Payload: Ram 2500 Diesel vs. Ram 3500 Diesel
So much debate about the artificially low payload on the Ram 2500 diesels. That the low payload is only due to the 10,000 lb. GVWR. That the Ram 2500 diesel shares the same frame and drivetrain (dif...
Forum Discussion
I was hoping to keep this thread from turning into another numbers debate on this obviously worn-out subject.
Was also hoping, at some point and time, there was somebody out there who had loaded their Ram 2500 DIESEL (with rear coils) to its rated payload and took the time to look under their truck to check out the amount of space remaining between their axle and the rubber frame/axle stop. Same thing for the Ram 3500 DIESEL.
Why?
We have tentative plans to purchase a new 2016 Ram 3500 Cummins SRW CC in the next day or so. Not interested in a gasser. Our absolute minimum payload requirement is 2500 lbs. based on current and future needs.
Test drove a new Ram 2500 diesel (rear coils with a 2,200 lb. payload sticker) and a Ram 3500 diesel (with a 3,950 lb. payload sticker) back-to-back over some very bumpy railroad tracks near the Ram dealership several times. Although I personally thought the Ram 2500 was only slightly less herky-jerky over the RR tracks, my wife thought otherwise---she felt it was much smoother. My wife understands the safety implication of not having enough payload; however, I did promise her I'd check further on the Ram 2500's realworld payload capability before we commit to the Ram 3500.
Typically, I'm a numbers guy. If the payload sticker says x amount of payload, then I attempt to match components accordingly and head to the scales to verify. However, I've been hearing for years the Ram 2500 has an underrated GVWR. I'm willing to give this theory the benefit of the doubt and appease my wife's preference for the way the Ram 2500 rides . . . IF I can get some credible evidence to substantiate it.
In addition to visiting a nearby CAT scale, I've always made a point of checking the distance between the axle and the rubber frame/axle stops before carrying/towing any substantial load. Based on my personal observations, I've concluded most trucks (without airbags) seem to have approx. 20-25% of the "empty" distance between the axle and the rubber frame/axle stop remaining when loaded to maximum payload.
IMO, if you don't have enough space between your axle and the rubber frame/axle stop to allow the suspension to function properly while loaded---you're overloaded . . . regardless what numbers, specs, or opinions may say to the contrary.
Was also hoping, at some point and time, there was somebody out there who had loaded their Ram 2500 DIESEL (with rear coils) to its rated payload and took the time to look under their truck to check out the amount of space remaining between their axle and the rubber frame/axle stop. Same thing for the Ram 3500 DIESEL.
Why?
We have tentative plans to purchase a new 2016 Ram 3500 Cummins SRW CC in the next day or so. Not interested in a gasser. Our absolute minimum payload requirement is 2500 lbs. based on current and future needs.
Test drove a new Ram 2500 diesel (rear coils with a 2,200 lb. payload sticker) and a Ram 3500 diesel (with a 3,950 lb. payload sticker) back-to-back over some very bumpy railroad tracks near the Ram dealership several times. Although I personally thought the Ram 2500 was only slightly less herky-jerky over the RR tracks, my wife thought otherwise---she felt it was much smoother. My wife understands the safety implication of not having enough payload; however, I did promise her I'd check further on the Ram 2500's realworld payload capability before we commit to the Ram 3500.
Typically, I'm a numbers guy. If the payload sticker says x amount of payload, then I attempt to match components accordingly and head to the scales to verify. However, I've been hearing for years the Ram 2500 has an underrated GVWR. I'm willing to give this theory the benefit of the doubt and appease my wife's preference for the way the Ram 2500 rides . . . IF I can get some credible evidence to substantiate it.
In addition to visiting a nearby CAT scale, I've always made a point of checking the distance between the axle and the rubber frame/axle stops before carrying/towing any substantial load. Based on my personal observations, I've concluded most trucks (without airbags) seem to have approx. 20-25% of the "empty" distance between the axle and the rubber frame/axle stop remaining when loaded to maximum payload.
IMO, if you don't have enough space between your axle and the rubber frame/axle stop to allow the suspension to function properly while loaded---you're overloaded . . . regardless what numbers, specs, or opinions may say to the contrary.
