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.

[trailraider]

Originally Posted by 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.

the 1500 m/c ram was built on a 2500 chassis. I have no Idea why they didnt just meet it half way and call it a 2000.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by trailraider

the 1500 m/c ram was built on a 2500 chassis. I have no Idea why they didn't just meet it half way and call it a 2000.

OK, I have to ask.
Where did this bit of insider information come from?

If the 1500 M/C has the same chassis and suspension as the 2500, WHY would they sell it for 1500 prices? This does not ring true, though I do not doubt your sincerity at all.

Was this a bit of salesmanship to move a 1500 on the lot or do you know from contact with the factory or a Chrysler-Dodge Truck web site that this is so.

[M109Rrider]

I can't confirm that but the next time you see a 1500 m/c take a look. To the naked eye they're identical. 11.5" 8 lug full floating rear axle and all, same brakes, may have a lighter suspension but doesn't look like it.

[jodyand]

Originally Posted by herk7769

OK, I have to ask.
Where did this bit of insider information come from?

If the 1500 M/C has the same chassis and suspension as the 2500, WHY would they sell it for 1500 prices? This does not ring true, though I do not doubt your sincerity at all.

Was this a bit of salesmanship to move a 1500 on the lot or do you know from contact with the factory or a Chrysler-Dodge Truck web site that this is so.

How many 1500's have 8 lugs? Take a look at a M/C and you would think you was looklng @ a 2500

[Herk7769]

I really am not trying to be confrontational; I really would like to know for sure. I mean the Hummer looks like it could haul a Saturn 5 around and yet it has crap for towing capacity.

My Mark 1 eyeball can't tell from looking; the thickness of the metal or what alloy they used to make the parts. They may look the same but are they? Is a "helper" spring actually an overload spring or is it part of the functional stack that gives it the rating required?

I am not an structural or mechanical engineer and I don't design trucks for a living. SOMEBODY is and does; and they most likely work for Dodge.

Looks can be deceiving is all I am saying. I would like to see an email or something from Dodge saying there is no structural difference between their 1500 M/C and their 2500; just cosmetic. Somehow I don't think that will be forthcoming.

[trailraider]

I work for Dodge. the specs are the same as 2500 . As to why they branded it a 1500 was marketing. It puts it in the lower class allowing chrysler to say " it tows and hauls more then ford and Chevy" but it was only the hemi mega cabs that wore the 1500 badging. the cummins of coarse were all 2500/3500.

[trailraider]

Sorry I forgot to mention it was also to support the weight of the body.

[Herk7769]

Well there you go...

[transamz9]

Chevy also made a 1500HD that was a 3/4 6.0 gasser with half ton badges. Eight lug wheels and all.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by transamz9

Chevy also made a 1500HD that was a 3/4 6.0 gasser with half ton badges. Eight lug wheels and all.

This is true, I have one. I recently replaced all 4 brake rotors and brake pads. I work for an auto parts store and looked up all the parts (as a 2002 Chevy 1500HD 4X4 Crew Cab), purchased them and set to work. Front went together without a problem. Rears however, just weren't going to fit. So, back I went and re-looked everything up (thinking I had screwed up) but nope, computerized catalogue was wrong. I had to look up 2500 pads to get the ones that matched what I took off.

So, it appears that the GM 1500HD's were actually 2500's (right down to the 8 lug hubs and axles, 13 inch rotors and huge brake pads with dual piston calipers front AND rear) with half ton badging. Oh, and it also has a "hydroboost" power brake system. I think the only difference is in the spring rates. Even though I have "looked" at 2500 springs, they "look" the same as my 1500HD. If mine are a little "thinner" or "narrower" then that may be the difference.

The truck "handles" the load superbly, just wish I had more motor at times.