Messed Up GCVWR on 2002 Sticker

[Wiredawg]

Fellow Rammers:



Me and the missus were out at our local 5-Star today looking a 3500s. They only had one 4x4 Auto, QC, 4. 10 Cummins, etc... I was looking at GCVWR and it was only 16,000 lbs. This can't be right. I thought it was somewhere around 18K or 19K. GVWR was 11,000 (I think).



Whatcha all think? Did DC mess up or is that 3500 just a pretty dawg?



Wiredawg

 

[Chris N5CWM]

nope, not a typo..

Check out the Feb/Mar/Apr 2002 issue of the TDR

magazine, on pages 34-35. If the truck is

equipped with an automatic, and has the heaviest

setup (3500 QC 4x4), that extra weight directly

affects the GCWR (Gross Combined weight rating).

Looks like 16,000 Lbs is the lowest rating. The

highest is 21,500 Lbs!





-Chris

 

[The Sequel]

I've always thought that the 16,000# rating for the automatic was a joke.

 

[Un-Hemi]

The automatic doesn't think so!!

 

[RustyJC]

We specifically ordered the 3500 ETH/DEE/4. 10 to get the 21,500 GCVWR. This is the only configuration to get the 21,500 rating. 3. 54's with the same combo only get 20,000.



We're running 21,180 actual GCVW when towing our 5ver.



Rusty

 

[Wiredawg]

Wow, thanks guys!

Wow!



That 16,000 GCVWR is unbelievable. I guess I'll scratch that one off my shopping list. I actually need a medium duty to legally pull my 15. 8K 5th wheel. I pull it fine with my 2500, but about 3,800 over GCVWR of my truck. But that's another story.



thanks,



Wiredawg

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Wiredawg

Fellow Rammers:





3500, 4x4 Auto, QC, 4. 10 Cummins, etc... I was looking at GCVWR and it was only 16,000 lbs.



Wiredawg

Your right Wiredawg, that is wrong. The right answer is 19,000 GCWR with the 4. 10 axle. Now if it had the 3. 5 axle then it would be 16,000 GCWR. Hope this helps.

 

[klenger]

Here are the specs on the 2001 trucks. The chart doesn't show GCVW, but you can add the curb weight and the towing weight to get that. 16,000 lbs for a 3500 3. 54 auto looks correct.

 

[Thomas]

The Gross Combined Weight Rating is on the chart—second column from left.

 

[Dave MacArthur]

O. K. help me out here. Is there any difference from a safety/handeling standpoint? It seems that D/C is adjusting these ratings from a warranty standpoint right? They just dont want to have to replace Auto trannies. They all have the same size brakes, frame rails and springs correct? (that is 2500's to 2500's, 3500's to 3500's) So if you upgrade your auto, why not go to 21,500 on a 3500? Is there anything illegal about doing this? I don't see how it could stand up in court. Please make any and all corrections (like I have to remind you guys about that ).



Dave.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Dave MacArthur

O. K. help me out here. Is there any difference from a safety/handeling standpoint?

Dave.

Dave

It is all a matter of the rating can't be any higher then the weakest link in the chain can support. Auto with 4. 10 = 19,000, Auto with 3. 54 = 16,000. 6 Speed with 4. 10 = 21,500. The auto compared to the 6 speed carriers 2,500 less. Hope this helps and yes there is a difference between a 2500 and 3500 rear axle handling ability.

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by Dave MacArthur

So if you upgrade your auto, why not go to 21,500 on a 3500? Is there anything illegal about doing this? I don't see how it could stand up in court.

Dave,



I would contend that if you're involved in a traffic accident and wind up in a civil court being sued for reckless/negligent operation and/or contributory negligence because you're running overloaded, the only numbers that will matter will be the manufacturer's ratings for your vehicle. Regardless of the changes you make, as far as the jury is concerned, the numbers on the door sticker didn't change.



JM2CW.



Rusty

 

[Thomas]

The only sticker that I've seen Gross Combined Weight Ratings on are window stickers, not on any certification stickers. The only other place that I see these GCWR's is on D/C sales literature.



My model year 2000 Ram 2500, configured as I ordered it, did not show up in sales literature and arrived with a window sticker showing 16,000 pounds. I was able to extract a letter from D/C, on company letterhead, matching my VIN with a GCWR of 20,000 pounds.



If the GCWR is really a legal issue (instead of an advertising or warrantee-limiting tool) then D/C is quite casual in its use.

 

[RustyJC]

Thomas,



Yep, you're right. The GVWR and GAWR's are on the door sticker. The GCVWR was on the window sticker. My point stands, though - at the end of the day, the manufacturer's ratings (regardless of where they were posted) will be likely to carry the day in court. It's just human nature - it's hard to convince a jury that any individual knows better than the manufacturer's engineers.



In your case, if you have a letter from DC rating your truck's GCVWR at 20,000 lbs, it should be as good as gold!



Again, just my humble 2 cents' worth.



Rusty

 

[Thomas]

It wasn't just my ego that caused me to pursue the higher GCVWR—it was also a CYA issue just in case.