2016 2500 4x4 auto 3:42

[Shiner]

Friends,

Nothing really more to add that hasn't already been said. I've been on both sides of this how much can I tow discussion. I have old posts on this site where I was towing a 2000 triple axle 36 ft Travel Supreme with 2000 Ram 2500 QC 4x4, 6spd, 3.54s, 8ft bed with air bags. Pulled it great, never had any problems. And I had folks on both sides of the fence trying to convince me on their views, but I already had my mind made up to continue to tow heavy.

In 2002, folks from the other side (Luke, come back from the dark side, stay within truck weight ratings). So I bought a 2002 Ram 3500 QC,4x4 6spd, 4.10s. Also pulled great.

When I was taking the air bags off the 2500 to trade it in, one of the air bag frame mounting bolts had sheared on the left airbag. They were installed per instructions and with a tq wrench. So, could it have been a problem going in a right curve towing? Methinks so.

So, now I'm one of the guys who advocates staying within all trucks weight ratings. And when all is said and done, maybe some will change their minds and some won't.

Good luck figuring it out.

Cheers, Ron

Would be interesting to know the grade and sizes of those mounting bolts.

 

[Wiredawg]

Would be interesting to know the grade and sizes of those mounting bolts.

Yep. They were Firestone. Really opened my eyes to after market upgrades. especially suspension. Also highlights stresses on systems with extreme overloading.

Ron

 

[Shiner]

Yep. They were Firestone. Really opened my eyes to after market upgrades. especially suspension. Also highlights stresses on systems with extreme overloading.

Ron

Yep, components maybe rated to a given weight rating but sometimes the jounce/bounce factor if forgotten. Hard to find good hardware these days as well, at least at the local hardware store. I wonder what Factor of safety was used in the design as well. I don't see myself overloading my 2500 anytime soon, that's what the 2nd gen 3500 is for.

 

[SnoKing]

Yep, components maybe rated to a given weight rating but sometimes the jounce/bounce factor if forgotten. Hard to find good hardware these days as well, at least at the local hardware store. I wonder what Factor of safety was used in the design as well. I don't see myself overloading my 2500 anytime soon, that's what the 2nd gen 3500 is for.

Your 2017 2500 has twice the frame as the old 3500 has.

 

[NIsaacs]

Your 2017 2500 has twice the frame as the old 3500 has.

I don't think so, it would need to be a log truck. Frames are not a source of failure on these trucks.

 

[pwr2tow]

One bolt breaks so what, you got a bad bolt. Ever component made will eventually have a bad one. No sense in making a mountain out of a mole hill.

 

[SnoKing]

I don't think so, it would need to be a log truck. Frames are not a source of failure on these trucks.

View attachment 112408

I little morning humor.

 

[kthaxton]

Redneck heaven!

 

[SnoKing]

Redneck heaven!

Those concrete block weigh about 2400 lbs each. Four of them?

 

[kthaxton]

The funny thing about these tug of wars is that the dolts doing it and watching it think is has to do with power/torque, when it is really about traction.

 

[SnoKing]

I don't think so, it would need to be a log truck. Frames are not a source of failure on these trucks.

View attachment 112408

 

[AH64ID]

The new 13+ frames are quite likely 2x the frame of the 2nd gen. Even the 3rd gen frame was a huge improvement with its design.

 

[NIsaacs]

The new 13+ frames are quite likely 2x the frame of the 2nd gen. Even the 3rd gen frame was a huge improvement with its design.

I can see 30-50% improvement, but 100%? Where you getting your intel from?

 

[AH64ID]

I can see 30-50% improvement, but 100%? Where you getting your intel from?

Just the info I've read on the 13+ frames, 3rd gen frames, and 2nd gen frames.

Just between the 2nd gen being more C channel, and the 3rd gen being fully boxed there was a significant improve, then add the 50K psi steel and wider front section in 2013+.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if they were 2x the frame, in terms of handling and load stability.

 

[NIsaacs]

It wouldn't surprise me at all if they were 2x the frame, in terms of handling and load stability.

There are way too many variables involved to give all the credit to a frame. The improvements are everywhere. I would not be able to pin point my frame as being the culprit in any wild driving or handling I encounter. I am afraid I would blame anything but the frame.

 

[AH64ID]

Yes lots of variables. Probably more fair to say the truck, not the frame.

I do know that my bone stock '18 handles noticeably better fully loaded than my modded '05 with the same load. Less body roll, better dampening, and just more stable feeling. The '05 had a Hellwig rear anti-sway bar, air bags, and 19.5's.