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Odd Towing Capacity Figures

Danishgod

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Checked payload and towing capacity on the Ram website for my new 2500 Crew Cab 4 x 4 with Cummins arriving in a few weeks. Payload is 1988 lbs, slightly lower than what I wanted but ok with it. However, the tow capacity was a surprise. Came out at 20,024, above the max quoted by the Ram towing site for my truck configuration at 17,290 or about 2,800 lbs more! So any ideas on why this happened?
 

Epsilon Plus

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There's some kind of weird algorithm at work on the VIN site. Usually people's numbers will come up with decimals at the end. Like my truck does 19,200.62lbs or something like that.
 

Epsilon Plus

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I think the "Ram towing site" just goes to a fleet PDF showing all Tradesman trims, which you figure would actually be higher.

I have the same base config as you with a very heavy options load. My truck is 2,155 / 19,200. However, I'm one of those weirdos that doesn't buy into payload on 2500s that much. I'm more of a GAWR guy which if you are wondering is 6,000 front, 6,040 rear.
 

SKYDIVEKEARNEY

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My 2500 is a loaded Bighorn and running my VIN, it show a towing capacity of 19,204 lbs. I would trust running the VIN more than the generic sales stuff.
 

DevilDodge

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This is because it isnt max trailer...it is max towing. It is just base weight from GCWR.

The other number you have does an allowance for driver passenger and hitch.

Basically your truck is limited by the tongue weight and payload.

With 1988lbs of payload to the 17290 they list...you would have 1729 lb tongue weight.

1988 minus 1729 is 259 pounds...which would be a 150 lb driver and a 100lb hitch.

There is a bit more to it...but you get the drift.
 

JM1701

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I think the "Ram towing site" just goes to a fleet PDF showing all Tradesman trims, which you figure would actually be higher.

I have the same base config as you with a very heavy options load. My truck is 2,155 / 19,200. However, I'm one of those weirdos that doesn't buy into payload on 2500s that much. I'm more of a GAWR guy which if you are wondering is 6,000 front, 6,040 rear.
What year is your truck and do you tow a fifth wheel camper with it? I have a 19 Big horn with 2300 payload and I’m concerned about buying a fifth wheel as most of them I’d be well over that payload capacity. I’m used to the older 1 ton Cummins when you didn’t have all this payload rating BS to worry about.
 

Epsilon Plus

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What year is your truck and do you tow a fifth wheel camper with it? I have a 19 Big horn with 2300 payload and I’m concerned about buying a fifth wheel as most of them I’d be well over that payload capacity. I’m used to the older 1 ton Cummins when you didn’t have all this payload rating BS to worry about.
20. I had a 7,600lb TT. Have a 10,000lb dump now. Your rear axle weight rating is 6,040lbs. I wouldn't be concerned with 5er pin weight. Especially if you put bags on it to correct the sag. I would bet a majority of 5ers being towed by people under 50 years old are being pulled by 2500s. The GM 2500's are up to 11,300lb GVW now since they are over the arbitrary fee based 10,000lb cap all 2500s have been restricted by for years (in a ploy to take sales from RAM/Ford)

10,000lb GVW is BS. Do what you will, but if it's me? I'm going to send it.
 

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