Trailer Life Article about GCWR...etc.

Trailer Life is correct.

GCWR should not be exceeded, BUT in your example you changed the truck so you have a new GCWR. I hope with your example you also installed the proper tires etc to achieve the new GCWR.

sch911 wrote:
Trailer Life is correct.

can you give a little more information since the GCWR is not on any stickers on the truck, if I change my axle gear ratio from 3.73 to 4.30 and Ford published documentation shows the GCWR for each axle ratio why wouldn't I be able to go by the 4.30 GCWR?

Can you imagine if Trailer Life told people how to exceed their GCWR safely? They'd take practically every bit of blame for any crash, whether or not it had anything to do with the exceeded GCW.

GCWR is exceeded every day by a lot of people. I do it with my set-up. But for a publication to say its OK would be crazy. All it would take was one wreck.

Side note. Mods may as well go ahead and shut this one down. We know where its going.

Let me get a beer and the popcorn popper warmed up. GCWR is a manufacturers number and could effect warranty. GVWR is licensed higher in some states like Washington State. GAWR and tire max rating "might" be enforced by a LEO who thinks you are overloaded. Big might!

Oh! BTW hotshot haulers laugh a lot at RVers and the concerns and weight police. Chris

lawnspecialties wrote:
Can you imagine if Trailer Life told people how to exceed their GCWR safely? They'd take practically every bit of blame for any crash, whether or not it had anything to do with an exceeded GCW.

Side note. Mods may as well go ahead and shut this one down. We know where its going.

So far it seems civil, except maybe you have misinterpreted my question about "Must", which to me implies legal aspects...but I guess it can go to the authors opinion. I would have used "should not"

Oh...I don't appreciate you requesting my question be shut down...like I'm trolling :h

Lets focus on the question of whether or not I can change my GCWR in my example.

FYI...I am under all weights and right at GCWR for my signature setup.

Yes Learjet, you'd be fine with the gear change, and your GCWR would increase to the Ford spec of 22K.

Jerry

Learjet wrote:

can you give a little more information since the GCWR is not on any stickers on the truck,

Your specific situation with that SPECIFIC model of Ford does NOT invalidate the general rule because a lot of things go into the recommendation. Frame and axle strength to start with. Stopping power of the brakes too.

As in most anything else, you follow the recommendations of the engineers who designed your specific model......of whatever.

Your lack of a sticker probably means that your basic frame was designed to be used in several different applications......with different specific equipment (engine, transmission and maybe even axles might differ).

This is NOT a big deal. Don't make into one.

And you MUST not exceed the rating because it might be detrimental to your health and/or your bank account, whether the "law" gets involved or not.

MUST is a sterner recommendation than "should not".
That too is not a big deal unless you try to make it into one.

And finally, the tone of your posts sounds a lot like a troll who is looking for an argument instead looking for real information.
There is only one person who can fix that.

Sure you can... In fact, there is nothing really stopping you from exceeding your GCWR without changing a thing. After all, we all know these are just recommendatons, right?

If it makes you feel better to upgrade the rear gearing, go for it. I think it might be a worthwhile change regardless.

Mike

A continual cycle these questions on 'ratings'...that will NEVER end...

First, IMHO, few truly understand the meaning of 'rating', 'limit',
'recommendation' from the OEMs. Not just automotive, but any OEM's
product ratings, limits, recommendations...

It has to do with the OEM's contract to you...their customer...via
their specifications for the product/model/etc you purchased from them
or through a intermediary...like a dealer or used car dealer, etc

Contract both in warranty and liability to their customer. Plus
it is mandated that the OEM provide this information by their
regulatory agencies. That the OEMs test and certify their ratings,
limits, recommendations with test results

Too many on these forums also do NOT believe in their OEM's ratings
Both to ignore it themselves and advise others to do so too...

My advice is to decide or make your risk management decision whether
you believe or not in your OEM's ratings. This is also known as
gambling...if you don't, then do whatever...but know that you have
taken your OEM off both the Warranty hook and liability hook. If yes,
then read and learn how those systems works for 'your' vehicle

On this particular thread...GCWR is the topic and here is an old
copy found on the internet for 2001 era trucks/SUVs/etc

Note that the GCWR changes with the diff ratio, engine, tranny, and
that there is fine print further modifying (CYA'ing) their spec
(therefore their warranty/liability position) Also note that the
MTWR (Max Tow Weight Rating) also changes along with the Diff ratio

Like it best, as it is on one page...the new stuff is all over
the place for individual TV's...so hard to see the relationship
between the component changes/sizes/etc necessary for whatever
weight trailer someone is trying to figure which TV is rated for


GCWR GCWRGCWR towingguideGCWR

Here is the 2016 Ford & RAM specifications, which has GCWR

2016 Ford Towing Guide


2016 RAM Towing Guide