2500 payload ranges

[JoshsRam]

So, I was browsing a local dealer's website and ran across a 2500 BigHorn with the CTD Non-HO engine. As I recall, the CTD severely takes away payload from the 2500s, to the tune of almost 1500 level payload in some cases. However, this one I was looking at had 3500 lbs of payload, which I thought was pretty good for a 2500. I calculated the numbers myself based on the axle capacities and such. This was a 2023, did something change from previous model years that anyone knows of?

 

[Jane S]

So, I was browsing a local dealer's website and ran across a 2500 BigHorn with the CTD Non-HO engine. As I recall, the CTD severely takes away payload from the 2500s, to the tune of almost 1500 level payload in some cases. However, this one I was looking at had 3500 lbs of payload, which I thought was pretty good for a 2500. I calculated the numbers myself based on the axle capacities and such. This was a 2023, did something change from previous model years that anyone knows of?

>I calculated the numbers myself based on the axle capacities and such

Why? The website or internet search should tell you.

https://www.ramtrucks.com/BodyBuilder/service/Image?imageId=MtQrP%2FFqLY5r%2Fest8MtGjGgHzAHGUTU0WB3rWuqSY7YmQ2vEhuBWBK3Z6SvN9a1h%0A

 

[dhay13]

The payload number should be right on the yellow door sticker in the drivers front door jamb.

Is the truck a 4x4? Crew cab? A 2WD with regular cab will have much higher payload. Payload is calculated by taking GVWR and subtracting base weight. My GVWR is 10,000 and curb weight was 7027lbs when it left the factory so my GVWR is 2973lbs. I agree 3500lbs is awfully high for a 2500 CTD

 

[mtofell]

Dealers routinely list inaccurate info or "brochure" info - meaning what Ram lists on a brochure of general info. There's pretty much no way for a 10,000# GVWR diesel HD truck to have 3500# of payload... unless Ram is now listing their 2500s higher. I thought I read Chevy did that a couple years ago so I suppose it's possible. As @dhay13 says, the only info to trust is what's on the door sticker of a given truck.

 

[dhay13]

Dealers routinely list inaccurate info or "brochure" info - meaning what Ram lists on a brochure of general info. There's pretty much no way for a 10,000# GVWR diesel HD truck to have 3500# of payload... unless Ram is now listing their 2500s higher. I thought I read Chevy did that a couple years ago so I suppose it's possible. As @dhay13 says, the only info to trust is what's on the door sticker of a given truck.

That's why I didn't flat out say it wasn't possible...lol. Wasn't sure if maybe they raised the GVWR. I think Ford uses 10,800lbs for their F250 GVWR so that nets them an instant 800lbs extra payload. Wasn't sure if maybe Ram did that.

 

[mtofell]

I think Ford uses 10,800lbs for their F250 GVWR so that nets them an instant 800lbs extra payload.

This has to be to prevent the diesel 2500s from having such ridiculously low payloads (seems to be more than a coincidence that the 800# is pretty much exactly the added weight of the diesel engine v. gas). The payload/GVWR v. axle rating debate has gone around these forums for so many years I just tune out the debates. I've largely tried to stick to GVWR but don't lose any sleep (or fear jail time...lol) if I'm a couple pieces of firewood over. Axle weights are what the real world (truckers, commercial haulers, road/bridge limits etc.) go off of and what I really watch. The added weight of the diesel engine has essentially nothing to do with the rear axle and it's actually refreshing to see the manufacturers finally getting on board.

 

[Nickx86]

2500 and diesels rams will have low payloads cause the GVW of 10k, 3500 SRW will have a much higher payload since they are about 11000-11500 GVW. Other manufacturers for 2500 or 3/4 ton have raised thee GVW but ram has not as of yet. Will a 2500 diesel handle 3000 pounds of payload without exceeding the rear gross axle rating, I’m sure but damn government regulations

 

[Riccochet]

2500 and diesels rams will have low payloads cause the GVW of 10k, 3500 SRW will have a much higher payload since they are about 11000-11500 GVW. Other manufacturers for 2500 or 3/4 ton have raised thee GVW but ram has not as of yet. Will a 2500 diesel handle 3000 pounds of payload without exceeding the rear gross axle rating, I’m sure but damn government regulations

Can the axle handle 3000 lbs of payload? Probably. Can the weak *** rear suspension inboard coil springs? Probably not.

Sticker on my truck shows 3047 lbs of payload. I don't think I'd want to go beyond 2300-2500 without some serious upgrades to that rear suspension.

We get a good ride in our 2500's over the other brands due to the spongy suspension.

 

[JoshsRam]

>I calculated the numbers myself based on the axle capacities and such

Why? The website or internet search should tell you.

https://www.ramtrucks.com/BodyBuilder/service/Image?imageId=MtQrP%2FFqLY5r%2Fest8MtGjGgHzAHGUTU0WB3rWuqSY7YmQ2vEhuBWBK3Z6SvN9a1h%0A

Because the number they reported seemed way too high but the values they are reporting calculate out correctly based on the rear axle weight and GVWR, etc. I have been looking at a 3500 recently but if this 2500's payload is really what is being reported, I might make the jump down. I'm going to have to look at the door sticker to verify because it feels wrong to me.

 

[GTyankee]

since the guy had his frame snap while hauling a cab over camper, things look like they are changing ????

MY 2023 RAM 3500 LOST 7700 POUNDS OF TOWING CAPACITY!?

I'm not sure what's going on with Ram but I've been pretty disappointed lately. After finding the TFL video on the Ram towing reductions, I've been trying to...

www.youtube.com

 

[Riccochet]

Because the number they reported seemed way too high but the values they are reporting calculate out correctly based on the rear axle weight and GVWR, etc. I have been looking at a 3500 recently but if this 2500's payload is really what is being reported, I might make the jump down. I'm going to have to look at the door sticker to verify because it feels wrong to me.

There's no way a CTD 2500 has a payload that high. CTD 2500's have a GVWR of 10,000 lbs with a curb weight of around 7600-8100 lbs, depending on options. Payload is GVWR minus curb weight.

I'm not aware of a 2500 with a GVWR higher than 10,000.

 

[JoshsRam]

since the guy had his frame snap while hauling a cab over camper, things look like they are changing ????

MY 2023 RAM 3500 LOST 7700 POUNDS OF TOWING CAPACITY!?

I'm not sure what's going on with Ram but I've been pretty disappointed lately. After finding the TFL video on the Ram towing reductions, I've been trying to...

www.youtube.com

Three things.

1. That really sucks if RAM is reducing the payload and towing capacities now based on that idiot who snapped his frame.

2. Interesting that the 2023 2500 I found is showing 3500 lbs of payload, I'm definitely going to go look at it in person to look at the numbers on the door.

3. This video is why I hate youtube. That whole thing could have been said in 20-30 seconds with all the "crap" taken out of it. Can I have my 8 minutes back? lol

 

[Jane S]

Because the number they reported seemed way too high but the values they are reporting calculate out correctly based on the rear axle weight and GVWR, etc. I have been looking at a 3500 recently but if this 2500's payload is really what is being reported, I might make the jump down. I'm going to have to look at the door sticker to verify because it feels wrong to me.

You don't say the use of the truck.

IF it is for a 5th wheel, go with the 3500.

 

[GTyankee]

I have not looked at any charts lately
My fuzzy brain seems to remember the GVWR was 10,001 pounds

Many States DMV limits a Class C drivers license at 10,000 pounds.
I don't think that Law Enforcement looks at the weights, unless there is an accident, or the trailer is acting funny, like fish tailing or bottoming out on traveled lanes

 

[tron67j]

Because the number they reported seemed way too high but the values they are reporting calculate out correctly based on the rear axle weight and GVWR, etc. I have been looking at a 3500 recently but if this 2500's payload is really what is being reported, I might make the jump down. I'm going to have to look at the door sticker to verify because it feels wrong to me.

You do have to look at the sticker on the door jamb. There is no way a 2500 CTD has a 3k pound payload unless it is a short bed single cab. If you are looking at a crew or mega-cab 4x4 it is probably rated around 2k pounds.

 

[dhay13]

I hope the OP gets a look at the door jamb sticker and posts it here cause I'm curious but I agree I don't see how it is possible

 

[jejb]

since the guy had his frame snap while hauling a cab over camper, things look like they are changing ????

MY 2023 RAM 3500 LOST 7700 POUNDS OF TOWING CAPACITY!?

I'm not sure what's going on with Ram but I've been pretty disappointed lately. After finding the TFL video on the Ram towing reductions, I've been trying to...

www.youtube.com

Why would Ram reduce towing capacity for that? The problem wasn't towing weight. It was apparently an improper load and frame welding causing the issue.

 

[Choupique]

I have not looked at any charts lately
My fuzzy brain seems to remember the GVWR was 10,001 pounds

Many States DMV limits a Class C drivers license at 10,000 pounds.
I don't think that Law Enforcement looks at the weights, unless there is an accident, or the trailer is acting funny, like fish tailing or bottoming out on traveled lanes

The 10,000 lb GVWR is primarily for fleet customers. 10k is the cutoff before you become DOT regulated in many states for a commercial vehicle.

Ford is now offering higher gvwr on their 3/4 tons as an option I believe. They also used to offer a 9k lb option on 3/4 tons.

 

[GTyankee]

Ford has always stretched the truth, about their Tow/Haul capacities.
They were the only hold out, when most of the pickup truck manufacturers were trying to agree on
SAE J2807 document defines procedures and requirements to determine Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) and calculate corresponding Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) for any tow vehicle.
Toyota was the first to sign the agreement & Ford made every excuse they could, to avoid signing.
Finally Ford decided that the ONLY way they could fit their trucks to the agreement, was to make their Pick ups out of aluminum, that way they could lose 1,000 pounds & comply with the standard.

Ram Engineers before the SAE J2807 standard had always under rated their trucks. That is 1 reason that they were #3

 

[06 Dodge]

Ford has always stretched the truth, about their Tow/Haul capacities.
They were the only hold out, when most of the pickup truck manufacturers were trying to agree on
SAE J2807 document defines procedures and requirements to determine Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) and calculate corresponding Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) for any tow vehicle.
Toyota was the first to sign the agreement & Ford made every excuse they could, to avoid signing.
Finally Ford decided that the ONLY way they could fit their trucks to the agreement, was to make their Pick ups out of aluminum, that way they could lose 1,000 pounds & comply with the standard.

Ram Engineers before the SAE J2807 standard had always under rated their trucks. That is 1 reason that they were #3

Had a neighbor who towed huge boat on 3 axel trailer with an F-150 4x4, asked him how well it towed said great, a few months later I see him under the truck with a big torch & sledge, asked what's up he said his frame was bowed and did not know why ask if maybe it was caused by his big @ss boat, he said no as he was assured by the dealer that his F150 4x4 was rated for towing that monster boat err if you say so bud, I was sure glad when he moved as I did not want to be near him on the hwy when he towed that thing....