I have a 2003 2500 5.9L CTD QC 4x4, 3.73 axle, towing package already installed. the Vin and sticker on the door say that the truck has a GVWR of 9000 lbs, cannot find a GCWR anywhere on the truck or manual. Right now I tow a 4800 lb camper and want to upgrade to a fifth wheel in the future. What exactly does GVWR/GCWR mean as some just about any fifth wheel is over 10000 lbs and I see them being towed by 3/4 ton trucks all the time with little or no effort.

 

I'll make a guess that your GCWR is around 18-19K.

 

I wouldnt worry to much about the GCWR as its not important really,,, its just what the manufacture rates it for. Your 2500 will easily pull a 10,000 5th wheel trailer. I do it often, and have crossed many scales and NEVER have I been called in for being overweight. THe way I am licenced is I can haul a 12,200 pound trailer behind my 2500 as my truck weighs in at 7,800 pounds, and i am comercial and am licenced for 20,000 pounds legally. Now my Dually I am licenced for 25,900 pounds and most that pull comercially will know why that is!

 

The GCVWR of 3rd gens with 3:73 gears is 21,000lbs. GCVWR is the combined weight of the truck and trailer and all cargo. The GVWR is the truck and it's cargo only. (if your truck weighs 7000lbs, then you would have a 2000lb capacity if your GVWR is 9000lbs.)

Remember these are "ratings" by Chrysler, which in my opinion are underrated for their own liability reasons. These trucks are capable of hauling and pulling much more than the ratings, safely.

IMO, the biggest concern should be your tire ratings. Whatver you tow you should probably go to a local CAT scale and get your truck weighed by itself and then Truck and Trailer combined weighed to see where you stand. Cost is about $8.50 or so.

 

my fifth wheel weighs 9300# i have an 05 my dad has an 03. both are 4x4 2500 with 3.73 stock engine and stock rear suspension. we had air bags on both trucks as we were told by the trailer dealer we needed them. we have since took the air bags off and the trailer and truck sit level to each other. if anyone is interested in the air bags pm me and we'll talk. as for "tuzlo" have fun with the fifth wheel you shouldn't have any problems.

 

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.... posted on the door jamb and is the rating that the truck only will carry safely.

Gross Combination Weight rating.... is the rating that the vehicle will pull in combination with a trailer, mostly a goose neck or fifth wheel. When under that rating the GVWR no longer has a meaning.

Chrysler will list one to protect themselves from suit and for warranty purposes but if not on the door jamb is meaningless. This rating is determined by different methods in different states. The federal is "The GVWR of the truck added to the weight of the trailer and any load thereon." Most states use " The GVWR of the truck plus the GVWR of the trailer." When using the GCWR the GVWR no longer is applied other than to determine what is the GCWR. The calculated GCWR also determines the CDL necessity.

So the actual combination weight rating is fluid and goes up or down depending on the capacity of the trailer. Stay within the capacity of the tires, axles, and the limit on your tags and you are good.