Ram 2500 Diesel
I have a 2018 Ram 2500, diesel, short bed, "standard" rear end. I am considering a 42 ft 5th wheel trailer with an empty weight of 12K. Will my truck handle it on cross country trips with hills and ...
Forum Discussion
wanderingaimlessly wrote:
In most cases, the answer to your question is that they saved money by using the same components as on another vehicle. Be it brakes, frame or whatever.
I am guessing you never actually worked for a vehicle manufacturer or dealer before?
wanderingaimlessly wrote:
I could use your logic to likewise ask "why list the front axle higher than 5000 and the rear axle over 5000 since the total rig is rated for 10,000."
Because many fleet customers want a truck option below 10k GVWR to pay less on state registrations and insurance. 10k GVWR trucks also do not have to abide by many costly DOT regulations in most states either which would require the driver to have a CDL. And while they want a truck that is under 10k GVWR for on road use, they still want the capability of over 10k GVWR for off road use like many of my oilfield and mining customers.
This is exactly why Ford offers an option to de-rate the F350 from a 12k GVWR to a 10k GVWR. It is the exact same truck with an F350 on the door, but Ford will replace the 12k GVWR rating with a 10k GVWR for these types of customers. Ram takes a different approach and just makes their 2500's capabilities closer to their 3500 for customers that want a more capable truck, but with a 10k GVWR.
