Towing capacity vs max cargo weight rating

ognend wrote:

Which kind of makes you wonder - if all you go by are rear tire and RAWR ratings - what is the point of printing a payload capacity numebr on the inside of the driver door, right next to the RAWR number? Why doesn't Ford just state that your RAWR number is the only number to look at (for payload purposes)? Just musing here, you don't have to answer - this stuff is confusing a bit once you start digging into it. You can tow X pounds but then your payload can run out before the towing number but then forget the payload number, go by the RAWR number.... I need a nap! :)

Very easy. There is a class 2B designation, which limits you to 10,000 lbs GVWR. Many HOA's limit vehicles over 10,000 lbs. Many states limit where vehicles over 10,000 lbs can drive. Some states consider vehicles over 10,000 lbs to be commercial vehicles, with higher registration fees and more restrictions. This is why Ford, GM and Ram offer a "de-rated" one ton truck that is class limited to 10,000 lbs.

In order to keep the vehicle "intended" to be 10,000 lbs or less, the manufacturers have a couple options. They research, design and test components to break right at/around 10,000 lbs. That requires a lot of money and makes it so parts aren't interchangeable. The other option is to use the same components on the 1 ton trucks and put a couple stickers on the 3/4 ton truck. It is an artificial de-rating of the truck to allow it to be marketed, sold and registered as a class 2B truck.

Now, that doesn't mean that it will break at 10,001 lbs. It also doesn't mean that you can't pay to register it for a higher rating. Now, once you register for or carry more than 10,000 lbs, you lose all the "advantages" of a 3/4 ton truck. You can't drive in the left lane on roads in some states, you can't park in some neighborhoods, you can't drive on parkways, etc.

It is perfectly LEGAL to carry as much weight as you paid to carry. Registration fees are taxes to carry weight down the road. As long as you are under your paid fees and under federal bridge limits you are legal.

Components are tested and rated, with plenty of room for leeway. My Ram 2500 is tested and rated to 12,500 lbs of capacity, with plenty of room for leeway. All I have to do is pay an additional $25/year for higher registration fees and I could essentially have a 1 ton truck. Ram verified all the components of my vehicle to carry that weight, because its cheaper to put the same bed, axles, wheels, tires, brake system, engine and transmission in the 3/4 ton than design all those systems from scratch.

Does that answer your question?