Forum Discussion
kcstrom
May 12, 2022Explorer
Gdetrailer wrote:
What you are missing is that spec on paper is BASE WEIGHT.
Base weight means and is derived from the absolute barebones configuration of the "base" of the vehicle.
The "base" of the vehicle is 4x2, smallest engine, regular cab short bed with the lowest trim level offered and zero other options.
Buy a crew cab, that adds weight.
Buy a long bed, that adds weight.
Buy 4x4, that adds weight.
Buy the larger engine above the base engine and that adds weight.
Buy the top level trim package with all the trimmings and that adds weight.
Buy any dealer add on options, that adds weight.
Add up all of those options above the "base" and there is your 600+ lb discrepancy and reduction of your available cargo weight of that amount..
Folks get caught up with that supposed tow rating advertised on paper while never reading and comprehending that the number thrown out there is not what you are going to get once you doll the thing up like a Christmas tree. That "tows up to number" is a number used to "market" the vehicle. The real number is just how much cargo capacity you have to work with which unless you bought the absolute barebones vehicle configuration will be considerably less in real life.
Fortunately you have discovered this before committing to a trailer which will be over your available cargo rating..
That all makes sense, but the RAM 1500 towing capacity sheet, I'd link but it looks like forum will remove the link (sigh), lists the different base weights of all of those variants you mention: engine/transmission/length of box/4x4 or 4x2/and base trim level package. The only exception I can think of is things like audio and comfort packages. Seems hard to believe the ones in my truck add up to at least 400lbs...but it's in the somewhere. Actually, most definitions I see online of base/curb weight should include a full tank of gas and a driver. This spec'd weight would be off more than 700lbs if that's the case here. It's not real clear on the towing chart sheet. I do see it says "NOTE: BASE WEIGHTS CAN CHANGE". I guess they can change by a lot.
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