Quote:
Originally Posted by elkhornsun
You are confusing maximum tow weight and GCWR which is different. The GCWR is the total weight of the loaded tow vehicle and the load being towed. For the 2012 GM heavy duty trucks the maximum GCWR is 24,500 lbs. for the 2500HD and 29,200 pounds for the 3500HD trucks.
You are right that the manufacturers continue to consider a driver and passengers as each weighing 150 lbs. (fat chance in the USA) and that affects the GVWR rating of the vehicle and the maximum payload. If it is a crew cab with seating for 6 people then the maximum load (for the box) is reduced by 6 x 150 or 900 pounds.
Using the trailering guides from the manufacturers takes these variables into consideration and are a lot less confusing - probably why they all take the time and expense to create them.
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Perhaps that's true for GM, but it's NOT the case with Dodge. Their payload and towing capacity ratings are calculated as follows:
1. Payload is rounded to the nearest 10 lbs. Payload = GVWR - curb weight.
(Note that payload makes NO ALLOWANCE for either a driver or passengers. They are considered part of the total payload. The weight of the driver and any passengers must be deducted from the payload rating.)
2. Maximum trailer weights are rounded to the nearest 50 lbs. Maximum trailer weight = GCWR - curb weight - 150 lbs (allowance for driver).
(Regardless of seating capacity, only a 150 lb driver is assumed in the trailer tow rating calculation. Any driver and passenger weight beyond the 150 lb driver ONLY must be deducted from the trailer tow rating.)
This is taken directly from the footnotes in the Dodge Ram bodybuilder technical data which is where they place their detailed payload and towing information tables. Read the footnotes for your preferred brand and model carefully so that you understand how the calculations are made.
Rusty