Ordered 2004.5 2500 Quad Cab with 3.73 first week of Feb. and took delivery last week of March. Dealer's sales rep and I were looking at the tow weights on dodge.com at the time and the tow weight for this truck was 14,500. The reason I clearly remember was that both the 3.73 and 4.10 had same tow weights, which I at first found odd, but soon realized that the limiting factor was the 2500 set-up, not the engine or 48re.
Now to the question. Was goofing off at work yesterday and out of sheer boredom, looked up the tow weight on dodge.com again... it is now listing 13,450!!! What's up? Anyone know?
Tow weight somewhat important since the only time I get to drive it is when I am pulling my 5er. Wife loves the truck - won't give it up!

Thanks,
Gene
2004.5 2500 Quad cab 4x2 3.73 Laramie and whatever else could be added, was. Patriot Blue/Silver, Line-X, Westin oval steps and 3 Dvd players (wife and 2 kids)

 

Well first off if you really want to get into what you can tow the "tow rating" is pretty much meaningless, because every truck is different depending on how it is equipt.

What you really want to know is the truck Gross Combined Rating (GCVWR), you take that and subtract that actuall scaled weight of your truck and thay is what you can tow.

For 03 and 04 the 3.73 gears trucks were 21,000# and the 4.10 trucks were 23,000#. Don't know if they changed on the 04.5's or not.

 

Mudder,

Ah, the plot thickens. Not only did the tow rating drop, but the GCWR dropped to 20,000 lbs. for both 3.73 and 4.10. I guess I should add, this is the CTD 600 I am talking about. And yes, the older models with 3.73 do have the 21,000 lbs. GCWR. More curious than anything to see if anyone knows why? My 5er is still 2000 lbs. below this "new" rating.

 

2004 Ram Truck 3500 SLT/Laramie, Quad Cab, 4x4, Long Bed, Long Wheel Base, 6-Speed HD Manual w/Dual Rear Wheels, 5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel engine:
From dodge.com:

1 Ton dually:
With 3.73 Axle Ratio [i] You Can Tow 13250 lbs2
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) [i] = 12000 lbs
Payload [i] = 4415 lbs1
Curb Weight [i] = 7585 lbs
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 4522 / 3063 lbs
GAWR [i] Front/Rear = 5200 / 9350 lbs
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) [i] = 21000 lbs

With 4.1 Axle Ratio [i] You Can Tow 15250 lbs2
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) [i] = 12000 lbs
Payload [i] = 4415 lbs1
Curb Weight [i] = 7585 lbs
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 4522 / 3062 lbs
GAWR [i] Front/Rear = 5200 / 9350 lbs
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) [i] = 23000 lbs

1 Ton Single Axle:
2004 Ram Truck 3500 SLT/Laramie, Quad Cab, 4x4, Long Bed, Long Wheel Base, 6-Speed HD Manual, 5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel engine:

With 3.73 Axle Ratio [i] You Can Tow 13550 lbs2
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) [i] = 9900 lbs
Payload [i] = 2614 lbs1
Curb Weight [i] = 7286 lbs
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 4491 / 2795 lbs
GAWR [i] Front/Rear = 5200 / 6150 lbs
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) [i] = 21000 lbs



With 4.1 Axle Ratio [i] You Can Tow 15550 lbs2
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) [i] = 9900 lbs
Payload [i] = 2614 lbs1
Curb Weight [i] = 7286 lbs
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 4491 / 2795 lbs
GAWR [i] Front/Rear = 5200 / 6150 lbs
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) [i] = 23000 lbs


Last, here is the 2500:

2004 Ram Truck 2500 SLT/Laramie, Regular Cab, 4x4, Long Bed, Long Wheel Base, 6-Speed HD Manual, 5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel engine:

With 3.73 Axle Ratio [i] You Can Tow 12950 lbs2
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) [i] = 9000 lbs
Payload [i] = 2104 lbs1
Curb Weight [i] = 6896 lbs
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 4323 / 2573 lbs
GAWR [i] Front/Rear = 5200 / 6000 lbs
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) [i] = 20000 lbs



With 4.1 Axle Ratio [i] You Can Tow 12950 lbs2
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) [i] = 9000 lbs
Payload [i] = 2104 lbs1
Curb Weight [i] = 6896 lbs
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 4323 / 2573 lbs
GAWR [i] Front/Rear = 5200 / 6000 lbs
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) [i] = 20000 lbs


These are all standard, 6 speed transmissions.

 

What you really want to know is the truck Gross Combined Rating (GCVWR), you take that and subtract that actuall scaled weight of your truck and thay is what you can tow.


The scaled weight of your truck would include all passengers, tools, hitch, fuel, or anything else you are taking with you. What you can tow would be that actual scaled weight subtracted from the GCVWR. Then, what you are towing would include the loaded weight of your trailer(including water, propane, and any other stuff). Is that right Mopar?

 

....and the GCVWR is only for warranty purposes. If you stay under the GVWR of the truck and what you are hauling, you are legal at the scales....provided you are licensed accordingly.

 

You got it.

When the whole rig, truck trailer and all, sits on the scale you are not suppose to be over the GCVWR. Atleast that is what the manufacturer says.

Personaly I have crossed the scale at 31,000# GCVWR. But I do keep all of my axle and tire ratings in check. None of the individual (truck or trailer) GVWR's were over.

 

In MOST states yes, some will still get you for being over the GCVWR from what I have heard. Sounds like CA is one of them.

If you are ever in a wreck you could also be setting yourself up for a real bad time with your insurance company if they find out you are over.

 

Naah. DOT rules apply. GCVWR is for warranty purposes only. Stay under vehicle gross (truck and trailer) and you are legal. If you have any doubts, call your state dept. of public safety, troopers, etc. as I have on the subject--they are very helpful.

 

Where on the truck can you read GCVWR. I see my GVW on the door jamb. I dont think an inspector would know if you have a 3.73 or 4.10 Rear, nor would he care.