Payload Capacities

[Powell]

Hello,

Is there any information out there on Dodge increasing their payload capacities and if so any date? For a 3500 DRW, 4x4, 4 Door long bed they are presently approximately 1,400 to 1,500 pounds behind GM and Ford.

 

[rrl989]

We can hope for it, but I've heard nothing. They just increased it 100 lbs for 2012 - Whoopie !!!

 

[Bill Stockard]

Hello,

Is there any information out there on Dodge increasing their payload capacities and if so any date? For a 3500 DRW, 4x4, 4 Door long bed they are presently approximately 1,400 to 1,500 puonds behind GM and Ford.

Your post made me curious. I looked quickly at the '12 Ford F350 CC DRW 8' bed GVWR specs and find that the 4x2 and 4x4 are the same at 13,300 as is the F450.



WOW! Ford has really neutered the F450! IIRC, when it was first introduced the GVWR on a F450 was upwards of 14,000 lbs. It actually has less payload than a F350 because of the same GVWR and it's heavier.



Bill

 

[HBarlow]

Bill,

Was that the F-450 pickup or F-450 cab and chassis?

 

[Bill Stockard]

Bill,



Was that the F-450 pickup or F-450 cab and chassis?

Pickup. When they were first introduced, they made great large slide in camper haulers with the GVWR over 14,000-lbs. , but not now.



Bill

 

[Powell]

If I hear anything I will pass it on. Thank you.

 

[rwitt]

The Ram GVWR is 12,300, the Ford GVWR is 13,300. In pickuptruck.com's Heavy Duty Hurt Locker test last year, the Ford was 400lbs heavier than the Ram with both trucks similarly equipped. The actual payload difference isn't 1400 to 1500, but more like 600 to 700lbs.

 

[Powell]

I was going by the information published by Ford for 2012 which lists a payload capacity of 5,990# for their F-350, DRW, 4x4, Crew Cab, Long Bed vs. Dodge 3500 DRW, 4x4, Crew Cab, Long Bed payload capicity of 4,550# per Dodge's 2012 publication (both automatics). With our 11 1/2' campers some gear and the toung weight of our boat, we are excceding Dodge's capacity. I would imagine both trucks are physically capable of hauling close to the same weight. I would like to see Dodge bump theirs up. If it was only 600# or 700# it wouldn't be so bad.

I have heard that Dodge will also add a DEF system in 2013 is that what everyone else is hearing?

 

[HBarlow]

Furd's "payload capacity" published in literature is as useless as their Sick. Ohh engines were. It is a purely bogus number based on nothing.

If you weigh one of their trucks full of fuel and a driver and subtract that figure from GVWR you'll find the actual carrying capacity is far less than claimed.

 

[rrl989]

I was going by the information published by Ford for 2012 which lists a payload capacity of 5,990# for their F-350, DRW, 4x4, Crew Cab, Long Bed vs. Dodge 3500 DRW, 4x4, Crew Cab, Long Bed payload capicity of 4,550# per Dodge's 2012 publication (both automatics). With our 11 1/2' campers some gear and the toung weight of our boat, we are excceding Dodge's capacity. I would imagine both trucks are physically capable of hauling close to the same weight. I would like to see Dodge bump theirs up. If it was only 600# or 700# it wouldn't be so bad.

I have heard that Dodge will also add a DEF system in 2013 is that what everyone else is hearing?

I could use the 700 additional lbs as well with my Arctic Fox TC. I hope Ram steps up to at least match the GM 5K payload.

 

[Powell]

You may already have this link, however if not yoy may find it interesting. Dodge has replied to my question and provided the following"We appreciate you taking the time to provide your feedback regarding the GVWR for our 2012 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Trucks. At the present time, Chrysler Group LLC has not disclosed any official information indicating what may be available for the future Ram Heavy Duty lineup".



http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2012/intro.pdf

 

[Bill Stockard]

At the present time, Chrysler Group LLC has not disclosed any official information indicating what may be available for the future Ram Heavy Duty lineup".

That is standard procedure and always has been. They will not disclose any information on future plans. Ford and GM do the same. Why tip off the competition to what they are designing/manufacturing for the next model year? Design, engineering, testing, meeting regulations, and production changes can cost in the millions of $$.



Bill

 

[Powell]

Thanks for the response. Our camper is a 2005 Lance 1130 which is very close to the weight of your 1121. We also tow a 6,700# boat. I am not an engineer however I beleive the 3500 can handle more that it is presently rated for, have you had any problems with your set up, brakes, swaying, etc?

 

[GoodmanS]

I am not an engineer however I beleive the 3500 can handle more that it is presently rated for. QUOTE]



I think that most vehicles can handle more than they are rated for. Just look at how they load trucks in the third world or a CTD Ram moving around nearly 100,000 lbs to prove a point. The main issues are safety (liability), and reliability (warranty).



Given the fact that my truck doesn't even notice 5k on the back of it, I'm sure it could move 20k+ on a farm or on the highways. The fact that I am not supposed to do that probably has reasonable merit. And the main safety issue is most likely slowing down that kind of weight, thus Dodge tests for stopping power if the trailer brakes are not operating.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Thanks for the response. Our camper is a 2005 Lance 1130 which is very close to the weight of your 1121. We also tow a 6,700# boat. I am not an engineer however I beleive the 3500 can handle more that it is presently rated for, have you had any problems with your set up, brakes, swaying, etc?

I hauled a '01 Lance 1140 which is close the same as your Lance on a 2000 3500 CTD dually for thousands of miles without any problems. Yes, my Lance 1121 is about the same as your 1130 with a dinette slide-out which adds between 300 and 500 lbs. on my present 3500 dually. The tongue weight of your boat will probably add as much or more as the slide-out does on my camper. I have no problems with it either; however, I have added some suspension upgrades (see my signature). The Hellwig anti-sway bar and the taller overload spring bump stops helped to just about eliminate sway. Cross winds and passing 18 wheelers don't bother it.



Yes, a 3500 dually will handle your load very well with a few suspension upgrades. On the scales, my truck loaded and ready to travel is between 400 and 500 lbs over the GVWR, but well within the axle GAWR. I suggest adding one upgrade at the time starting with a rear anti-sway bar and hauling the camper to test the results. Secondly, I would install the Torklift Stable Loads. Rancho adjustable shocks on the rear axle will help too. Also keep your tires aired up to 80 psi when hauling the camper. Not only will the tires be able to carry the maximum rated load, it will help eliminate most of the tire sidewall "squirm".



Do you have brakes on your boat trailer? Braking (panic stop) would be a possible concern with that heavy a boat in tow.



Bill

 

[rwitt]

I have almost the exact suspension upgrades as Bill does (except for the sway bar), and completely agree with him. The truck handles great with the camper, and I've had it in some high winds, and some very twisty, windy roads such as Californias Hwy 1 along the coast. The last time I weighed was at a closed Oregon Hwy scale. and came in at 13,300 with the camper on board, 8300 on the rear. Have also flat towed my Jeep, and towed it on a car trailer(trailer brakes) with a load equalizing hitch. Jeep and trailer is right at 6000 lbs. No problem either way.

Rich

 

[KB0OU]

Just remember, that engine is rated to haul more than you can possibly haul with that truck, not so with Ford/Chevy.

The big limitations of the Dodge is the suspension, tires, brakes, frame etc. Not the Engine.