Ram Weight Observations

[kohldad]

Just picked up my new Ram truck. Figured after 10 years and 181,000 miles I deserved a new ride.



Since this truck's main purpose is hauling truck campers, I wanted to pay close attentions to weight. My goal was to safely carry and be under the GVWR with my next camper expected to weigh 3,500# max ready to camp. Add to that two people at 350 pounds. This meant the truck should have at least 3,850# cargo capacity.

According to the 2014 Rambuilder.com site, specifically the Base Weights/GCW/Payload/Trailer Tow, the 3500 Long Bed SLT SRW 4x4 would do the trick.

Advertised:
GVWR: 11400
Front Axle Weight (GAWR): 4046 (5500)
Rear Axle Weight (GAWR): 2869 (7000)
Vehicle Weight: 6,915
Payload 4,490

While waiting on the final paper work to sign, I checked the door tag and paper work.

Door tag which should be easy math of GVWR - actual weight.
Max Payload = 4300



Truck Camper Loading Document has a weight limit of 3315.

The TCLD number is required by NHTSA 49 CFR 575.103. While it specifies some language, it does not specify actual calculations. However some things that control the limit is the COG limits specified, GAWRs, number of passengers and actual truck weights. So the only thing known for sure is it must be less than the max payload.

On the way home, stopped by a Certified CAT Scale to get the truck weighed. I first topped off the tank to be sure it was full.

CAT Weights
GVWR: 11400
Front Axle Weight (GAWR): 4220 (5500)
Rear Axle Weight (GAWR): 3020 (7000)
Vehicle Weight: 7,240
Payload 4,160

Comparing the CAT weight to the door sticker puts the numbers pretty close. But the 140 difference bugged me the whole way home. Then I realized I weigh 146 pounds meaning the numbers between actual and sticker are the same.

Comparing the CAT weight to the rambuilder info, there is a 330 pound difference. Adjusting for my weight, brings them withing 190 pounds. Options on the truck are premium seat, aux switches, and skid plate which probably weigh up to about 90-100 pounds bringing the engineer calculated weight within 100 pounds of actual. Think that is pretty darn good.

Next step is to add my normal junk such as jumper cables, tow strap, and tool bag. Then I need to add camper specific items like bed mat, Torq Lift mounts, remove the tailgate, etc. After these things are done, plan on weighing again to see how much of the 4,140 pounds of payload I have eaten up just getting the truck ready.

[woodhog]

We eventually added a helwig sway bar to our 2004.5 and it made the most difference of all the things we had tried up until then...

Even when walking around in the camper with the truck stopped it doesn't move as much.
It would be nice to know why they don't add them at the factory, probably money is the reason....
If yours does not meet your expectations I would not hesitate to put on a rear sway bar.

[kohldad]

Is the number of spring leafs in the main pack the same as the 2004 or did they add another one in your new truck?

New truck is three leaves with a shorter bottom helper leaf. Leaves are significantly thicker.

Old truck is four leaves with a shorter bottom helper leaf plus two overload leaves.

Without the stable loads, my current 2400 pound camper doesn't just touches the overloads on the old truck so I added the stable loads. It did reduce the squat but only slightly helped with the stability.

So it will be interesting to see the difference. Hoping I don't have to add airbags and/or sway bar.

[Mello_Mike]

Nice truck! I did some research on the AAM axles since I bought a RAM 3500 a year ago and here's what I found:

-Front Axle: AAM 9.5 14-bolt, 35 spline, GAWR 6,000 lbs Max
-Rear Axle: AAM 11.5 14-bolt, 30 spline (1.5-inch diameter), GAWR 10,120 lbs Max

Yes, the tires are the limiting factor when it comes to the truck's GAWRs.

[WVbassmistress]

Congrats! Good luck finding your TC. See ya' around!

[woodhog]

Surprise thing is it does not have overload springs as my 2004 truck. Checked a couple others on the lot to confirm. They were only on the duallies.

Is the number of spring leafs in the main pack the same as the 2004 or did they add another one in your new truck?

Will be interesting to see how the camper rides with regard to squat and
sway with no overloads to engage...

[billyray50]

Also read on some cummins forums where some members stated the 11.5 aam is rated at 10,120 and another stated 13,000 lbs. not sure i believe 13,000 ?

[billyray50]

kohldad wrote:
Same 11.5 AAM axle as used since at least 2004 behind the Cummins which I always heard was rated at 10,000 pounds. So the limit is still the tires, just not sure why they go 7,000 pounds versus 7280.

Surprise thing is it does not have overload springs as my 2004 truck. Checked a couple others on the lot to confirm. They were only on the duallies.

I read the axle was rated at 10,800 for my 2006 dodge 2500/3500.

[kohldad]

Same 11.5 AAM axle as used since at least 2004 behind the Cummins which I always heard was rated at 10,000 pounds. So the limit is still the tires, just not sure why they go 7,000 pounds versus 7280.

Surprise thing is it does not have overload springs as my 2004 truck. Checked a couple others on the lot to confirm. They were only on the duallies.

[woodhog]

Stock tires are 275/70R18 Load Range E. At 80 PSI they have a load rating of 3640.

Nice thing, all of the available payload can go directly over the rear axle with room to spare before reaching the rear axle GAWR.

Maybe they are monitoring all the info on here over the years and finally decided to put a decent tire on the HD trucks .. or maybe the availability of tires for 18 inch wheels let them go to a higher tire rating.

I am not sure of the new axle ratings for the rear end, must be over 10,000 pounds GAWR??

[AidenJ]

Nice looking truck, even same color as mine. The only fault I have is after owning nothing but regular cab pick ups feels like I need a couple of acres to turn it around.:B

[kohldad]

Thought you were going with a dually.

That was the hold up for a long time SRW or DRW. She kept saying get the truck first and then decide on the camper. I kept saying decide on the size of the camper then we can order the truck. I help my line longer than her (I finally won one after 26 years - lol). Linda finally decided she would rather stay small camper and SRW because she will be doing some of the driving with the new truck. Plus, with the poor fuel mileage of the truck, I will be driving her Camry more to work. She was worried about how difficult the DRW would be for her (don't laugh, but I've seen her have problems with her previous Sienna minivan).

[billyray50]

jmckelvy wrote:
Nice truck! I'm jealous. 🙂

Thought you were going with a dually. Be sure to post your observations of the 6.4. That may be the engine in my next truck, whenever that occurs.

Ditto!! Nice truck!!!! Tempted to upgrade even though my 2006 Dodge CTD is payed off and only 118,800 miles.. Congrats!! Cant beat the payload on these newer trucks!

[kohldad]

That's amazing, your new truck is rated for nearly 1500# more than my 03 3500.

The diesel version has a GVWR of 12,300 which makes up for the weight of the engine. The new truck weighs about 500 less than the old one too.

How do you like that Hemi?

Well only have the 30 miles home so far. But test drove one for about 50 miles over the two tallest bridges we have. I was impressed enough to order the truck with the 6.4. This was backed up by a few other TCers who are using the 6.4 and happy. Will let you know just how good it is in a couple months after I make some trips with the TC.

New truck is always nice (even though old one is just broken in on that CTD)

I agree, but needed to move to an auto. And with college for the kids out of the way, needed to blow the money on something.

What campers are you considering for your "next" camper?

Right now looking hard for a 2004ish Lance 915. Fixes a few minor annoyances we have with the 815 which really fits our style. Ready to camp it should be closer to 3,000# putting me well under the GVWR.

What are the size and maximum load ratings of the tires that came with the truck..

Stock tires are 275/70R18 Load Range E. At 80 PSI they have a load rating of 3640.

Nice thing, all of the available payload can go directly over the rear axle with room to spare before reaching the rear axle GAWR.

[woodhog]

What are the size and maximum load ratings of the tires that came with the truck..
Nice to see they finally beefed up the chassis on these trucks and came up with a decent GVWR. Our 2004.5 3500 is only 9900 GVWR which limits us to a very small camper if you load to that figure.