[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by r9brian

If I use 3345lbs as my payload... that would mean the truck only weighs 6655lbs.

So. the newer 3/4 ton RAMs are getting lighter from the factory? Cheaper parts and less metal where is should be?

Your numbers aren't adding up.....

First, your unloaded trailer weight is 12300 and your trailer GVWR (max weight) is 12500. That means you can only have 200 pounds of cargo ??

Then, on the left side, if the truck GVW is 9505 and the trailer weighs 12500, that adds up to 22005. If the GCWR (max combined weight) is 21500, then you're 505 over the max with a trailer with 200 pounds of cargo ?? If your trailer loaded weight is 12300 and the truck weighs 9505, then the total is 21805, still 305 over the combined maximum rating. If the 12300 is the "loaded trailer (with your cargo included) then the pin weight would be around 2705 (22%) not 2000 pounds (16.7%)

Then, If you have a truck payload of 3345 and load 850 pounds of cargo/passengers into the truck, that leaves 2495 for the hitch and the trailer pin. Most hitches weigh between 150-300 pounds and are not included in the 20-25% of trailer weight (most people use 22% to calculate weights), so with a trailer of 12500, 22% for pin weight would be 2750. Add the hitch weight (let's use 150 for a "low end non sliding hitch) would be 2900 pounds for the trailer and hitch... So, with 2495 of remaining payload and adding 2900 pounds of trailer pin/hitch, you're going to be 405 overloaded.

All of these numbers "don't add up to what is on your spreadsheet"...

That is why "guessing" is not a good way to spend money on trucks or trailers"... Using brochure weights to calculate "best guess" works well for the sales staff at most dealerships, but doesn't work well for a new owner who finally gets a chance to drag his newly purchased trailer over a CAT scale... That's usually the "sad moment when reality sinks in"...

In summary, I think your proposed figures are flawed. The trailer unloaded weight and maximum weight rating can't be correct, the truck payload of 3345 was "as it left the factory" so anything you've added will be deducted from that figure. Things like a bed liner, the fifth wheel hitch, the 2" receiver ball you stuck in the receiver, the running boards, maps, gloves, pressure gauge, even the TPMS receiver and the rear camera monitor need to be considered. Anything (and EVERYTHING) you've added to the truck since you bought it need to be deducted from the "yellow sticker maximum cargo"....