Walaby wrote:
Wow.. You just really want this discussion to continue don't you.
So, playing devil's advocate, my first comment would be "oh, okay, so are you an automotive engineer? An engineer at all? What education do you have that would prove that you can design a better vehicle than the manufacturer? Are you qualified to make the assessment that what you've done has increased the truck's payload? And if so, can you provide us with the analysis of how much it has increased and why? And while you're at it, can you show me the analysis of how what you've done does, or does not, impact the other portions of the vehicle that may be impacted?
Remember, Im just playing devils advocate.. Im not a card carrying member of the weight police.
Mike
So, Mike, we could start a new show Mike and Mike talks trucks in the morning. Lol.
So no one has picked up the challenge to argue on the opposite side of the weight police. You can probably find many threads where I’ve been thinking about the ratings. But one thing I’ve been focused on lately is the numbers. Look what Ram did when they went to a 12300 lb gvwr.
So a long bed (lb) crew cab (cc) 4wd CTD Bighorn package wtth 18 in wheels, wheel to wheel running boards, probably weighs right at 8600 lbs with full fuel, def tanks and a 200 lb driver. The truck also probably has around 3300 on the rear axle.
That leaves 3700 lb payload and that’s right on the axle max of 7000 lbs. Coincidentally that is the same number as 12300 lbs minus the 8600 lb unloaded vehicle weight.
So Ram with that 12300 lb rating has acknowledged one can tow up to or near the axle max! They pushed the rating to the limit for an SRW truck. You can argue w my numbers but I’m not far off, my SB truck of the same configuration weighs 8320 lbs.
I am an engineer but I’m certainly not an automotive engineer. But I’ve spec’d and purchased many medium duty trucks for specific applications as well as other heavy equipment. I also have a Class A CDL. I’m not giving anyone an answer here with a PE stamp, I’m giving one man’s in my opinion statement for all to consider.
In my opinion those door sticker rating are a snapshot in time. Putting a 6 in lift kit and huge 37 inch tires degrades those sticker ratings. Putting an Airlift 5000 system, tires with more carrying capacity, and brake improvements arguably improves those ratings up to the tire and axle max.
Good attorneys can argue both sides, especially understanding what Ram accomplished with the 12300 lb rating for an SRW 3500 truck.
Also, what is the worst case load that the engineers design the trucks to? No doubt one is a fifth wheel. One has to appreciate Ram taking on Ford and GM and that competition gives us all better toys to play with. All of us live in great times that has the safest most capable pickups ever produced. So cool.
Peace
