GCWR vs GVWR question

rhagfo wrote:

MFL wrote:

Seattle Lion wrote:
I can see how all these numbers can appear confusing. We have a 2014 F350 SRW CC with a 11,500 lbs GVWR. We weighed the truck loaded (just two of us) and it came in at 8,400 lbs. That means we have a cargo capacity of 3,100 lbs. The RAGWR is 6,000 lbs. (tires are good for that). We just bought a Bighorn 5er that has a dry weight of 12,000 lbs (yes, we need that number) and a calculated tongue weight of 17%.

We load about 1,000 lbs on the trailer (it has a GVWR of 15,500 lbs and has 2 7,000 lbs axles). So the tongue weight of the trailer loaded is 2,210 lbs.

When we weighed the truck, the rear axle had 3,100 lbs on it. Add the 2,210 lbs for the trailer and 100 lbs for the hitch and we have 5,300 lbs on the rear axle and we have 700 lbs of RA load capacity left. Overall, we have 790 lbs of capacity left. Our dog weighs 80lbs and that is all we left off at the weigh station.

I am only running this example to show that it isn't all that hard to calculate whether or not your 5er is safe with your truck.

Seattle Lion, If your F350 has the 11,500 GVWR, the rear axle should be rated higher than 6,000#s. Even the tires it came with, should be rated for well over 3,000#s each.

It is your truck, and you should know, but I think you may have more capacity than you realize.

Happy travels,
Jerry

X2

My 2001 Ram 2500 has total axle ratings of 11,284#, so could have a GVWR MAX of 11,284# that is with a 5,200# front and a 6,084 rear.
Seattle Lion you need to look at your VIN sticker again for your axle ratings, the rear should be in the 7,000# range.

That would be good news, but it wouldn't change anything. I have well over 5,000 lbs on the front axle (diesel) so even if I have 7,000 on the rear, my total capacity is still the same. Even if I go up to the full 15,500 GVWR of the trailer, I am still ok with the truck.

Regardless of how much more RAGWR I have, the truck itself only has 3,100 lbs payload with us and our stuff in it.

I did a little "test" last Friday. We needed gravel for our drive, so I got 2,500 lbs of gravel. I figured that would show me what happens with the rear axle loaded up past where the FW will bring it 2,300lbs). I was very happy to see that the truck barely sank at all in the back. Handling was just fine as was braking. I think Ford has been conservative in their ratings. I like that.