Adding payload capacity to RAM 1500?

[LNBright]

Originally Posted by mtbackpacker

And yet, if you have the 6.2L engine then your rear axle is the same as the one in the max tow package and is capable of a 4200lbs rating with the rest of the changes (cooling, springs, shocks). The sticker on your hitch itself will tell you it is rated to 12000/1200. Lots of different variables here but it is pretty clear the soft ride of the AT4 suspension is the limiting factor here (the brakes are the same between max tow and AT4 as well).

Although the 6.2 has more horsepower and torque, it is heavier: the 1500 crew cab with a 6.2 is rated for towing 8800lbs. A non AT4 crew cab with a 5.3 is rated to 9200lbs. The AT4 crew cab with the 5.3 is the one that jumps up to 9800lbs.

With a 20’, the AT4 with the 5.3 is enough... if I had something larger, a 27’ or a 28’, I’d want to step up to a 2500 for the payload difference, but not needed for how light we roll (not bringing along lots of extra stuff, just two of us, etc).

I will say, my AT4 is a lot more comfortable than my previous Sierra... I am okay with the suspension change.

[mtbackpacker]

Originally Posted by LNBright

Although the 6.2 has more horsepower and torque, it is heavier: the 1500 crew cab with a 6.2 is rated for towing 8800lbs

Mine [6.2/AT4] is stickered at 9300/930 for trailer/tongue weight on a 15k GCWR. It would have been 200lbs more (9500/950) without the sunroof of all things. It tows my 25FBT pretty well overall and has been extremely solid with the added airbags... I do look longingly at the HD AT4 but more isn't always better.

With the research I have done I don't worry anymore about running this truck at the stickered limit (scale verified with ~100lbs to spare) because I know the pieces are all there to handle more than what it is rated for (minus the suspension, see airbags).

If I did it all again today I would probably be in a 2500... but it wouldn't be an easy decision.