[swanny297]

By actual weight I have 1360lbs of payload available my door sticker says 1447 - so I am ok with 1447 because it's on the door - also how is an officer on the side of the road going to write a ticket for being over weight - legally as long as I stay under 14150 which is what the documented GVWR of truck and trailer is I haven't broken any highway laws - exceeding your payload doesn't get you a ticket just wears your components faster. My curb weight of my rear axle is 2480lbs - my axle GVWR is 3900lbs that means I actually have 1420 before my axle is limit is reached so if I use my door sticker at 1447 I now have exceeded my payload capacity and my rear axle rating.

 

[smurfs_of_war]

There is some truth to what swanny297 is saying depending on jurisdiction. For example: here they don't give a bats ass about the gvwr (payload) sticker on your door. The only numbers they check are axle weights, tire rating and the registered combination weight on your insurance- I actually stopped at a scale willingly to have them check and answer my questions. The reason for this is because the "payload" rating is not considered a mechanical failure point since it is derived by so many variables including input from Transport Canada for example and cosider items from factory that effect the vehicle as a single unit rather than with a secondary vehicle in tow. BC however will check all of the weights you have and you can't exceed ANY.

 

[TRCM]

Just relaying what I was told by Officers @ the weigh station when I got my truck & trailer combo weighed.

And yes, it does change from region to region, but around here, to answer how he can give you a ticket....they carry around portable scales to weigh you on.

 

[BoldAdventure]

That's because of leaf vs coil in the rear, ram 1/2t will still outpull any of the other OEM vehicles regardless - pull the exact same load with all 3 and your choice will be easy - the Hemi power beats the others.

Hmm... the 6.2L has more output 420hp and 460ft/lb.

The coils are another reason I went with the ram. When not towing it rides/handles the best. Plus no rear sway or hopping like leaf springs when taking turns.

Just relaying what I was told by Officers @ the weigh station when I got my truck & trailer combo weighed.

And yes, it does change from region to region, but around here, to answer how he can give you a ticket....they carry around portable scales to weigh you on.

Crazy. Never heard of that when I was in Va. But from multiple sources on a few of the other RVing forums different regions, particularly up north you are more likely to be stopped and weighted. Most folks report however that it seems as if they're only looking for the people who are visibly showing signs of being over weight. So setup your WD hitch.

 

[swanny297]

Hmm... the 6.2L has more output 420hp and 460ft/lb.



The coils are another reason I went with the ram. When not towing it rides/handles the best. Plus no rear sway or hopping like leaf springs when taking turns. :

My response was in regards to payload - the other OEM have higher payloads because they use leaf springs - coils do ride better but also have lower payload capacities because of sag.

 

[BoldAdventure]

My response was in regards to payload - the other OEM have higher payloads because they use leaf springs - coils do ride better but also have lower payload capacities because of sag.

see >

pull the exact same load with all 3 and your choice will be easy - the Hemi power beats the others.

 

[swanny297]

So everyone stays legal

http://www.rambodybuilder.com/iph/iph2014/ph2014/phdocs/phram/phrammlup1500.pdf