GVWR Difference SRW vs DRW

[scottie63]

Have been contemplating getting a 3500 now that Dodge is coming out with a true Crew Cab (Mega Cab). I've always wanted a Dodge because of the CTD but my need for interior space has prevented it. I currently own a '97 PSD Crew Cab 4X4 7. 3 and have had great luck with it. Don't really want to take my chances with the 6. 0. Question I have is why is there such a difference between the SRW and DRW. If I'm not mistaken the SRW is 9900lbs and the DRW is 12200lbs. From what I've heard the only difference between the 2 is the extra set of tires, axles are the same so why 2300lbs difference is it because of the tire rating. The new F350 srw's have a GVWR of 11300lbs. I plan on getting a 5th wheel next year but don't want to be limited to a pin weight of less then 2000lbs. Sorry for the long post, but looking for some input from the experience CTD owners on this forum. Thanks in advance.



Scott

 

[BILLUA]

Scottie, you are asking great questions and it is evident that you are a very informed consumer. All I can say is that I went from a SRW to a dually and will never go back. The stability is amazing. I can only guess about the load carrying ability as the tire weight ratings being cumulative thus the increased weight rating.



Cheers, Bill

 

[klenger]

Figuring out how truck manufactures determine GVWR rates up there with "who killed JFK" or "who killed Jimmy Hofa". It's just one of the mysteries of the universe.



In the case of my truck, I have a 3500 4WD. Dodge raises the GAWR of the front axle by about 600 lbs when 4WD is added, rear axle GAWR is the same, but they add nothing to the GVWR so I loose 600 lbs of useful load. Go figure.



How does adding one overload spring (pair) raise the GVWR of a 2500 truck from 9000 to 9900 lbs for a 3500 SRW?



In any case, I hope you can get what works for you. You'll love the truck.

 

[scottie63]

Figuring out how truck manufactures determine GVWR rates up there with "who killed JFK" or "who killed Jimmy Hofa". It's just one of the mysteries of the universe.

I agree with you there. What baffles me is the only difference I know of between the 3500 SRW and DRW is an extended axle in the rear and 2 extra tires. So is tire rating different G rated instead of E rated. I personally think Dodge would have a better market if they offered a larger cab which they did with the Mega Cab and also increase the GVWR on the SRW's to match Fords 11300. I would consider a DRW if Dodge offered one in a Crew Cab. Decisions Decisions

 

[Scrappy]

I agree with you there. What baffles me is the only difference I know of between the 3500 SRW and DRW is an extended axle in the rear and 2 extra tires. So is tire rating different G rated instead of E rated. I personally think Dodge would have a better market if they offered a larger cab which they did with the Mega Cab and also increase the GVWR on the SRW's to match Fords 11300. I would consider a DRW if Dodge offered one in a Crew Cab. Decisions Decisions

there is NO difference axle wise on the srw-vs-drw they just add spacers on the dually. the width is the same.

 

[RMcCulloch]

I agree with you there. What baffles me is the only difference I know of between the 3500 SRW and DRW is an extended axle in the rear and 2 extra tires. So is tire rating different G rated instead of E rated. I personally think Dodge would have a better market if they offered a larger cab which they did with the Mega Cab and also increase the GVWR on the SRW's to match Fords 11300. I would consider a DRW if Dodge offered one in a Crew Cab. Decisions Decisions

The stock 17" tires are the same but slightly down-rated in DRW configuration.



The GVWR difference is due solely to the different load-carrying capacity of 2 tires vs. 4 tires.

 

[Flat_Lick_Dodge]

I dont know if this is relevent or not but when I was researching before buying a dodge. The drw was available with a 11400 gvr at $0 cost as an option verses 12200gvr. I was told that the 11400 gvr was available tomake truck under 26k so you dont have to have a cdl license in case you are for hire. Thought it might be interesting.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

The new F350 srw's have a GVWR of 11300lbs

What tires does it have on it? What is the breakdown of front/rear axle GVW????



The reason I ask is because the highest rated 17" tires that I've ever seen (beside those huge Toyo MTR's) is 3195# per tire...

 

[DPelletier]

What tires does it have on it? What is the breakdown of front/rear axle GVW????



The reason I ask is because the highest rated 17" tires that I've ever seen (beside those huge Toyo MTR's) is 3195# per tire...

New F350 SRW's have 18" tires.



Dave

 

[PatrickCampbell]

18's... so what is the load range on 18's?

 

[DPelletier]

Sorry, I dunno.



Dave

 

[scottie63]

Was at the Dodge dealer today looking at 3500's, primarily Tire load ranges. The Michelin tires on the SRW 3500 were load range e with a max weight rating on 3195 for single wheel and 2980 for dual. Now what gets me is that if the SRW and DRW are the same axle and the change in the GVWR is tire related then it would appear that you would exceed the GAWR before exceeding the weight bearing capacity of the tire. So what is the GAWR for these vehicles does the sticker show the same for both the SRW and DRW.

 

[Texasrattler]

Just a side note, Tim over on www.dieselram.com said that Cal, Texas, and some other states are in the process of new laws restricting the use of SRW pulling certain configurations, they must be DRW. Might be worth checking into.



Pete

 

[Eric_77]

Well I for one like the 9900 number as over 10k and business use you must have DOT numbers, log books etc.



I really think Ford is going to be sending a lot of people down the road illegally with weights up over 26k or at least gross over that and without proper licensing (ie Class A). I forsee a lot of crackdown on the "smaller" trucks as they ratings keep going up and the impression "it is just a pick up why do I need log books, fuel tax permits, physical, drug tests, etc to drive it" duh these little pick-ups are becomg medium duty trucks.

 

[CUMMINZ]

Fords

For what it is worth... I was in a campground on the BlueRidge Parkway in NC this weekend and the neighbor next door had been in his spot since July 3rd. spending all month there. He had a late model PS F-350 and had just got his truck out of the shop. He blew his transmission backing in the spot. While we were standing talking a wrecker passed us with a new F-350 on the back going to the shop. (Don't know his problem). That is two Fords in one weekend. Go figure.

 

[CUMMINZ]

Overloaded ??

I will never advocate overloading your truck. But I will say that safety wise a dooly has a safety margin with 4 tires on the rear. And I have been looking at a dooly for a while. I have driven a HD truck for over 30 years and pulled a few heavy loads from the local Lowe's store. Nothing real big long haul... I will say my 2500 rigged the way I have it is the best truck I have driven yet and have absolutely not complaints yet. My front end is a little lifted due to the 2" lift kit.



I took this bad picture with one of those $2 panoramic view throw away cameras. Sometimes good cameras show a distorted view of your rig and RV.



This was my first trip out with my new RV this weekend.



#ad

 

[livetodrive]

Cummins dually 4x4:

GVWR 12,000 lbs.

~Empty ~8,000 lbs (some gear, driver on).

Rear axle, ~empty ~3,300 lbs.

Rear axle rating, 9,350 lbs.

--> Payload 4,000 lbs, of which 6,000 lbs can be on the rear axle.

Go figure!



Actually, it's handy to have the axle over-rated. Ya don't have to worry so much about weight distribution.



However,

Front axle, ~empty ~4,800 lbs against a 5,200-lb rating.



Almost makes you want a conventional trailer instead of a fifth wheel, to shift some weight to the rear.

 

[MABurns]

Almost makes you want a conventional trailer instead of a fifth wheel, to shift some weight to the rear.

Then the cross wind picks up or a tractor trailer passes going the other way on a 2 lane road and your glad you have your overloaded axle with a fifth wheel!!!