Tystevens wrote:
ah64id wrote:
People that think 2500/250 ratings are black and white, or not underrated have not researched the vehicle. They are paper and tire limited, not chassis. The key is to know the REAL weight limits and not the marketing ones.
I think the word you mean is "assume" real weight limits, not "know" them.
Unless you've independently tested and reviewed and come up with your own conclusions, you're relying on someone else's determination. Your assumption that part x + part y + part z = a specific outcome and that someone's alterior motives resulted in a different outcome. So, you know, there is speculation based on speculation here to reach an outcome you want.
FWIW, I'm not a Ford guy and I'm not a 1/2 ton guy (see my sig -- I've had 1/2 tons and 3/4 tons and gassers and diesel). I really couldn't care much less about assumptions one operates on. Where I disagree, though, is posting one's assumptions on a forum such as this where people might come looking for information and become misled.
Yes I am relying on other peoples data, its the data directly from the manufacturer. If that is assumed, well then******I guess nothing is real and everything is assumed.
Yes x+x+x doesn't always equal 3x, thou it may seem it might.
In the case of my truck, where I have the most time into research, I know the Dodge limits as well as axle limits from the mfgr.
I know Dodge gives the same axle on a DRW a 9,350lb rating, where AAM gives the axle a 10,912lb rating. The tires on a DRW are good for over 12K, so what's with the 9,350lb limit? To me, here is my assumption, it's the suspension and frame limit. Since I have the same frame and suspension setup there isn't any good reason that I cannot load my rear axle to 9,350lbs.. other than my tires, OEM tires limited me to 6,390 and now I have 4,500lbs worth. I am safe in loading to 9,000lbs and remain within all the design specifications. There is a little assuming, but more knowing all the specs.
The front axle is 5,200lbs across the board, 2500, SRW/DRW, Diesel/Gas.. to me that's a limit and I try hard to keep it there. I will go over by 100lbs on occasion based on how the cab is loaded vs the bed. Aside from ballast behind the rear axle there isn't much one can do at times, thou the times I am over 5200 are runs for lunch with 5 adults in the cab and an empty bed so 5 miles. With any trailer hooked up I am well under. Assumption, based on some decent research, is that the OEM wheel bearings and ball joints are the weight limiting factor.. both of which I have replaced with heavier units.. however since I don't know the weight design specs for the frame or axle housing I don't go over 5200lbs if I can help it.
The frame is the same 2500, 3500 DRW or SRW. The GVWR is based on marketing, except the DRW. I personally believe the DRW limit is what Dodge designed the brakes and frame around, so I stay under 12,200.
So really they aren't assumptions, it's all published data by the manufacturer of the vehicle and of the components. It's a conclusion based on some research. Many people are not comfortable drawing that conclusion and believe the white sticker on the door is the only answer (same people will trade a 2500 for a 3500SRW and gain nothing but the door sticker).
DOT cares about tire loading (not to exceed 600lbs per inch of width, or manufacturer sidewall limit, whichever is lower), 20,000lbs per axle, 10,000lbs per side, and registered weight. Now LRE tires loaded to max on a Ford Ranger might get you a ticket for something else, but it's not a loading issue as far as DOT is concerned.
The mfgr GVWR and GCWR limits are for longevity and safety, as they should be. This is why I know I can safely "overload" aspects of my OEM GVWR and RAWR and be fine. I know I cannot keep normal weight on my front axle and load my rear to the RAWR and be fine, that would be 14K lbs and over what I feel safe with for brakes and frame.
I feel there is very little, if any, speculation on what my truck can safely handle.. it's just not written on the white sticker. HD Ford and GM's are built on a similar standard and similar components between certain 3/4, 1 Ton SRW, and DRW trucks. The big exceptions are the 2500 GM and Ram trucks use a smaller axle, and the Ford DRW uses a different axle.
All of that research and end result isn't available for a 1/2 ton, that's the biggest platform the chassis is used on.
Hope that makes sense..
I don't think it's misleading, but in the end the person operating above their sticker weights MUST know how/why they are able to do so. If they cannot do that then they need to buy a truck with the sticker weights they need.
