Can I legally haul more than my OEM sticker says?

[mpierce]

Yes, here is the quote direct from ND DOT web site:

Can a vehicle legally carry 46,000 lbs if the manufacturer's plate shows a GVWR of 37,000 lbs?
Yes, the vehicle manufacturer plate shows the GVWR as manufactured. It is possible the axles on the vehicle were upgraded at some point after manufacture or some other change affecting the vehicle's GVWR occurred after manufacture.


So, adding overload springs, tires, etc allows for that, at least in ND. DOT will go by tire and axle weight allowed on their highway, not by the sticker.

MP

[herk7769]

Overload springs DO NOT increase the GVWR of your truck. Replacing the entire axle MAY depending on what the tow vehicle's frame and engine drive train combination is rated at.

I investigated through GM replacing the entire rear assembly (I have a 2500HD GMC Duramax with Alison Transmission) for a 3500HD Rear with the intention of getting a larger 5th wheel with a higher pin weight.

They informed me the FRAME of my 2500HD was the limiting factor for my GVWR and not the rear axle. They suggested I get a new truck as the new 2500HD has a BOX frame and not a C frame like my 2008.

EVERYTHING else is the same, yet the frame change added over 1000 pounds of GVWR.

[crocus]

A trailer, yes.
A tow vehicle, definitely not.

[M109Rrider]

Just for conversatioan I'll throw out that the ONLY difference in 3rd gen 2500 and srw 3500 Dodges are the addition of overloads. Every single other components is exactly the same.

[herk7769]

The 2010 and after GMC/Chevy 2500HD has a completely new frame. My 2500HD built in 2008 has the older C frame.

While I am NO expert on Dodges (or Chevies for that matter) I am sure that you are mistaken regarding the differences between the 2500 and 3500. You were most likely informed by a Dodge salesman trying to move 2500's on his lot rather than have you order a custom built 3500.

2012 Ram 2500 & 3500 |Cummins Diesel powered with Mega Cab| Ram Trucks

Has the comparisons you need to make an informed decision.

[dc31bhss]

When considering GVWR do not forget the braking capacity. This is usually what get's people in trouble with smaller vehicles. I don't think there is a difference in 2500/3500 brakes, but there is a HUGE difference b/t 1500/2500.

[Denny in Los Lunas]

when I purchased my 2008 Ram 2500 I parked a 2008 Ram 3500 single wheel, not a dually, side by side, all the papper tags on the frame rails, differantals, transfor case, transmission were all the same. tires wheels brakes all the same numbers. the single wheel 3500 did have the overload springs. I never compaired either one to the 3500 dually,

[M109Rrider]

I'm referring to pre '10. And am absolutely certain. What's even spookier is finding a difference between a 1500 Mega Cab and a 2500 with a hemi.

[herk7769]

Originally Posted by dc31bhss

When considering GVWR do not forget the braking capacity. This is usually what get's people in trouble with smaller vehicles. I don't think there is a difference in 2500/3500 brakes, but there is a HUGE difference b/t 1500/2500.

Brakes DO figure into the Gross Combined weight since that number determines your ability to STOP the combination. Tow rating only determines the truck's ability to PULL that weight; not necessarily CARRY that weight's pin or tongue load.

[dc31bhss]

Thanks Herk, I had my acronyms screwed up. Although I love to add power to my diesel, I make sure I have the best pads and fluids I can get to stop the mighty beast once she gets going.