towing capacity

[WKirk]

Anyone know the towing capacity for my 2006 quad cab, 6 speed manual transmission, 11.5 differential, 4 wheel drive or where I can look it up. The Dodge web site doesn't seem to go back that far. Thanks, Wayne


I erred, it's a mega cab - obviously I don't know the basics. I sure appreciate all the help.

 

[NIsaacs]

Per my '06 Ram brochure, the 2500 is rated 20k GCW and 12,800 trailer. It shows 3.73 gears as the only option for the 6spd manual.

Nick

 

[WKirk]

Thanks for the reply. I still have the new car window sticker which says it's a 11.5 transmission. If it is, would that increase the towing capacity?

 

[NIsaacs]

The 11.5 AAM Differential is standard in the Cummins powered trucks. I think the first '03 2500 with the standard output Cummins and auto used the 10.5 for a while. Keep in mind the towing capacity is not set in stone, just Ram's suggestion.

Nick

 

[WKirk]

Thanks for the input about towing capacity specifications not being mechanically exacting, but aren't their legal consequences if one exceeds the rated towing capacity and has a collision? Well, never mind, that's not the point of my original question.

 

[GSykes]

WKirk,
check this site: www.rambodybuilder.com
goes back to 04. Hope it helps.

 

[WKirk]

Thanks, that is a interesting resource and I have made a note of it, but it doesn't seem to have towing data.

 

[GSykes]

WKirk, it's there, I just went and looked. Go to the 06 year then truck style then Ram technical information then trailer tow information. Navigation to get where you want to be is tricky. Hope you find it. Let me know, I will try to cut and paste the page if need be.

 

[Tuesdak]

Thanks for the input about towing capacity specifications not being mechanically exacting, but aren't their legal consequences if one exceeds the rated towing capacity and has a collision? Well, never mind, that's not the point of my original question.

Yes. If in doubt contact your attorney. Mine in our state explained the case where an insurance company walked away from a overloaded tow vehicle GN trailer situation leaving the owner 100% on the hook. Hint the RV sales people are NOT a resource to make sure you are not overloaded. At the end of the day it's the driver's responsibility and liability.

Ballpark info as your year isn't listed: http://dodgeram.info/

Trailer life is always a useful guide: https://www.trailerlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Trailer-Life-Towing-Guide-2006.pdf

 

[GSykes]

WKirk, need a bit more info on your truck to pin it down. Is it LB or SB, SLT or Laramie, axle ratio? 2500 or 3500?

 

[WKirk]

What a site! If one digs deep enough it's all there, but it sure can take some navigating. It's a resource worth making a note of. (That's www.rambodybuilder.com ) Thanks G.S. -------

Opps, I spoke too soon. I appreciate the web site, but for towing specifications it only seems to cover the Ram 1500, not the 5.9 engine in a 2500. I'd like to be wrong about this. Any more guidance would be welcome.

 

[bigceltic]

Check here for data as well: https://www.trailerlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Trailer-Life-Towing-Guide-2006.pdf

 

[GSykes]

Once you get to that page scroll down, (there are a bunch of pages) they are all listed: 1500, 2500 and 3500's in every configuration of engine, 2 & 4 wheel drive, long and short bed, trans and dif. There are quite a few pages. The 2500 info is about half way down through all those pages. There are six pages related to the 2500 configurations.

 

[GAmes]

... but aren't their legal consequences if one exceeds the rated towing capacity and has a collision?

Ask your insurance agent. The internet is ripe with myths, but unless your policy excludes, in writing, exceeding a manufacturer's rating will void the policy you are covered. Thousands of pickups travel legally every day in every state pulling trailers that exceed the manufacturer's tow ratings. The commercial ones cross DOT scales where they can be inspected for everything they need to be compliant with FMCSA regs, including insurance. If it was an issue, they wouldn't be operating. I've operated in AZ on several occasions with an AZ permit allowing me to be at 26,000 pounds, well over the Dodge rating. Staying within the ratings will likely give you longer service, but it isn't a legal issue.

 

[WKirk]

If you can find it, I sure like to know. And I'd like to know the source since there are a whole lot of opinions out there. So far it's every thing from 8100 to 12900. The rig is a 2006 mega cab 2500 SLT, 6 speed manual transmission, 11.5 differential, with 4 wheel drive.

 

[bigceltic]

If you can find it, I sure like to know. And I'd like to know the source since there are a whole lot of opinions out there. So far it's every thing from 8100 to 12900. The rig is a 2006 mega cab 2500 SLT, 6 speed manual transmission, 11.5 differential, with 4 wheel drive.

12,400 lbs per trailer life guide. I have the 06 Mega as well (auto) and recall that the pin weight (for a 5th wheel) is rather low though... I am digging around and seeing if I ever downloaded the official towing guide. If I find it I will update this post.

Update: Found more info - payload for the mega was only 1,610lbs for the manual and 1,680 for the auto. Max trailer weight is listed as 12.450lbs

 

[NIsaacs]

If you can find it, I sure like to know. And I'd like to know the source since there are a whole lot of opinions out there. So far it's every thing from 8100 to 12900. The rig is a 2006 mega cab 2500 SLT, 6 speed manual transmission, 11.5 differential, with 4 wheel drive.

Make up your mind...your first post said quad cab, now it is mega cab...it is heavier so the trailer weight goes down to 12,400, still 20k gcw. Like I said, my info is right out of the Ram Factory 2006 truck brochure, not opinion.

Nick

 

[WKirk]

Thanks for sticking with me GSykes, it was indeed there.

 

[WKirk]

If you can find it, I sure like to know. And I'd like to know the source since there are a whole lot of opinions out there. So far it's every thing from 8100 to 12900. The rig is a 2006 mega cab 2500 SLT, 6 speed manual transmission, 11.5 differential, with 4 wheel drive.

 

[WKirk]

I guess I'm getting dazed by all the conflicting information out there, most of which deal with the quad cab. Sorry I slipped up. It's a 2006 mega cab SLT, 6 speed manual manual transmission, the factory window sticker says it's a11.5 differential, and it's 4 wheel drive. Regarding the point about the 11.5 differential - that must really be something else, but what? And how do I find out what the real axle ratio is?