Manufacturer Tow Guides

prof_fate said:
If you do some component investigation you may find the issue, or assure yourself there isn't one.
Could be a light duty trans or transfer case or axle that's causing the rating to be different than expected.

My expy is essentially an F150 and rated to tow accordingly. But for put the 4R100 trans in the Expy's in 2001 - that's their big momma tranny so it can tow almost anything. I've not investigated the transfer case, but Iv'e got an AWD system..not a normal truck option. It moves the power to the front wheels as needed at any speed...nice idea and it works, but at times I've had it clunk hard (say, starting on wet grass or gravel when the rear wheels start to spin). Add 10,000 lbs to that and I'd guess component life would be shorter than a traditional transfer case.

I've made my peace with using Dodge body builder specs tosee what I cam tow. The Dodge site knows the specs of the Ram QC SLT p:
GVWR 6700
Payload 1310
Truck weight 5362
GAWR 3900 front and rear
GCWR 14000
Max trailer 8450
20 inch wheels, if go down to 17, all I gain is 50 lbs payload
3.55 gears
Of course, I went to the scales and got the loaded numbers and withnthe help (and patience) of manynon this forum, I find that The Ram cantow my 5800 lbs loaded TT
Never mind changing gears 3400 lbs max !!!!!!!
 
Yeah with the 3.92 gearing, WDH and factory towing kit I should be good. I also checked the factory weight sticker and it was 5500 shipped so I get a little bit more room under GCVWR:thumbsup:
 
Another thing I think is important to know is that, up until 2013 models, there has not been a standard for towing capacities. They have always been set by the manufacturers. A good explanation of the test is found here:

Tow Ratings Finally Pass the Sniff Test - The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) - Automobile Magazine

This test alone boosted an unchanged '10 model Dodge Ram to 15.5k from 14k GCWR in '09.

While I will still observe my weight limits on the truck, for legality and safety's sake, I wont put a lot of worry into it. They underrated these trucks to ensure they are well within their limits.

On a final note, I will still be going for a 2500+ diesel for my next TV, lol.

Edit: I want to make sure I am clear on the GCWR for the '10 ram. That is a reg cab, long box with tow package and 3.92 gearing w/ LT275/70R17 tires (17")
 
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Another thing I think is important to know is that, up until 2013 models, there has not been a standard for towing capacities. They have always been set by the manufacturers. A good explanation of the test is found here:

Tow Ratings Finally Pass the Sniff Test - The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) - Automobile Magazine

This test alone boosted an unchanged '10 model Dodge Ram to 15.5k from 14k GCWR in '09.

I read that article back when it was newish and have been waiting to see the actual test results/ratings on new trucks. So you've seen them? How did you get them for a 2010 model?
 
I think the MFG tow ratings are overly generous because they don't take into consideration wind resistance of an RV's frontal surface area. IMO, wind force significantly reduces tow rating. According to the article above, maybe they are starting to focus more on this.
 
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If you notice any of the commercials on tv for trucks, they are usually towing a bass boat or a utility type trailer loaded with steel; again not like pulling a 'wall' or parachute down the road
 
If you notice any of the commercials on tv for trucks, they are usually towing a bass boat or a utility type trailer loaded with steel; again not like pulling a 'wall' or parachute down the road

yes, very true.
 
I always take any ratings with a large chunk of salt. It's like asking a fisherman how big was the fish he lost. So I have a towing capacity of 7500 lbs but have a 3500 lb toad. Absolutely not entertaining any heavier toads for future.
 
Equlizer is good also the sway control is done through the weight distribution bars no chains to worry about
Have a 2017 243rbs, what weight distribution bar am I looking for, a friend told me the ones with chains not so good, any recommendations
 

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