Warning: Don't believe the salesman or the literature

[talk2cpu]

Just purchased a 2014 RAM 1500 crew 4x4 6.5' RamBox with 3.21 axle. RAM's literature shows this truck by VIN has a payload rating or 1260 or 1360 or 1409 lbs. Unsure why the 150 lb difference, could be the RamBox. We tow a 2011 Passport 250bh with max loaded weight of 6200lbs and we currently are running only about 5500-5600 with a hitch weight of about 650lbs.

Where I run into the problem ( I know, my fault I didn't check it) is the door post sticker says max payload with cargo and passengers is 1060lbs. WTH? That is 200-350lbs less than any published specs I can find for this exact truck.

So I am stuck with the truck and only hope the WD hitch and possibly some air lift bags in the springs will get the ride as we hoped. This will be our travel package for 6 months of the year. Just hope we don't get checked and they go by the sticker on the door post.

SO REMEMBER, don't use any of the literature, read the info posted on the truck.
Tom

[x96mnn]

The weights in the leitiuture and websites list max payload for that style truck with no options. Add stereo, power options, upgraded seats, floor mats, bed liner tow hooks, skid plates trailer hitch, trailer tow break and so on, all weigh something and take payload away.

[GaryWT]

The rambox seems like it would weight more than a standard bed which is most likely what is in print. Have heard that Dodge /Ram has a lower payload than other trucks. Will make things tight for sure nut that number on the door is the one to go by. Be sure to keep everything in the trailer and limit the truck to just passengers.

[talk2cpu]

Originally Posted by x96mnn

The weights in the leitiuture and websites list max payload for that style truck with no options. Add stereo, power options, upgraded seats, floor mats, bed liner tow hooks, skid plates trailer hitch, trailer tow break and so on, all weigh something and take payload away.

Still can't figure out why the VIN lookup got it wrong. There were no "dealer options" just straight from the factory.

Anyone know if the 20" wheels lower the payload?

[x96mnn]

Not sure if the 20" tires lower the payload but they do drop the tow capacity by 200pds.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by x96mnn

Not sure if the 20" tires lower the payload but they do drop the tow capacity by 200pds.

They do on the Fords with them, not sure why though...

Aaron

[Hercules1978]

My '11 Silverado has a lower payload capacity due to the 20" rims. This was described to me by the dealer as due to having a lower profile tire with a smaller "air cushion" to support the load

[audio1der]

The RAM payloads are determined by trim level,so if the 20"s decrease capacity, it would be "buried" inside that calculation. I've read a lot of charts and literature (RAM) and have never heard that before.
All that matters is the door sticker. It's unfortunate and strange that theVIN lookup differs on your truck.
Do yourself a favor and decide whether a set of Airlift bags or upgraded springs are better suited for ridding yourself of towing sag. We're very pleased with our Airlifts but now that ours is 100% towing duty only I would rather have stiffer coils and not worry about pressure or leaks.
The ride quality of a RAM when empty, is second to none though; enjoy it.

[talk2cpu]

How was it to install the AirLift system? Did you opt for the remote fill?

Originally Posted by audio1der

The RAM payloads are determined by trim level,so if the 20"s decrease capacity, it would be "buried" inside that calculation. I've read a lot of charts and literature (RAM) and have never heard that before.
All that matters is the door sticker. It's unfortunate and strange that theVIN lookup differs on your truck.
Do yourself a favor and decide whether a set of Airlift bags or upgraded springs are better suited for ridding yourself of towing sag. We're very pleased with our Airlifts but now that ours is 100% towing duty only I would rather have stiffer coils and not worry about pressure or leaks.
The ride quality of a RAM when empty, is second to none though; enjoy it.

[sourdough]

talk2cpu

I installed the Airlift 1000s on my 2012 Ram 1500. It took a couple of hours. You need to be able to lift your truck to extend the springs then insert the bags into the springs...the hardest part but not extremely difficult. This time of year you would want the bags warm to make them more pliable. I did not install the auto fill w/pump. I just ran the airline out the back thru the plastic above the bumper. I aired up using a small, heavy duty portable air compressor (12 V). When aired down you have the OE ride of the 1500 which is unbeatable and something I didn't want to lose (until I bought my 2500 .

[natedog_37]

The Ram box take away the load you can care. You will be fine. and man why the 3.21 gears. Way to low to tow in my mind. My 3:55 suck in my mind.

My Mods
http://tuftruck.com/products/dodge
BullyDog tuner
http://www.truckspring.com/suspensio...mbren-kit.aspx Bump stop helpers
Rancho 9500 rear 10 way shocks
Rancho quicklift with 9500 shocks.
Slotted Front and rear rotors
better pads

etc etc. Above is a good start. problem with 2012 and up are the front diff is welded so you can't change gearing..

I pull my trail level even with the 2 1/2 lift in front, and tow my 35 foot in closed car trailer full loaded with no issues