wheel load capacity

[JLinn]

Does anyone know for sure what the maximum load capacity of an 07. 5 3500 stock aluminum wheel is? Not a dually. I have a heavy camper to carry. Thanks

 

[goodguys75]

that should not be a problem..... but i do not know the specific #

 

[Allnew2Me]

This has been debated here and is a question being asked in another 2nd Gen thread. When I had my tires replaced this past spring I made a point of cleaning off my stock alloy wheels (2001) to see if ther were a rating stamped on them. On the backside of the wheel you will find the part number, size, made-in info and such but no weight rating. On the inside of the rim, inside the tire I found nothing at all. It is probably safe to say that the rim is rated at least the same as the stock tire rating which in my case was 3415 for a SRW.

In your case, unless you can find a stamp giving the rating, or can confirm it with Dodge I would use the tire rating as your safe maximum. There are not a lot of slide-in campers that are within the design limits of our SRW payload capacity, which will most likely be exceeded before the tire rating is.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

Best to be safe, One of my buddies had a alloy wheel failure on the front of his Dodge with a slide in camper, Wheel crossed the centerline and hit the front bumper of a semi. His truck slid sideways on the freeway and came to a stop (right side up) thankfully. I really like Alcoa wheels,

 

[AH64ID]

I spent several months researching this. You can call 1-866-RAMINFO and give them your VIN and part numbers off the wheel to see what ingo you can get, took me months to get data, and I am still trying to get more info out of them.



But what I got from it is that they don't know. When I used my dad's 06 2500 VIN they told me 3,000lbs a wheel, and on my 05 3500 SRW 3,100lbs a wheel. . So they were simply taking the RAWR and dividing my 2, when I told them they were the same part number with two different ratings they said they would do more research, still haven't heard back.



So to be safe stick to 3195 lbs/wheel. There is nothing that suggest that the capacity is any higher.

 

[wcjp]

I was concerned about the stock wheel capacity. I went with 19. 5's with "G" rated tires. Handles it no problem. I'm running the 19. 5" Vision 81 wheels. They can occasionally be found on Craigslist.

 

[DPeltonen]

Four years ago I did some research on capacities for towing with my 06 2500. This is what I came up with...



The 2500 and 3500 are essentially the same vehicle, with the exception of the rear spring pack (SRW). As far as the DRW is concerned, there are hub differences to accommodate six wheels, but not much else.



As far as the capacities for the 2500 are concerned, they are:



Rear springs - 6000 lbs

Wheels - 3500 lbs - 7000 lbs total

Tires - 3200 lbs - 6400 lbs total

Rear Axle - 12,500 lbs (AAM stipulated that the same 11. 5" used in the Dodge Heavy Duty is rated at 12,500 in other applications without modification. )



To increase the capacity of my vehicle for towing, I made the following modifications:



1. Firestone air bags (5000 lb capacity - 11000 lb total capacity for the rear axle)

2. Rickson Forged wheels (4500 lb capacity - 9000 lb total for the rear axle)



These mods took care of the weight bearing needs. To supplement this, I also added a mounted compressor, tank, and cockpit air gauge/switch console for the rear bags (all firestone products). I also dropped a boost and pyro gauge onto the drivers pillar.



If I were going to add anything else for a slide-in camper it would be a rear sway bar..... absolutely!!! If the slide-in is big, you will be very top heavy and will need the additional stability.



At this time I have only about 20000 miles of towing with my trailers (18000 lb cargo (my limit) and 17000 lb RV, both 5th wheel) The only problem I have encountered so far is a weak clutch. South Bend should fix this sometime in the next 12 months. The pin weight on the cargo trailer is just over 4000 lb giving me around a 7000 lb rear axle load. Not too much weight, but certainly more than the stock configuration could handle. Since my cargo trailer has a GW of 24K, I must limit the load, and always weigh prior to beginning any trip. I want to insure I stay under 26K CGTW, and within the load limits of any of the components involved.



Hope this helps.

 

[AH64ID]

As far as the capacities for the 2500 are concerned, they are:



Rear springs - 6000 lbs

Wheels - 3500 lbs - 7000 lbs total

Tires - 3200 lbs - 6400 lbs total

Rear Axle - 12,500 lbs (AAM stipulated that the same 11. 5" used in the Dodge Heavy Duty is rated at 12,500 in other applications without modification. )

Where did you find the wheel rating? Dodge has told me 3,000 and 3,100 depending on 2500 or 3500 SRW. Since its the same part number I infeered it was just RAWR/2; and use 3195 as the limit. If it really is 3500 thats awesome, but I need to know the source.



Also, the AAM 11. 5 is rated for 10,912lbs per direct conversations with AAM.



Something to consider when looking at RAWR and GVWR is the DRW trucks RAWR is 9,350lbs. Which is short of the AAM rating and tire capacity. This tells me that is all the weight Dodge thinks the suspension and frame are good for. I would use that as a Max, not RAWR + Airbag carrying capacity; both are below what even 19. 5's will hold in a SRW application, so really just a point of clairficatoin. On the same note I would not exceed 12,200 GVWR even if your loading is within FAWR/RAWR.

 

[JLinn]

Thanks guys, my rear axle weight loaded is 6600 so with 28570R17E tires I feel safe enough- already have about 20000mi on it with no problem. Just need new tires and don't want to buy them if the wheels are weak- anybody have experience with Bridgestones; already ranout some Toyos but am not impressed with them. Already have sway bar and air bags and Bilsteins. Funny how they build these campers weighing over the truck's limit. Mines not even a long bed.

 

[AH64ID]

Thanks guys, my rear axle weight loaded is 6600 so with 28570R17E tires I feel safe enough- already have about 20000mi on it with no problem. Just need new tires and don't want to buy them if the wheels are weak- anybody have experience with Bridgestones; already ranout some Toyos but am not impressed with them. Already have sway bar and air bags and Bilsteins. Funny how they build these campers weighing over the truck's limit. Mines not even a long bed.

Hopefully DPeltonen can get us a solid reference for the 3500# rating, otherwise I think you are over, based on what Dodge told me anyhow.

 

[Cosmo]

Four years ago I did some research on capacities for towing with my 06 2500. This is what I came up with...

The 2500 and 3500 are essentially the same vehicle, with the exception of the rear spring pack (SRW). As far as the DRW is concerned, there are hub differences to accommodate six wheels, but not much else.

As far as the capacities for the 2500 are concerned, they are:

Rear springs - 6000 lbs
Wheels - 3500 lbs - 7000 lbs total
Tires - 3200 lbs - 6400 lbs total
Rear Axle - 12,500 lbs (AAM stipulated that the same 11. 5" used in the Dodge Heavy Duty is rated at 12,500 in other applications without modification. )

To increase the capacity of my vehicle for towing, I made the following modifications:

1. Firestone air bags (5000 lb capacity - 11000 lb total capacity for the rear axle)
2. Rickson Forged wheels (4500 lb capacity - 9000 lb total for the rear axle)

These mods took care of the weight bearing needs. To supplement this, I also added a mounted compressor, tank, and cockpit air gauge/switch console for the rear bags (all firestone products). I also dropped a boost and pyro gauge onto the drivers pillar.

If I were going to add anything else for a slide-in camper it would be a rear sway bar..... absolutely!!! If the slide-in is big, you will be very top heavy and will need the additional stability.

At this time I have only about 20000 miles of towing with my trailers (18000 lb cargo (my limit) and 17000 lb RV, both 5th wheel) The only problem I have encountered so far is a weak clutch. South Bend should fix this sometime in the next 12 months. The pin weight on the cargo trailer is just over 4000 lb giving me around a 7000 lb rear axle load. Not too much weight, but certainly more than the stock configuration could handle. Since my cargo trailer has a GW of 24K, I must limit the load, and always weigh prior to beginning any trip. I want to insure I stay under 26K CGTW, and within the load limits of any of the components involved.

Hope this helps.

Regardless of what you've done to your truck, you're still illegal when anywhere over 20k gross combined weight, and at 4000k pounds you're grossly over the gross weight rating - by over 100% - for your truck.

You and I both know that it's capable of hauling the loads, but you better hope you never get in an accident where the cops pull out the scales.

According to Dodge, your truck is rated for a 9000 pound gross weight with a 71xx pound curb weight, meaning extra options, driver, passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight is limited to under 1900 pounds combined.

 

[DPeltonen]

Regardless of what you've done to your truck, you're still illegal when anywhere over 20k gross combined weight, and at 4000k pounds you're grossly over the gross weight rating - by over 100% - for your truck.



You and I both know that it's capable of hauling the loads, but you better hope you never get in an accident where the cops pull out the scales.



According to Dodge, your truck is rated for a 9000 pound gross weight with a 71xx pound curb weight, meaning extra options, driver, passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight is limited to under 1900 pounds combined.

Illegal? By what law, in what state. Each state sets it's own standards of weight requirements. The vehicle weight tag on your vehicle is a manufacturer designation regarding weight, and only applies to your state law if the state chooses to regard it that way. I have a 12,500 lb registration for my truck, and as long as I do not exceed a federal DOT limit on a component, I am fully legal to exercise that state limit. As far as the manufacturers weight posted on on your drivers door jam, that is what they choose to display for that model and model year. If the posted weight was the max capability for the vehicle in any configuration, how can you explain an increase in GVW and CGVW on identical vehicles of different model years.



Granted, you won't go wrong by staying within the manufacturers weight limits as posted, but these numbers are not necessarily the actual limits for safe (or legal) operation. For those who think you are constrained by what the manufacturer provides, explain the fact that Dodge used to recommend that you "add" a compression brake if you planned to tow a trailer in excess of 10,000 lbs... . this was before they offered the Jake Brake. So you were in violation of the manufacturers recommended configuration if you towed a trailer that was within the limits of your posted vehicle capability without the addition of an aftermarket piece of equipment?



The bottom line is, the numbers on your spec plate are what the manufacturer will certify for that model, for that year. These limits are often limited not by strength or safety, but more by what they choose for marketing requirements based on model difference requirements and upgrade needs for future models. As far as what is legal, your state will decide that within the scope of Federal DOT limits (ie. 26K and your tire limits).



As far as telling me "I" am exceeding legal limits. You are mistaken, unless you would choose to quantify your sweeping generalization by identifying the specific state that enforces these particular requirements. The key to your failed argument is the statement "according to Dodge". Dodge does not license vehicles, it is a manufacturer, and as such does not stipulate what is lawful outside of the federal requirements for certification. The state is the governing body that ultimately decides what is legal for operation within a specific jurisdiction.





To answer the question on the axle and wheel capacity... .



I called AAM and was told this axle was used in applcations up to 12,500 lbs. I took the answer at the word of the engineer, although he could have been speaking to GVW, instead of GAWR. The forged aluminum wheel question was answered by the diesel specialist and service manager at the dealership where I purchased the truck.



Either way, I don't exceed the 3200 lb limit for my (17") tires and rear axle limit of 9350 lbs that is posted for the 3500.



As far as the official party line of 3000/3100 wheel values, how is it that the wheel is instantly stronger when you put it on a one ton truck. It is the same wheel on both vehicles. The idiot that gave you this misinformation took the Dodge GAWR for the truck and divided by 2 instead of giving you the actual capacity of the wheel.



Of course this entire thread is moot if you follow Cosmo's premise that "Regardless of what you've done to your truck, you're still illegal when anywhere" if you exceed the 6000/6100 lb axle limit, or any manufacture stipulated component limit for that matter. Using this logic, I recommend you toss your truck and buy a new 3500 DRW. Besides, you wouldn't want to be "grossly over the gross weight rating" ... . would you? :-laf

 

[AH64ID]

To answer the question on the axle and wheel capacity... .



I called AAM and was told this axle was used in applcations up to 12,500 lbs. I took the answer at the word of the engineer, although he could have been speaking to GVW, instead of GAWR. The forged aluminum wheel question was answered by the diesel specialist and service manager at the dealership where I purchased the truck.



Either way, I don't exceed the 3200 lb limit for my (17") tires and rear axle limit of 9350 lbs that is posted for the 3500.



As far as the official party line of 3000/3100 wheel values, how is it that the wheel is instantly stronger when you put it on a one ton truck. It is the same wheel on both vehicles. The idiot that gave you this misinformation took the Dodge GAWR for the truck and divided by 2 instead of giving you the actual capacity of the wheel.

What AAM told me was the axle was rated for a max rating of 4950 kgs, I did the math to make it 10,912 lbs. I am not sure what the engineer meant when he told you vehicles up to 12. 5K, but I was specifically told the max weight for the axle was 10,912.



I told Dodge the same thing on wheel ratings, same wheel part number two rating?? How about they do some more reserach! I called back today to keep my case open, hopefully I will get a real answer soon. I would love for it to be 3500 lbs, but for safety at this point I can't state with certanty its over 3195 lbs. What you said are all things I have already stated in this thread... .

 

[brods]

The AAM website used to have specs under the technical section and they listed the 11. 5 rear axle at 10,912 lbs GAWR and 8,334 lb-ft input torque.



As far as what the dealer personnel say, don’t bet your life on it unless they back it up with something in print. Doesn’t matter how expert they are. Very few actually know the intimate details of the products they sell or service, which is somewhat understandable since there are so many different models and variations to keep track of. Unfortunately too many of them feel they must give an answer (even if it is a WAG) rather than just admit they really don’t know.



It is truly amazing that wheels can be produced without any indication of load capacity. Did DOT or whomever change the requirements so newer wheels do not have to have a permanently affixed load rating?

 

[AH64ID]

It is truly amazing that wheels can be produced without any indication of load capacity. Did DOT or whomever change the requirements so newer wheels do not have to have a permanently affixed load rating?

I was talking to my FIL about it, and we are both under the impression that DOT requires wheels to be stamped with a weight rating. Its very odd these aren't.

 

[Cosmo]

Illegal? By what law, in what state. Each state sets it's own standards of weight requirements. The vehicle weight tag on your vehicle is a manufacturer designation regarding weight, and only applies to your state law if the state chooses to regard it that way. I have a 12,500 lb registration for my truck, and as long as I do not exceed a federal DOT limit on a component, I am fully legal to exercise that state limit. As far as the manufacturers weight posted on on your drivers door jam, that is what they choose to display for that model and model year. If the posted weight was the max capability for the vehicle in any configuration, how can you explain an increase in GVW and CGVW on identical vehicles of different model years.



Granted, you won't go wrong by staying within the manufacturers weight limits as posted, but these numbers are not necessarily the actual limits for safe (or legal) operation. For those who think you are constrained by what the manufacturer provides, explain the fact that Dodge used to recommend that you "add" a compression brake if you planned to tow a trailer in excess of 10,000 lbs... . this was before they offered the Jake Brake. So you were in violation of the manufacturers recommended configuration if you towed a trailer that was within the limits of your posted vehicle capability without the addition of an aftermarket piece of equipment?



The bottom line is, the numbers on your spec plate are what the manufacturer will certify for that model, for that year. These limits are often limited not by strength or safety, but more by what they choose for marketing requirements based on model difference requirements and upgrade needs for future models. As far as what is legal, your state will decide that within the scope of Federal DOT limits (ie. 26K and your tire limits).



As far as telling me "I" am exceeding legal limits. You are mistaken, unless you would choose to quantify your sweeping generalization by identifying the specific state that enforces these particular requirements. The key to your failed argument is the statement "according to Dodge". Dodge does not license vehicles, it is a manufacturer, and as such does not stipulate what is lawful outside of the federal requirements for certification. The state is the governing body that ultimately decides what is legal for operation within a specific jurisdiction.





To answer the question on the axle and wheel capacity... .



I called AAM and was told this axle was used in applcations up to 12,500 lbs. I took the answer at the word of the engineer, although he could have been speaking to GVW, instead of GAWR. The forged aluminum wheel question was answered by the diesel specialist and service manager at the dealership where I purchased the truck.



Either way, I don't exceed the 3200 lb limit for my (17") tires and rear axle limit of 9350 lbs that is posted for the 3500.



As far as the official party line of 3000/3100 wheel values, how is it that the wheel is instantly stronger when you put it on a one ton truck. It is the same wheel on both vehicles. The idiot that gave you this misinformation took the Dodge GAWR for the truck and divided by 2 instead of giving you the actual capacity of the wheel.



Of course this entire thread is moot if you follow Cosmo's premise that "Regardless of what you've done to your truck, you're still illegal when anywhere" if you exceed the 6000/6100 lb axle limit, or any manufacture stipulated component limit for that matter. Using this logic, I recommend you toss your truck and buy a new 3500 DRW. Besides, you wouldn't want to be "grossly over the gross weight rating" ... . would you? :-laf

Laugh all you want, but I'm not the one living in ignorance.



Check your own state's laws.



VC Section 350 ="Gross vehicle weight rating" (GVWR) means the weight specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.



V C Section 350 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gross Combination Weight Rating



In Washington and Florida now, I've been asked what weight I want to register my truck at. Guess what - it's not so that I can legally carry more than the door placard, it's so the state gets their money based off of the amount of weight UP TO the actual gross weight of the vehicle.



My 1986 W250 had a gross weight rating of 8510 pounds. Standard plate registration was for iirc 6000 pound registered weight rating. If I got pulled over and weighed at 7300 pounds, I (in theory) could have been cited for exceeding my registered weight. Since the vehicle is rated to 8510, I went with the next higher registered weight - 9000 pounds - so that I wouldn't be over my registered weight even fully loaded. The numbers on the door still apply though - 8510 is THE GROSS WEIGHT of my old truck. If I got stopped and rolled over the scales at 8600 pounds - even with the registered weight at 9000 pounds, I could (again, theoretically) have been cited for being overweight.







Have you ever looked at the disclaimers on helper springs or airbag systems?

"The air springs maximize a vehicles carrying capacity within the vehicles GVWR. Do not overload the vehicle. "

"The LP 25 is rated at 2500lbs level load carrying capacity and the LP 35 is rated at 3500lbs level load carrying capacity, not exceed the vehicles Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. "



That's Firestone/Airride and Helwig telling you right there that you cannot increase the GVWR by adding their products.



Sure, the springs may support 3500 pounds, but if your payload is only 1800 pounds you better not put more than 1800 pounds on the truck.

 

[brods]

I was talking to my FIL about it, and we are both under the impression that DOT requires wheels to be stamped with a weight rating. Its very odd these aren't.

This was all I could find. It seems to apply, unless pickups are now consider passenger cars.
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/pdf/49cfr571.110.pdf

§ 571. 110 Standard No. 110; Tire selection
and rims for motor vehicles with a GVWR
of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less.

S4. 4. 2. Rim markings for vehicles other than
passenger cars. Each rim or, at the option of
the manufacturer in the case of a single-
piece wheel, each wheel disc shall be marked
with the information listed in paragraphs (a)
through (e) of this S4. 4. 2, in lettering not
less than 3 millimeters in height, impressed
to a depth or, at the option of the manufacturer, embossed to a height of not less than
0. 125 millimeters. The information listed in
paragraphs (a) through (c) of this S4. 2. 2 shall
appear on the outward side. In the case of
rims of multi piece construction, the information listed in paragraphs (a) through (e) of
this S4. 2. 2 shall appear on the rim base and
the information listed in paragraphs (b) and
(d) of this S4. 2. 2 shall also appear on each
other part of the rim.
(a) A designation that indicates the source
of the rim's published nominal dimensions,
as follows:
(1) ‘‘T'' indicates The Tire and Rim Association.
(2) ‘‘E'' indicates The European Tyre and
Rim Technical Organization.
(3) ‘‘J'' indicates Japan Automobile Tire
Manufacturers'' Association, Inc.
(4) ‘‘L'' indicates ABPA (Brazil), a. k. a.
Associacao Latino Americana De Pneus E
Aros.
(5) ‘‘F'' indicates Tire and Rim Engineering
Data Committee of South Africa (Tredco).
(6) ‘‘S'' indicates Scandinavian Tire and
Rim Organization (STRO).
(7) ‘‘A'' indicates The Tyre and Rim Association of Australia.
(8) ‘‘I'' indicates Indian Tyre Technical Advisory Committee (ITTAC).
(9) ‘‘R'' indicates Argentine Institute of Rationalization of Materials, a. k. a. Instituto
Argentino de Racionalizacio´n de Materiales,
(ARAM).
(10) ‘‘N'' indicates an independent listing
pursuant to S4. 1 of § 571. 139 or S5. 1(a) of
§ 571. 119.
(b) The rim size designation, and in case of
multipiece rims, the rim type designation.
For example: 20 x 5. 50, or 20 x 5. 5.
(c) The symbol DOT, constituting a certification by the manufacturer of the rim that
the rim complies with all applicable Federal
motor vehicle safety standards.
(d) A designation that identifies the manufacturer of the rim by name, trademark, or
symbol.
(e) The month, day and year or the month
and year of manufacture, expressed either
numerically or by use of a symbol, at the option of the manufacturer. For example:
‘‘September 4, 2001'' may be expressed numerically as: ‘‘90401'', ‘‘904, 01'' or ‘‘01, 904''; ‘‘September 2001'' may be expressed as: ‘‘901'', ‘‘9,
01'' or ‘‘01, 9''.
(1) Any manufacturer that elects to express the date of manufacture by means of a
symbol shall notify NHTSA in writing of the
full names and addresses of all manufacturers and brand name owners utilizing that
symbol and the name and address of the
trademark owner of that symbol, if any. The
notification shall describe in narrative form
and in detail how the month, day, and year
or the month and year are depicted by the
symbol. Such description shall include an actual size graphic depiction of the symbol,
showing and/or explaining the interrelationship of the component parts of the symbol as
they will appear on the rim or single piece
wheel disc, including dimensional specifications, and where the symbol will be located
on the rim or single piece wheel disc. The notification shall be received by NHTSA not
less than 60 calendar days before the first use
of the symbol. The notification shall be
mailed to the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NVS-222), National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street
SW. , Washington, DC 20590. All information
provided to NHTSA under this paragraph
will be placed in the public docket.
(2) Each manufacturer of wheels shall provide an explanation of its date of manufacture symbol to any person upon request.

 

[AH64ID]

Well I guess thats why its not stamped on them.



I found this interesting.



For vehicles equipped with LT tires, the

vehicle normal load on the tire shall be no

greater than 94 percent of the load rating at

the vehicle manufacturer's recommended

cold inflation pressure for that tire.



3195*2*. 94=6006, which is lower than the RAWR on my truck. So I guess they assume the trucks aren't normally loaded?



I wonder if the GVWR above 10,000 makes it mandatory? If so the rims off of any truck with a 6. 7 should have a stamp. . but mine are of an 08 (I presume 6. 7, not 5. 7) and have nothing??

 

[ENafziger]

Here in TN, I've asked about this several times. The answer I've gotten, is the tire and axle rating are the only thing that DOT here cares about. If you are within the limits of those, you are good to go.

I recently took a 10,300 mile trip to Alaska with my '06 3500 SRW. My total weight including camper varied between 19,800 - 20,600 lbs depending on fuel, etc. The truck itself weighed in at 11,600 lbs.

Of course I did many modifications to enhance the safety of towing heavy over rough and offroad terrain. While safety was on my mind constantly, I never had a fear of being cited as "overweight". I was within tire limit load ratings (which mean next to nothing on chinese trailer tires btw), and never had any problems crossing back and forth between countries multiple times.

--Eric

 

[AH64ID]

Here in TN, I've asked about this several times. The answer I've gotten, is the tire and axle rating are the only thing that DOT here cares about. If you are within the limits of those, you are good to go.



I recently took a 10,300 mile trip to Alaska with my '06 3500 SRW. My total weight including camper varied between 19,800 - 20,600 lbs depending on fuel, etc. The truck itself weighed in at 11,600 lbs.



Of course I did many modifications to enhance the safety of towing heavy over rough and offroad terrain. While safety was on my mind constantly, I never had a fear of being cited as "overweight". I was within tire limit load ratings (which mean next to nothing on chinese trailer tires btw), and never had any problems crossing back and forth between countries multiple times.



--Eric

What are you running for wheels?