2025 3500 Dually - 13,500 GVWR?

[Transientgolf]

I’m looking at a new 2025 Dually. I was shocked / confused to see the GVWR had dropped to 13,500lbs (and of course payload then dropped by a corresponding amount). I see no indication of this on the Ram website. Is there a specific option that reduces the GVWR rating? I understand options increase the weight but that shouldn’t impact GVWR (at least I don’t think so).

Oddly I saw another 2025 with identical options that was 14,000lb gvwr (that I would have expected).

Thanks for any insight you may have!

 

[AH64ID]

I’ve never figured out what causes the 13.5K GVWR on some DRW trucks, but it’s nothing new. The axle ratings are the same, so there is likely an application where the lower GVWR is beneficial.

Rams tow charts show both the 13.5K and 14K GVWR’s.

 

[Transientgolf]

Thank you! So if the axles and everything else is the same, is it fair to say safety/capability wise the 14k and 13.5k trucks are effectively equivalent?

Note - I recognize the rating and how that is meaningful for what can legally be towed and do not intend to exceed that.

 

[AH64ID]

Thank you! So if the axles and everything else is the same, is it fair to say safety/capability wise the 14k and 13.5k trucks are effectively equivalent?

Note - I recognize the rating and how that is meaningful for what can legally be towed and do not intend to exceed that.

GVWR is meaningless for all intents and purposes when used non-commercially. It’s a registration and emissions weight and has no bearing on what you can legally tow/drive at.

The two trucks have the same capabilities.

 

[Transientgolf]

Thanks!

 

[motorhead426]

I’ve never figured out what causes the 13.5K GVWR on some DRW trucks, but it’s nothing new. The axle ratings are the same, so there is likely an application where the lower GVWR is beneficial.

Rams tow charts show both the 13.5K and 14K GVWR’s.

Doesn't this have to do with the axle gearing? I assume there would be a capacity change between 3.73 & 4.10 on the Hemi models. However, if you're only looking at diesel then those are only 3.42 gears and wouldn't apply here.

 

[AH64ID]

Doesn't this have to do with the axle gearing? I assume there would be a capacity change between 3.73 & 4.10 on the Hemi models. However, if you're only looking at diesel then those are only 3.42 gears and wouldn't apply here.

Gearing effects GCWR, not GVWR.

In this case the vehicles being discussed are all diesel.

 

[UglyViking]

I just purchased a 2025 Limited dually from MD. It arrived late Thursday night, and after I got it home and gave it a once over Friday morning, I've found that my payload was criminally low for a 3500 DRW. 4452lbs to be exact.

Now my 2014 Laramie HO was fully loaded, and it had something in the 5400lb range. I figured newer truck with newer electronics and 50 gal tank would be lower, but not a thousand pounds lower.

After spending idk how much time online trying to figure out if they de-rated the air assist for some reason, I went back to look at the sticker on the door jam, and I find that it's got a GVWR of 13,500lbs! Imagine my surprise because the 2025 build and price tool doesn't even show 13,500 lbs as an option!

I have no clue why a 13.5k GVWR is an option on a dually, as I was under the impression all of em were 14k. Looks like I got a bit of a unicorn with my truck.

Is it the end of the world? No. Do I wish that I had a sticker that said 14k? Yes. If for nothing else that if I'm ever forced to sell the thing, a new buyer isn't scared off.

Doesn't appear to be any physical difference except for the sticker.

EDIT: Interestingly enough, the 13,500 GVWR option doesn't even appear on the towing charts. No idea why this thing exists, but for a guy who generally doesn't care about anything except axle ratings, I'm annoyed.

 

[CdnHO]

I just purchased a 2025 Limited dually from MD. It arrived late Thursday night, and after I got it home and gave it a once over Friday morning, I've found that my payload was criminally low for a 3500 DRW. 4452lbs to be exact.

Now my 2014 Laramie HO was fully loaded, and it had something in the 5400lb range. I figured newer truck with newer electronics and 50 gal tank would be lower, but not a thousand pounds lower.

After spending idk how much time online trying to figure out if they de-rated the air assist for some reason, I went back to look at the sticker on the door jam, and I find that it's got a GVWR of 13,500lbs! Imagine my surprise because the 2025 build and price tool doesn't even show 13,500 lbs as an option!

I have no clue why a 13.5k GVWR is an option on a dually, as I was under the impression all of em were 14k. Looks like I got a bit of a unicorn with my truck.

Is it the end of the world? No. Do I wish that I had a sticker that said 14k? Yes. If for nothing else that if I'm ever forced to sell the thing, a new buyer isn't scared off.

Doesn't appear to be any physical difference except for the sticker.

EDIT: Interestingly enough, the 13,500 GVWR option doesn't even appear on the towing charts. No idea why this thing exists, but for a guy who generally doesn't care about anything except axle ratings, I'm annoyed.

I have an 2026 online brochure (Canadian) that shows both 13,500 and 14,000 pound GVWR. However the fine print at the bottom says payloads 14K or above are DRW. Payloads under 14K are SRW. However in looking at the chart it is showing payload numbers for both GVWRs under the DRW column. Confusing as hell. I have attached the page. Perhaps in my old age I am reading it wrong.