Quote:
Originally Posted by Chief Brown
We have a 2020 Ram 2500 Big Horn Crew Cab with the Cummins diesel. We did have a 2014 Crusader Fifth wheel with a dry weight of 10,070. Last year we decided to upgrade to a 2021 MHC 331RL. I looked at the dry weight of the Montana and it was around 11,500. I then researched the towing capacity of my Ram and it is around 17,800. So I figured I am good to go. I was recently talking with a friend and he said you need to check the payload of your truck. I looked on the placard and the payload is 2115#.
Here's my question, why would Ram build a truck that will tow 17,800# but put the payload capacity so low? This payload would only allow me to tow a 10,000# fifth wheel after I added hitch, passengers, etc. and stay below payload capacity.
Thoughts?
|
It's not just RAM or something they made up. The issue is with the truck classifications and the max weight limits of each... see here for a list -
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/commer...cation-2221025
In this case, a "2500" is a "Class 2" pickup which has a maximum GVWR of 10,000lbs (in some areas actually 9,900lbs). Since you have the Cummins diesel, your truck weighs several hundred pounds more than one with a gas engine.
So, do the math; your truck, empty as from factory, weighs 7,885lbs, leaving you with the 2,115lbs payload to meet the upper weight limit of a Class 2 truck. (you can verify the max GVWR on your door sticker)
It's an interesting dilemma; with the Cummins you have a much stronger engine with a much stronger drivetrain, so you can tow much more weight than the gas models. But, because your truck weighs more you have reduced payload.
But, again, it is not a problem created by RAM; it is imposed on all truck manufacturers.
Brad