Ram 4500 vs 5500 towing

[Scooterbv]

Ok so I need some help with understanding these numbers.

I have specd out the exact same builds on both the 4500 and 5500.

Both are Laramie crew cab 4x4 60” cummins/aisin.

The 4500 with 4.44 ratio gives me max trailer of approx 29k

The 5500 with 4.44 ratio gives me max trailer of approx 23k

How can the same drivetrain and axle ratio have two very different tow capacities?

I will be hauling my 24k GVWR 5er so the 23k is an issue. Obviously I can go for 4.89 in 5500 but I feel thats a bit overkill and will hurt mpgs.

Thanks


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[H3LZSN1P3R]

Sounds like there is an error in the system as the 23k is the gasser number if im not mistaken

 

[BubbaWilkins]

I'm guessing that's the trade off on the 5500. Higher Payload and Gross Vehicle weight, but less trailer tow compared to the same build in a 4500.

You don't get the really big tow numbers in the 5500 unless you get the 4.89 which doesn't appear to be an option with the 4500.

 

[Icky]

Looks like the 3500 has more towing capacity then both those options.

 

[Brutal_HO]

I'm guessing that's the trade off on the 5500. Higher Payload and Gross Vehicle weight, but less trailer tow compared to the same build in a 4500.

You don't get the really big tow numbers in the 5500 unless you get the 4.89 which doesn't appear to be an option with the 4500.

Probably.

I know the F350 has a higher tow capacity than the F450 due to the extra weight (and GVWR) of the F-450.

 

[jenninr]

The reason the 3500 has a higher tow rating is the frame on the chassis cab trucks are straight C channel behind the cab and that's not as strong for the loads that towing applies as the tube frame on the standard 3500.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

The reason the 3500 has a higher tow rating is the frame on the chassis cab trucks are straight C channel behind the cab and that's not as strong for the loads that towing applies as the tube frame on the standard 3500.

Tell that to the millions of transports on the road with straight “C channel” frames that tow 10s of thousands of pounds….

 

[jenninr]

Tell that to the millions of transports on the road with straight “C channel” frames that tow 10s of thousands of pounds….

That's just what a Ram engineer said in a video I watched. And you have to admit that those trucks have a lot larger C channel than a chassis cab Ram. It's not that C channel can't be strong enough if it's large enough

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

That's just what a Ram engineer said in a video I watched. And you have to admit that those trucks have a lot larger C channel than a chassis cab Ram. It's not that C channel can't be strong enough if it's large enough

That still does not make sense by their reasoning the 3500 should be able to take more weight on the truck then too…. I wonder if the ratings on the 4500/5500 change more depending on wheelbase

 

[Blythkd1]

Have you seen the C channel right behind the cab? It's massive on a 3500 and I'd be shocked if the 4500/5500 trucks don't have just as large or larger frames than the 3500.

I'm calling BS on the frame thing. If that was the limiting factor, surely they'd just beef up the frames to the point that it wasn't an issue. Which, I believe they did.

 

[Brutal_HO]

Have you seen the C channel right behind the cab? It's massive on a 3500 and I'd be shocked if the 4500/5500 trucks don't have just as large or larger frames than the 3500.

I'm calling BS on the frame thing. If that was the limiting factor, surely they'd just beef up the frames to the point that it wasn't an issue. Which, I believe they did.

Frame strength cited is contrary to the GVWR rating on 4500/5500. These trucks weight more and have a higher payload so that's going to reduce their tow rating.

I can only surmise that the published tow rating is lower on the similarly geared 5500 due to the use of the higher GVWR and payload listed. CC trucks are detuned SO so they rely on gearing to move the loads. If you want to poull over 24K with a 550, you're going to want to get the 4,89 or plan on dropping a gear most of the time.

This should be your reference. https://www.ramtrucks.com/content/d...wing/Ram_CC_Trailer_Tow_Weight_Chart_MY21.pdf