2010 versus 2011

[bob257]

As far as I know, there wasn't any change to the powertrain or suspension between the two years so how come the 2011 2500 is rated to tow more than the 2010? Is it just a numbers game played by the manufacturers? I was also told that there wasn't any difference between the 3:73 and 4:10 rear as to towing. Can that be right???

 

[AH64ID]

3. 73 and 4. 10 have different GCWR's, and thus different tow ratings.



I really think they way Dodge does their tow ratings 2010+ is pretty bad. You can get better data on the older trucks than the new ones.



Dodge wants you to figure it out, its GCWR minues GVW.

 

[RustyJC]

Trailer tow rating is GCWR minus the truck's curb weight. The game is played with curb weights as manufacturers use the curb weight of a base truck (no options or accessories) with only a 150 lb driver.



Rusty

 

[Jim W]

To answer your question, I look at the Dodge BodyBuilder. Com web site. For the MY 2010, a 2500HD Laramie Crew Cab truck wether it has 3:73 or 4:10gears, will tow the same trailer and have the same GVW along with a GCVW. See attached link. http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2010/docs/ram/rammlup2500.pdf

For the MY 2011, I believe Dodge went and retested or calculated what the different model trucks could tow. The GVW is the same and the payload is the same, but the GCVW is different between 4:10 gears and 3:73 Gears. see the attached link.

http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2011/docs/ram/rammlup2500.pdf.

This maybe to keep up with the other manufactures, who are playing a numbers game with their trucks.

Jim W.

 

[RustyJC]

The GVW is the same and the payload is the same, but the GCVW is different between 4:10 gears and 3:73 Gears.

Nothing new here. My previous 2002 dually HO/6-speed/4. 10 had a GCWR of 21,500 lbs. The same truck with 3. 54s had a GCWR of 20,000 lbs. For a given rear wheel torque applied to the ground, the 4. 10 gears reduce driveline stresses from the pinion gear forward by 16% relative to the 3. 54s. Said another way, for a given level of driveline stress, the 4. 10 gears will generate 16% more torque at the rear wheels.



Rusty

 

[AH64ID]

Thank you for the correction!



Interesting, looking into it a little deeper the 3/4 ton HO has always has a 20K GCWR with 3. 73's or 4. 10's, and 17K GCWR with 3. 42's, at least in 3rd and 4th gens. I guess I don't pay too much attention to 3/4 ton numbers as they are limited only on paper as a 3500 SRW is the same truck, plus overloads, so those are the numbers I find more relative. A 3500 is 17K with 3. 42's, 21K with 3. 73's, and 24K with 4. 10's, regardless of SRW or DRW.



It's nice they are finally offering a different GCWR with 4. 10's on 2500's (3500 SRW remains unchanged for 2011), they should have for years. It's also nice the GVWR on a 2500 is finally above 9K lbs, were it should have been for years. A 3500 SRW should have a GVWR of 11,400, and a 2500 of 9,900 just based on what these trucks weigh empty!

 

[RustyJC]

Looking at the Dodge body builder's guide for my truck (2011 3500 dually 4x2, Cummins 6. 7L, 68RFE, 4. 10), the specifications as of this morning are as follows:



3. 42 axle

GCWR = 17,000

Trailer tow = 9,450

GVWR = 11,500



3. 73 axle

GCWR = 21,000

Trailer tow = 13,450

GVWR = 11,500



4. 10 axle

GCWR = 26,000

Trailer tow = 18,000

GVWR = 11,500



Rusty

 

[AH64ID]

Intersting, the 2wd DRW has a 800lb lower GVWR.

 

[RustyJC]

The difference in GVWR is due to the incremental weight of the transfer case, front axle, front driveshaft, etc. on the 4WD that produces a higher curb weight. In order to rate the heavier 4WD truck to carry the same payload, Dodge has to give it a higher GVWR. Since payload is GVWR minus curb weight, what's the difference in payload between the 2WD and the same configuration 4WD? It should be minimal.



Rusty

 

[AH64ID]

410 lbs less, on a SLT CC LB DRW 2WD than 4WD.