Drafter

I've noticed in the 2003 Dodge Truck brochure that the payload rating for a 2500 QC 4x4 CTD HO is 2,310 and a 3500 QC 4x4 CTD HO is 4,470. <br><br>In a 2003 Silverado Truck brochure the payload rating for a 2500HD CC Short Bed 4x4 is 3,569 and a 3500HD CC Long Bed 4x4 is 4,941.<br><br>Are the Dodge ratings correct? Are they really that much lower than the GM vehicles. I assume the 3500 ratings from both brands reflect dually's. <br><br>Is the payload for a 3500 Dodge the same regardless of SRW or DRW?<br><br>In my use payload weight is much more important that towing weight.

Casey Balvert

The dually has a higher payload than the SRW. The gross weight ratings of the various truck makes are similar for each configuration but the Dodge seems to be heavier. The curb weight of the truck is subtracted from the GVWR to arrive at the payload. I am not sure why the difference in curb weights however. I know the 3500 Chevy uses composite box sides which may make some difference. The payload is dependent on the truck and how it is equipped. The six speed in the dodge for instance reduces your payload 100 or so pounds because it is heavier. I like the Dodge trailer towing guide because it is has very specific info for each model and configuration. Just be sure to obtain very specific information for the other makes as well so you have a fair comparison.

dealseeker

It shows in my towing guide that the payload for your truck would only be 3040 lbs.

Drafter

Dealseeker,<br><br>I just double checked the 2003 Dodge Trucks sales brochure and on page seven they specifically state &quot;4,470lbs&quot;. I hope your figure isn't correct because that would be a huge disappointment. I'm going to check with the dealer on Monday.

KenR

If you also look on page 7 at the top right of the chart, it shows a footnote (1). At the bottom, it states &quot;When properly equipped&quot;. I believe it will means DRW.

Go to the Dodge site and select towing guide and configure your truck to get the proper Payload.

Drafter

Ok. I went to the towing guide and spent some time checking things out.

In a nutshell the DRW has 12,000GVWR with a curb weight of 7,343 thus giving 4,657 payload. The SRW has 9,900GVWR with a curb weight of 6,855 thus giving 3,045 payload.

The GM 3500HD has a 11,400GVWR for DRW and isn't available in a SRW. The curb weight is 6,459 thus giving 4,941 payload. Their 2500HD has a 9,200GVWR with a curb weight of 5892 thus giving 3,308 payload.

The GM trucks come out on top by virtue of the lower curb weight even though they have a lower GVWR. The GM site doesn't break down the curb weights by engine and trans configuration. They only list by model. I'm pretty sure that the HD line isn't available with the composite box yet so that leaves me wondering why there is such a big difference in curb weight. The Dually does have composite rear fenders but that can't make that much of a difference in weight.

The above is based on the Dodge being configured the way I ordered it. Because I didn't want a DRW I would say that I went the right way even if the payload wasn't what I expected.

Thanks for the help. This definitely answered my question.

KenR

Way to go. Great research. You have got it.<br><br>I for one on the PDI of my truck will take it to the scale and weight it to be sure of the PAYLOAD available before I will give them my money.<br><br>

dealseeker

GM probably lists only their max payloads which I would guess come from the 6L gas engine equipped trucks. The Cummins engine alone adds about another 800 lbs.

Drafter

Dealseeker,<br><br>Your probably right on that. I'm going to see if I can find the curb weight of a comparable GM truck with the Duramax engine and Allison trans and post the results. <br><br>Like most brochures, only the most favorable information is listed with a foot note stating &quot;when properly equiped&quot;.

Drafter

Talked to the GM salesman I bought my Yukon from. He says that the 2500HD with Duramax and Allison trans in club cab model weighs 6500lbs. With 9,200 GVWR this give a payload of 2,700lbs. All things considered I think I made the right choice and this is my last post on this matter.<br><br>Thanks