I just recently purchased a 2018 RAM 2500 to tow a camper, (not purchased yet). I am not looking to get one of the huge fifth wheels, just a moderate one for my wife and I, so I figured the 2500 would get the job done, while still being a relatively agile truck for day to day driving.
According to everything I have seen, including using the RAM trucks "Look up my vehicle" service on their web site, my max payload SHOULD be 2,270 lbs. That is with all the features picked that my truck has.
However, when I look at the sticker inside my door frame, it says the "Combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 1,916 lbs." That is a difference of 354 lbs!
Can someone explain why this is? Am I stuck with this, or can I do something to reclaim the lost 354 pounds?

 

Something don't sound right. I suggest you go get the truck weighed, full Fuel and what ever you carry or plan to carry with the trailer in the truck. Find the GVW ( Gross Vehicle Weight) sticker for the truck and subtract the weight on the scale ticket from the GVW and that should be what remains that can be carried in the truck. Now short bed trucks carry less weight.

Gross Combined Weight is the Trailer an Truck Weight.

If the trailer is to be towed on he bumper use 10% to 15% of the Trailers GVW and add that to the Trucks GVW. You should still be under the trucks GVW. If not see if the info on the truck is correct at the dealers. If 5th wheel towing us 20% of the GVW of the trailer. Now that's max weight. Light Loaded trailer helps on both Pin weight and Bumper pull tongue weight.

After you get the trailer go back to the scale, Weigh again. Full Fuel and what's in the truck the first time. The difference in the Drive Axle from the first scale ticket is the trailer weight on the hitch or bumper.

Dave