towing capacity

[WKirk]

Sure wish I had kept a copy of that brochure as that's the data I need most. Sorry I got rattled by all the information most of which was about the quad cab. Mine is a mega cab.
Now, what's my confusion regarding the window sticker saying I have a "11.5 rear axle"? Apparently it's a 4.10 or a 3.75.

 

[WKirk]

It's a 2006 mega cab SLT, 6 speed manual shift, 4 wheel drive, and the window sticker says it has a "11.5 rear axle".

 

[NIsaacs]

It's a 2006 mega cab SLT, 6 speed manual shift, 4 wheel drive, and the window sticker says it has a "11.5 rear axle".

What is it about the 11.5 you don't understand? That number has nothing to do with ratio, that is the ring gear diameter and how AAM (American Axle Manufacture) designates which one it is. They make and Ram uses the 10.5, 11.5 and 11.8 axles. Your axle ratio is 3.73.

Nick

 

[WKirk]

Thanks, I am not conversant with the terminology. I appreciate your input.

 

[WKirk]

I have been in contact with Chrysler and they too can't come up with an answer as to the towing capacity, but they invite me to continue my inquiry tomorrow.

 

[Lynx0849]

Generally, you will be more limited by the carrying capacity (pin weight) than towing capacity. Take 20% of the GVWR of the trailer to figure pin weight.
Then, look at the yellow border sticker on YOUR truck to find the CCC (cargo carrying capacity) . Subtract the weight of the hitch (150-200) and passengers and other stuff loaded into the truck. If what is left is bigger than the calculated pin weight, you can hook it up. With a 2500, the CCC will limit the size trailer to something inside your towing capacity (which I think of as braking and staying straight capacity).

 

[NIsaacs]

I have been in contact with Chrysler and they too can't come up with an answer as to the towing capacity, but they invite me to continue my inquiry tomorrow.

Huh? Wayne, the info I am giving you is right out of the Ram brochure, not something I remember reading or think I remember reading, but what it says right now, as I read it out of my hot little hands. I have one in my face, for real!!......If you ask again I am gonna scream:-laf

Nick

 

[Dick Langendorff]

I just looked up the published specs in the 2006 Trailer Life Towing Guide. I have them all the way back to the mid 90's.

For a 2006 2500 Mega Cab 4wd the tow cap. is 12,400 with either manual or auto. Also the gear ratios do not matter. The posted tow cap is the same. On a 3500 there is a difference with manual or auto and gear ratios. It can go from 13,300 to 15,300 depending on the combination. Trailer Life gets there information every year for the manufacture. I just received my booklet for year 2018 a couple of weeks ago. They are a great resource for that info.

 

[WKirk]

Okay, I guess it's time to thank all of you for the help. You have been most patient and informative despite my clumsiness with the terminology and my lack of awareness as to the format of the forum. I have learned that even the "authorities" don't agree. One of the early replies alluded to this.

 

[Killer223]

2500 4WD 5.9L TD 12,400m/a,b/c

a=automatic transmission; b=3.73:1 axle ratio; c=4.10:1 axle ratio; m=manual
transmission. Note:Actual towing capacity may vary (usually by 150 LB or
less, depending on equipment, trim level).

 

[NIsaacs]

Thanks, I am not conversant with the terminology. I appreciate your input.

No problem, you can't learn if you don't ask. Keep in mind the trailer tow weight of 12,400 is assuming the shipping weight of a new truck. As you add weight to the truck, such as passengers, hitches, baggage and tool boxes, you need to subtract all that new additional weight from the maximum trailer weight.

What are you going to tow? Trailers come in all kinds of configurations and can be important for a comfortable tow experience.

Here is a copy of the tow ratings, the page is larger than my scanner so it is a little blurry. What I find interesting about the specs is that the 3500 was not offered with a manual transmission in '06 or there is a typo.

Nick

 

[jgillott]

Generally, you will be more limited by the carrying capacity (pin weight) than towing capacity. Take 20% of the GVWR of the trailer to figure pin weight.
Then, look at the yellow border sticker on YOUR truck to find the CCC (cargo carrying capacity) . Subtract the weight of the hitch (150-200) and passengers and other stuff loaded into the truck. If what is left is bigger than the calculated pin weight, you can hook it up. With a 2500, the CCC will limit the size trailer to something inside your towing capacity (which I think of as braking and staying straight capacity).

You are absolutely correct. The listed cargo capacity on these 3rd gen 2500 series trucks is only a little over 2000# and that's before you add anything as mentioned above.

I'm not suggesting that anyone tow or haul beyond the manufacturers limits on their trucks. But keep in mind that there was very little difference between the 3500 SRW 3rd gen trucks and the 2500's (really just the helper springs and a higher listed GVWR). Axle capacity on the 2500's is well over 11K as per the door sticker. Many 3rd gen 2500 owners choose to load their trucks in that grey area between the listed GVWR and the axle capacity.

Again, I'm not suggesting that anyone does this. Always follow manufacturer's recommendations.

 

[Killer223]

i have a question, does DOT go by axle/tire/rim capacity or by the GVW on the door? my manual tells me i can be total truck n trailer at 20K. but if axle is rated higher, what does DOT say about it?

 

[jgillott]

i have a question, does DOT go by axle/tire/rim capacity or by the GVW on the door? my manual tells me i can be total truck n trailer at 20K. but if axle is rated higher, what does DOT say about it?

You can ask this question on ten different RV sites and get 10 different answers. The best I can give is that from my knowledge, DOT only cares about the axle capacity and tire capacity. I'm sure someone will correct me if I am incorrect.

Individual states, like PA where I live for example, also care about "registered" GVWR, not necessarily manufacturer GVWR. But that is due to annual registration costs for our individual state and does not necessarily pertain to your question.

 

[Killer223]

Well from searching, here in AZ it's really not spelled out, there are exemptions for privet RV use. as in no CDL required. and gives no weight limits.
https://www.azdot.gov/docs/default-source/motor-vehicle-services/17-339-flowchart-cdl.pdf?sfvrsn=6

and here,
https://www.azdot.gov/motor-vehicle...river-license/cdl-endorsements-and-exemptions

number 13 states RV's for personal use are exempt. so it looks like i can hook up n tow darn near anything... for personal use.

 

[jgillott]

And that's what makes this so confusing. Here in PA, they could care less if it is a RV or a mule cart. It will be registered by weight class.

What gets a lot of people in trouble here is the fact that PA allows you to pull any trailer up to 9999# GVWR with your vehicle registered to its GVWR. (So for example, my 2007 has a manufacturer's listed GVWR of 9000# so I would have it registered and pay fees for weight class 3 9000# $164/year.) However, if the trailer I am pulling has a GVWR of 10000# and higher, then I must have my tow vehicle registered for the combination GVWR of my tow vehicle and trailer. (So now, I'm registering my truck for a minimum of 19000# and the much higher corresponding registration fee class 7 $473/year or class 8 $539/year ).

 

[bsesby]

My 04.5 3500 short box 6spd

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.

My 04.5 4x4 6spd 3500 short box is rated by Dodge to pull 15,550
this information is only required to be available by the dealer for 10 years.
I have been checked by DOT and have had no issues.
In 06 the truck has a motor with less HP and it may have less towing but I know it’s safe to pull 15 k on bumper and 20 k on gooseneck.

 

[Gemstone]

I towed a 19K pound 5th wheel with a similar 2005....5.9, 3500, 6 speed, 3.73, SRW, chipped. The 5.9 is a brute, no surprise here, and it had no problem pulling, or handling in curves or grades...uphill. Downhill was a different story. The first time out, down a loooong 6% grade in AZ, we ran out of brakes....sure the trailer had brakes, but it was asking too much of the Dodge to slow it down, with 19K pounds pushing. We added an exhaust brake and that improved planned slowdowns, like grades....it did nothing for panic stops. Shortly after, we migrated to a single axle Kenworth that had 24" tires. larger brakes... more rubber on the ground, and a 3 stage Jake...towing/stopping/weight problems solved.

Regarding manufacturer stated weight capacity....remember when changing the rear end gearing to a 410, or lower, all that does is change your ability to start easier from a dead stop....it does nothing to increase your load carrying capacity, regardless of all the hype.

Stay with a "reasonable" size RV with a light duty truck....If you want bigger/heavier, go with a MDT/HDT for piece of mind/safety.

Regards
Gemstone

 

[nibroc]

does it have a cummins?

 

[Cummins12V98]

"Stay with a "reasonable" size RV with a light duty truck....If you want bigger/heavier, go with a MDT/HDT for piece of mind/safety."

Thoughts? Combined without MC trailer 33K, with 35K. RAW 9,750.