Last word on this and quite comprehensive
Occasionally a question comes up about the variety of trucks for pulling a fifth wheeler
Facebook page very comprehensive explanation....
Australian Expedition Vehicle's It was posted by Australian Expedition Vehicles back in June ....
"As an approved person engineer, AEV has been swamped with requests to provide a GVM upgrade post registration to RAM 1500 vehicles.
It is not good news.
These vehicles have a stated GVM and GCM from RAM.
GVM= 3450kg
GCM= 7237kg
FRONT axle Max load= 1770kg
REAR axle Max load=1770kg
Total = 3540kg is the maximum that can be certified on these.
Note the sales pitch has a 4500kg Max Brake Tow Capacity.
Real towing is= 7237 - 3450 = 3787 kg
At Kerb weight of these vehicles are 2605 kg. That's only measured with full tank of fuel and no driver. So with a 4000kg van with a ball weight at 10% = 400kg + driver plus full fuel, these are nearing overmass.
Another known issue is the factory rims are only rated to 885kg (1950 lb), so restricts them from reaching their full axle mass.
AEV has undertaken a full ADR 3505 for a 10% GVM upgrade to 3750kg ( which is for Vehicle Category NB1, medium goods vehicle) brake test on factory brakes and tyres. The vehicles failed the component test at full GVM for the 20 stops from 0 - 60 kmph. Brakes at 530° C.
So please do your research on these vehicles. They are not suitable for a GVM upgrade of even 10%.
Jmacx offroad solutions is working on a SSM GVM to 4200kg, but will require brake, rim and axle strengthening.
Link to brochure from RAM Australia.
https://www.ramtrucks.com.au/download-brochure/"
I guess the lesson here is to make a detailed investigation and don't take the sales pitch as gospel!
