2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What is GVWC for 1999.5 RAM?

[jdwroten]

I finally got around to weighing my 99. 5 RAM 3500 and fifth wheel. With 84 gal of diesel (using TransferFlow tank), 50 gal of water in the RV, and everything else we own onboard, I got these numbers.



Truck - no trailer: 8450 lbs.

Truck - 5th wheel hitched: 11,750 lbs.

Trailer - hitched to truck: 11,950 lbs.



Taking hitched wt. minus unhitched wt. : 11750 - 8450, trailer tongue weight is 3,300 lbs.



So total trailer gross weight is 11,950 + 3,300 = 15250. Fifth wheel manufacturer says GVWR is 14220, so I'm 1,030 over on the trailer. The truck door says GVWR is 10,500, so I'm over 1,250 on the truck side.



Anybody know what the GVWC (max combined GW) is for my truck. It's not on the door panel. I'm wondering how far over I am on that.



So, follow-up question, should I worry? I may not alway be quite so full on the diesel and water, but we were headed to the boonies. Otherwise, I thought we were pretty bare-boned as far as what we're carrying - OK, I have a 2kw generator and 10 amp air compressor, but these are necessities IMO.



Other considerations: I have an exhaust brake and I never exceed 55MPH, especially when towing.



BTW, it pulls great, even in mountains at this weight.



Thanks for any opinions or answer to my GVWC question.

 

[Thomas]

DaimlerChrysler uses the expressions GVWR & GCWR for the Ram.

The gross combined weight rating for all Ram 3500's with manual transmission and standard output 24-valve engine is 20,000 pounds.

 

[DonTX]

So, you are over and you know it. I used to have great fun down here challenging the Winter Texans that they were over their ratings. Virtually all would argue - until you showed them on the tag or owners manual, then they they were amazed, you are far from alone. I have yet to weigh in with my rig, empty weight on the fifth wheel shows 10,400.

Makes no difference here in the lower 48, but my Canadian buddy says in Canada you better not be out on the road with such an overload, they make you unhitch in a hurry.