Ram Weight Observations
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.
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.
