Buying a new rig for Camper/Hauler

[TFucili]

If your estimates are correct you might get by with a 4500 at 16.5 gvw. They ride better and might get better fuel mileage with a 4.10 rear.

Dang, Nick, you're talking me right into it

 

[glrret]

If your estimates are correct you might get by with a 4500 at 16.5 gvw. They ride better and might get better fuel mileage with a 4.10 rear.

I considered the 4500 but the gross weight is to close to the GVW and like I stated above; I like a margin of safety. Another factor is that the truck will very rarely be driven without a load. It will either have the camper on it or be hooked to my gooseneck hauling farm equipment, or feed. It will most likely never be used to go get groceries.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[glrret]

I have question about the B20 Biodiesel and non B20 engines. What is the difference between them and why would one be better than the other?

 

[Wiredawg]

glrrt,
I bought two trucks, an 02 3500 and a 2009 4500 that I thought would be my last trucks for legal weight ratings. Finally, I bought one that was has the most. I lose some on fuel mileage, but saved $80K not buying a Freightliner with 40KLbs GCWR. Not exactly a one to one comparison with the 8.9L engine, but worth the difference with 38.5K Lb GCWR.

Like you, I research extensively before I buy, then look for the best deal. For my two cents, buy the most truck you can get and never worry again.

You're on the hook now to share what you buy, pics, and accessories.

Cheers and good like deciding.

Ron

 

[Ozymandias]

I considered the 4500 but the gross weight is to close to the GVW and like I stated above; I like a margin of safety. Another factor is that the truck will very rarely be driven without a load. It will either have the camper on it or be hooked to my gooseneck hauling farm equipment, or feed. It will most likely never be used to go get groceries.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Exactly, and from what i read those Mammoth's are heavier then advertised at all.
You sure will need the safety margin of the 5500.

 

[Cummins12V98]

"DOT GVWR of 14,000 lbs" PLEASE show me where this has anything to do with DOT.

Your weights are much more than you mention in your first post. With THESE numbers YES you are in MD classification plain and simple.

Get the 5500 and be done with it.

 

[Wiredawg]

In TXDOT it does. In the FCA literature it says numerous times about not overloading for safety.

I understand your position, because I used to have it too. I've told this story on the TDR before, but I traded perfect 09 4500 that only exceeded GCWR of 26KLbs by 6.4KLbs. I wasn't close on tires, axles, or GVWR. I toiled about it and decided it wasn't worth the risk.

No one is trying to change your mind and you're not going to change mine, especially since I already bought my beast of a truck.

Cheers Ron

 

[Cummins12V98]

NOT trying to change any minds. Simply put there is NOTHING legal in the 14k rating you are going to get busted for unless you don't have the tonnage to cover your weights.

 

[Cummins12V98]

NOT trying to change any minds. Simply put there is NOTHING legal in the 14k rating you are going to get busted for unless you don't have the tonnage to cover your weights.

Simply put again WHY have a RAWR and NOT be able to load to it???

Smoke and Mirrors I say.

 

[HookMeUp]

Simply put again WHY have a RAWR and NOT be able to load to it???

Smoke and Mirrors I say.

It's because it's the whole package, not just what the axles can handle.

 

[Wiredawg]

NOT trying to change any minds. Simply put there is NOTHING legal in the 14k rating you are going to get busted for unless you don't have the tonnage to cover your weights.

Of course the individual components add contribute to the GVWR and GCWR of the truck. In fact, I can make the case that all the components of the truck are actually built 10 to 30% higher than advertised, so your truck can be GVWR 16.8K Lbs and your GCWR 42.35K Lbs.

See,I understand how to calculate the "real" capabilities of our trucks.

So, I operate with the notion the GVWR and GCWR take into account the "total package" manufacturer's ratings of the truck.

Thanks everyone for providing the OP all the facts and opinions to help him decide.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Cummins12V98]

It's because it's the whole package, not just what the axles can handle.

What???

 

[Cummins12V98]

Still no answer.

 

[glrret]

Still no answer.

I started this thread in an effort to gain an understanding of the Ram trucks and how to build and order one that will fit my needs. I explained my requirements and my viewpoints on safety margins. I wanted to confirm my choices of components and packages in a build. I feel I have been polite and accommodating to all individuals that have provided feedback. The one thing that is great about this sort of forums is the opportunity to share views and experiences with people of common interests. This discussion has helped me confirm some of my choices and enlightened me on some of my shortfalls now I know which direction to go to meet my needs.

However; Mr. 12V98, I did you the courtesy of listening to your view point on weight class and axle ratings. I also explained why I feel that is not the best option for me and my family. I understand everyone has the right to their opinion, but you are not going to change my thinking on the matter. The truth is that class limits are established by the National Transportation Administration (NTA) for emission standards, registration, taxes and load limit purposes. All States have a DOT, and the DOT is required to regulate and enforce the laws and regulations established by State and Federal governments. Your argument is that each axle has a documented load limit based on the manufacturers recommendation is true. But what you fail to understand is that you can load an axle to its legally posted limit but you still cannot load all axles to the legal limit and exceed the vehicles weight class and still be legal. The axles on my truck are Front 5,990 lbs, Rear 9,900 lbs for a total of 15,890 lbs but my truck is a class 3 and the legal weight limit for a class 3 is 14,000 lbs. I have it registered for a GCWR of 23,000 lbs, I can load my rear axle up to 9,900 lbs but that means I can only load my front axle to 4,100 lbs and still be within my legal weight class, the rest of the weight must be on my trailer.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) Classes
GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating refers to the maximum operating rate a truck can carry while driving. This includes the truck itself, fuel, passengers, and cargo. The US DOT has designated eight GVWR class ranking from 1 to 8 or smallest to largest. These classes define the most a manufacturer and the government have certified a truck to weigh for safety regulations, commercial designations, and registration purposes.


I am still very new to this forum and therefore not fully acquainted with the established etiquette, and courtesy that are considered normal. I have however been on other forums for many years. And in all those years the one thing that I have discovered that will cause a forum to decline in popularity is a member that seems to want to argue just to argue, so if you would be so kind and stop commenting about axle ratings and why you feel it is okay to exceed the vehicles legal weight class limit.

 

[Cummins12V98]

garret, Simply put it was a GENERAL statement and I am sorry you thought i was direction my comment to YOU. I already said BASED on your updated info you needed a larger capacity truck. "Simply put again WHY have a RAWR and NOT be able to load to it???" I was actually quoting my self.

"But what you fail to understand is that you can load an axle to its legally posted limit but you still cannot load all axles to the legal limit and exceed the vehicles weight class and still be legal."

Sorry but i can't let this statement go. So I "CAN" load an axle??? So how in the HELL can I do that then MY front axle weighs 5,250 right out of the gate???

THAT is my question I posted to any why want to try and answer it, NOY directed to ONE person.

 

[HookMeUp]

I started this thread in an effort to gain an understanding ...

What he said.