[rdebruin44]

Hello!

I have a 2019 Ram 2500. Based on stickers and VIN look up, its payload is 2172 lbs. But if I look up its payload on the generic charts you can find online, for my particular model, the payload is listed at 2520 lbs. The only major difference between my truck and the standard 2500, crew cab, 4x4, diesel is that our truck came with upgraded 20 inch wheels and LT285/60R20E tires.

If we switch to the standard 18 inch wheels and LT275/70R18E tires, will that get us closer to the standard 2520 payload? I guess what I am asking is if smaller wheels and certain tires increase payload? Could my particular tires be the limiting factor on my payload?

We are shopping for a 5th wheel and quickly realized how useless the incredible tow rating is on our truck since its limited by a dinky payload. Trying to figure out the max hitch weight we are comfortable with and if tires and wheels can help.

Thanks!

 

[Jimmy N.]

Have your pickup weighed, then deduct that weight from 10,000 lbs. That's your payload.

 

[Lins]

Yes every feature and accessory you add on compared to their standard config (usually extreme base model) subtracts from your payload.
The whole point of a 2500 is to keep it under 10,000 pounds for commercial purposes (look at a highway scale sign).

 

[kwmartin25404]

Having the 2500 is going to limit your 5ther selection. I wouldn’t go by what FCA sent you and wouldn’t think there’s much of a difference between the 18-20” tires. I have 20” tires and tows my TT fine. There’s a lot of factors to consider. Your number was similar to mine from FCA. But loaded up with family, tanks full using a CAT scale I have 1,400 lbs to safely play with for tongue/pin weight. There are ultralite 5thers with low pin weights. Also depends on how much and where you load stuff in the rig. Had one colleague who had a 34’ Artic Wolf 5ther with a 1K pin weight but that’s the lightest I’ve heard of so far. Another colleague had a Grand Design 36’ 5ther with a 1,280lb pin weight. But most 5th wheel hitches are heavy and are a factor. If you stick with the 2500 and want to stay within specs, you’re gonna be limited on 5thers. You’ll need to upgrade to a 3500 for a big 5ther. One of the reasons I went with a TT, that and current cost. But the RV dealership could’ve ordered two different 5thers for me that would’ve been under my payload capacity.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

GAWR puts you at 4k load cap 12,040lbs max weight not the false 10k registration weight they put on them… stock wheels and tires (same one the 3500s) put you at max 7k per axle.

AAM rates the rear axles at 10,900lbs so your wheels and tires are the limiting factor if you run a set of airbags to help the springs out