Why is gvwr lower than axle weight ratings?

[Blair Stunder]

The GAWR is the rating of the weakest component of the axle. It could be the housing or even the brakes. Once you step up to the GVWR, this will bring into play the suspension components and the frame. Without knowing the manufactures rating of each component, it would be impossible to determine.

I deal with the Class 8 transport industry and it's generally the friction brake material on the axles that limits the GAWR. Depending on which type brake actuator we install, it can change the axle rating by up to 2,000 lbs per axle if the correct friction material is used as well.

 

[Elkman]

GVWR is a calculated value based on how the truck is configured when it leaves the factory and the weakest link for the vehicle. Different drivetrains and gearing and different engines and different tires (with 3500) and number of tires at the rear will change the GVWR.

When a new model year has a large increase in GVWR or GCWR there have been a number of changes to deal with the higher loading of the truck components. In 2013 RAM upgraded the frames on its 3500 trucks and in 2014 the frames of the 2500 trucks to handle heavier tow loads (GM did this in 2011 and Ford in 2016).

 

[tron67j]

You can be at 7100lbs but be over your GRAWR so they have separate limits. If the truck is loaded towards the center of the truck then weight should be fairly well distributed meaning you are likely under on both axle limits but if you have a load of concrete blocks and all are back at the tailgate then that will increase the weight on the rear axle but you still may be under your 7100lbs.
If you are towing AND hauling at the same time you could easily exceed rear axle limits but possibly stay under 7100lbs. Probably not likely but I'm sure it's possible

^this.

The truck has a maximum weight (GVWR) that it can carry, but it has to be balanced to a point. So in your example the maximum weight your truck is capable of moving (truck, gear, people, tongue weight, etc) is 7100 pounds. However, let's say your front GAWR is 3500 and rear GAWR is 4500 (8000 you stated). You still have 7100 pounds total to work with, and you just should also not exceed those two axle weights. So if your rear axle on a scale came in at 4500 max, your front axle weight should not exceed 7100 - 4500 = 2600. Hope that helps.

 

[TriSum]

So, tried to build out a "Max Tow" Ecodiesel and you can't get the 33 gallon fuel tank... WTF! Thought this was for towing. That is one of the best features I like about mine, 800+ miles between fill ups.

 

[crazykid1994]

So, tried to build out a "Max Tow" Ecodiesel and you can't get the 33 gallon fuel tank... WTF! Thought this was for towing. That is one of the best features I like about mine, 800+ miles between fill ups.

My understanding is the 33 gallon is not available with the ecodiesel because of the def tank placement on the new gens or at least that’s what I’ve been told

 

[392DevilDog]

The ecoDiesel is definitely available with 33 gallon tank.

Nit sure what Max Tow is...but if that is what it says...the 33 gallon tank would not allow "Max Tow" because of the weight of the extra fuel.

Build it without this Max Tow. Sounds like a marketing term anyways.

Get 3.92 gears and the 33 Gallon tank. You will be slightly less than "Max Tow".

If you did this build on the website...you may want to contact a dealer as, more often than not, the website has inaccuracies.

 

[TriSum]

My understanding is the 33 gallon is not available with the ecodiesel because of the def tank placement on the new gens or at least that’s what I’ve been told

No, I have it on my 2021, Eco and 33 gallon tank. It's awesome since I go back and forth between Orange County and Phoenix.

 

[crazykid1994]

No, I have it on my 2021, Eco and 33 gallon tank. It's awesome since I go back and forth between Orange County and Phoenix.

Good to know. Thank you

 

[Farmer Fran]

What is Max Tow, I did not see it on the online builder?

I did build an ECO in a few forms with the 3.92, 33 gallon and trailer tow and it let me.

Build & Price Your New Ram Vehicle | Ram

Use our Build and Price tool to customize your Ram exactly how you want it. Choose the color, trim, options and more and easily calculate the costs.

www.ramtrucks.com

 

[GTyankee]

When i first drove my factory ordered 2016 Ram Quad Cab Eco-diesel, it was getting 27 MPG Highway, i almost drove 700 miles, from San Diego to El Paso on a tank
Then the FEDS mandated some changes & the Eco-Diesel dropped down into the LOW 20s.

Then we received a fair sized check & another fuel adjustment, that brought the MPG back closer to what it was originally
Now i get closer to 630 miles per tank, Highway

I stop for coffee, snacks & diesel every couple hours, my legs get stiff if i don't, i was 75 years old last trip

 

[Ratman6161]

So I'm looking at my truck (2019 ram 1500) and it's limits etc... and I noticed my gvwr is 7100lbs but both my axle rating together ar 8000lbs. I can't remember each axle exactly but I do know together they are 8000lbs. Does anyone know why there is a 900lbs difference? Is that just ram playing it safe because they know it's virtually impossible to perfectly max each axle to its limit? I'm not running Into issues just saw this and can't find anything on Google as to why it's like this.

It's not just Ram. The other brands aew the same. It's also the same on the HD trucks. On my 2500 rear 6390 + front 5500 = 11,890 but GVWR is 10,000.

 

[dhay13]

It's not just Ram. The other brands aew the same. It's also the same on the HD trucks. On my 2500 rear 6390 + front 5500 = 11,890 but GVWR is 10,000.

Yep. Mine is 6500 and 5500 but GVWR is 10,000