wintersun wrote:
blt2ski wrote:
Power no issue, where did you get the payload info from? if from a brochure, the payload is probably less than that. If off the door sticker, then that payload is what you have.
Marty
Why make statements off the top of your head like this? It helps NO ONE.
My 2011 2500HD has the exact same axle and wheel bearings as the 3500HD trucks. Only difference is that my axle is rated at 6700 lbs. which is 200 lbs. greater than that of the 3500HD SRW. The rear axle weight of my truck is less than 3200 lbs. leaving a payload of 3500 lbs. in its stock configuration. I added SuperSprings to boost this to 5,000 lbs.
Then the limiting factor is the two rims and tires at the rear axle. With the 17" GM aluminum rims the load capacity for the pair is 7600 lbs. and I put on tires rated at 3750@80 PSI or 7500 lbs. for the pair. That provides a payload of 7500 minus 3200 or 4300 lbs. for the truck. I could boost that by going to 19.5 rims and tires which would have a rear axle load capacity of 8800 lbs. and still be under the load rating for the AAM axle and wheel bearings which is 10,900 lbs.
Payload ratings from all the truck manufacturers are calculated for each truck based on how it was configured at the factory. The same trucks but with different wheels and tires can have payload rating difference of more than 50%. Go to any dealer's lot and you can verify this in minutes and not rely on what you "think" is true.
Actually, what you say it true to a degree. BUT, if one really wants to worry about what one can do, I can get 10500 lbs on the RA and not do a dang thing to it, as long as I have the correct paid for license tag! Not that I would recommend it mind you! And most of the SW RA wts have been in the 2000-2500 lbs range for ALL of my trucks like the one the OP is considering empty wt wise. Dually's have been in the 2800-3500 range. My MDT is 5900 of a 15500 rating on the rear empty! That one is licensed at 26K lbs, I could go to 32K with all of 18K worth of tires and springs........I know all the tricks of what is legal vs recommended vs _______________
Marty
