Chevy/GMC 2500 HD Payload Capacity vs Rear Axle Weight Rating: Huh?
Question:
Went through these calculations too. Bought a 3500. Plenty of margin. Silverado HD payload capacity: 3475 lbs. But the limit for fifth wheel hitch weight at the point over the Rear Axles is: 2500 lbs Let’s assume a Fifth Wheel Hitch weight of: 1800 lbs And a SuperGlide 16k 5er hitch weighing: 300 lbs Shortbed has 26 gal tank: say 200 lbs gas. 200 lbs Yes, I know these may not be precise; I’m going a little heavier just to err on the “worst case scenario” side. So far, we’re looking at (weighing directly on the axle at this point): 2300 lbs Okay. Total Payload Cap says I have 1175 more lbs to go. Let’s say I have 1 200 lb driver + four 200 lb. passengers, + 175 lbs of coolers/tools in my spacious cab (again, this would be an extreme case, but I’m trying to get up to the payload limit). Assuming any weight put in the cab area (passengers, gear) will be equally distributed over the axles, even halving that 1175# load figure nets you an additional rear axle load of; call it 585 lbs. That’s *still* 385 pounds more than Chevy’s limit of 2500 lbs bearing on the rear axle. I’m already technically overloaded on the rear axle, according to their specs, even though I haven’t exceeded the payload capacity. Where is the other 1175 lbs of supposed available payload supposed to be carried? On the front bumper, as some sort of crazy counterweight? Doesn’t that seem odd, or what is the “safety” or “slop” factor? How “real” is this 2500# rear axle weight limitation? Of course, If I’m going to be over loaded it’s not gonna be that much weight in the cab; it’s gonna be stuff stored in the for storage compartments of the 5er. So how much *really* can I overload their 2500# axle limit, and still drive safely? 100 lbs? 200? 500? As a practical matter, it’s just too easy to exceed their Rear Axle Weight limit; and that’s without putting ANYTHING in the fifth wheel trailer!
Response:
I examined the capacity specs for my 2000 3/4 ton Silverado ext cab with short bed for towing/hauling. *You need the brochure [ trailering/hauling ] for all the definitions of these terms. *Sometimes they include weights of passenger[s] and perhaps not gasoline [remember about 6 to 7 pounds per gallon. ]. *I believe the tow capacity with 5th wheel hitch was surprisingly the SAME as distributed weight hitch configuration for each configuration of silverado truck. The more conservative numbers must be respected as one poster suggests. The GVWR of say 9200 [when adjusted for gasoline and expected cargo] would be more stringent or less permissive ]. The weight of the hardware of 5th wheel hitch reduces the capacity. The problem imposed here is a confusing set of definitions which needs to be carefully examined. Once this is done and alternatives to improve the results are limited . I purchased a 3/4 ton with 3.73 rear when I could have chosen the 4.10 rear at some operating costs but better hauling / pulling capacity.[ a ton]. I also observed that my old 1990 Silverado reg. cab long bed would [squat ]when the same boat /trailer load was applied to it. I chose to add a leaf spring and that solved that problem. It reduced the bumper drop from 6 inches to only 2 inches. Of course,[ the suspension capacity did not change], but my bumper drop was minimized and the trailer tongue would not dip lower and was properly leveled to the road surface. Cal Let me throw my 2 cents in on this matter. In my opinion, I think you are trying to use two “up to” numbers as specifications on your trucks carrying ability. In general, Payload Capacity and Kingpin Weight are not vehicle specifications. They are, at best, merely guides. The exception would be that the manufacturer wishes to place further constraints on your loading of the vehicle. There are three basic specifications for your truck. Front Axle FGAWR(4500), Rear Axle RGAWR(6084) and Vehicle (GVWR(9200). Payload Capacity is normally computed as GVWR – Base Vehicle Weight. Regardless of what may be listed for the payload capacity, the controlling specifications are still the three items(RGAWR, FGAWR and GVWR) listed above. I don’t have Chevy brochures, but do have the product and trailering guides for GMC vehicles. GMC should be the same as Chevy. The specification numbers listed above come from these GMC documents for the 2001 model year. I see in the GMC trailering guide that the kingpin weight is up to 2500 lbs. for a single rear wheel model. They also state, right after this: “The addition of the trailer kingpin weight cannot cause the vehicle to exceed Rear Axle Weight Rating(RGAWR) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR)”. Notice that they fall back to the basic weight rating specifications. These terms are the controlling specifications. Let’s take an example. Assume that the difference between the GVWR and your trucks weight is 3475 lbs. That doesn’t mean that you can carry that 3475 lb payload anywhere in the truck. It would have to be distributed in a manner that would not cause either FGAWR or RGAWR to be exceeded. Remember that all three specifications must be adhered to. Hope this helps a little. Bob Silverado HD payload capacity: 3475 lbs. But the limit for fifth wheel hitch weight at the point over the Rear Axles is: 2500 lbs Let’s assume a Fifth Wheel Hitch weight of: 1800 lbs And a SuperGlide 16k 5er hitch weighing: 300 lbs Shortbed has 26 gal tank: say 200 lbs gas. 200 lbs Yes, I know these may not be precise; I’m going a little heavier just to err on the “worst case scenario” side. So far, we’re looking at (weighing directly on the axle at this point): 2300 lbs Okay. Total Payload Cap says I have 1175 more lbs to go. Let’s say I have 1 200 lb driver + four 200 lb. passengers, + 175 lbs of coolers/tools in my spacious cab (again, this would be an extreme case, but I’m trying to get up to the payload limit). Assuming any weight put in the cab area (passengers, gear) will be equally distributed over the axles, even halving that 1175# load figure nets you an additional rear axle load of; call it 585 lbs. That’s *still* 385 pounds more than Chevy’s limit of 2500 lbs bearing on the rear axle. I’m already technically overloaded on the rear axle, according to their specs, even though I haven’t exceeded the payload capacity. Where is the other 1175 lbs of supposed available payload supposed to be carried? On the front bumper, as some sort of crazy counterweight? Doesn’t that seem odd, or what is the “safety” or “slop” factor? How “real” is this 2500# rear axle weight limitation? Of course, If I’m going to be over loaded it’s not gonna be that much weight in the cab; it’s gonna be stuff stored in the for storage compartments of the 5er. So how much *really* can I overload their 2500# axle limit, and still drive safely? 100 lbs? 200? 500? As a practical matter, it’s just too easy to exceed their Rear Axle Weight limit; and that’s without putting ANYTHING in the fifth wheel trailer!
Response:
Silverado HD payload capacity: 3475 lbs. I know you were punching numbers to try to figure your capacities, but that will probably vary significantly based on the options of your truck. But the limit for fifth wheel hitch weight at the point over the Rear Axles is: 2500 lbs I’m not sure where that weight cap. came from.
Their PDF “Silverado Trailering” file. NOWHERE on their website, on their brochure, or anything that a Chevy Customer Support guy could find listed the true GRAWR. but the rear axle weight rating is ~6K lbs.
I’ve confirmed that. The 2500 figure sure sounded fishy. It is possible to be over the GVWR, but not over the axle ratings. I think it would be more difficult (assuming a reasonable load) to be over the axle ratings, but under the GVWR. http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi
Cheese and RICE! Awesome! Try a search on this webpage, camper slide in, 5th wheel, and cargo weight capacities have been discussed extensively. First locate topics discussing curb weight; find someone who’s vehicle is similarly configured to what you will be buying, then you’ll have your actual payload capacity. Then look to see if someone with a similar set up listed their rear axle weight. Then go from there with number crunching.
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Response:
Cal Let me throw my 2 cents in on this matter. In my opinion, I think you are trying to use two “up to” numbers as specifications on your trucks carrying ability. In general, Payload Capacity and Kingpin Weight are not vehicle specifications. They are, at best, merely guides. The exception would be that the manufacturer wishes to place further constraints on your loading of the vehicle. There are three basic specifications for your truck. Front Axle FGAWR(4500), Rear Axle RGAWR(6084) and Vehicle (GVWR(9200). Payload Capacity is normally computed as GVWR – Base Vehicle Weight. Regardless of what may be listed for the payload capacity, the controlling specifications are still the three items(RGAWR, FGAWR and GVWR) listed above. I don’t have Chevy brochures, but do have the product and trailering guides for GMC vehicles. GMC should be the same as Chevy. The specification numbers listed above come from these GMC documents for the 2001 model year. I see in the GMC trailering guide that the kingpin weight is up to 2500 lbs. for a single rear wheel model. They also state, right after this: “The addition of the trailer kingpin weight cannot cause the vehicle to exceed Rear Axle Weight Rating(RGAWR) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR)”. Notice that they fall back to the basic weight rating specifications. These terms are the controlling specifications. Let’s take an example. Assume that the difference between the GVWR and your trucks weight is 3475 lbs. That doesn’t mean that you can carry that 3475 lb payload anywhere in the truck. It would have to be distributed in a manner that would not cause either FGAWR or RGAWR to be exceeded. Remember that all three specifications must be adhered to. Hope this helps a little. Bob Silverado HD payload capacity: 3475 lbs. But the limit for fifth wheel hitch weight at the point over the Rear Axles is: 2500 lbs Let’s assume a Fifth Wheel Hitch weight of: 1800 lbs And a SuperGlide 16k 5er hitch weighing: 300 lbs Shortbed has 26 gal tank: say 200 lbs gas. 200 lbs Yes, I know these may not be precise; I’m going a little heavier just to err on the “worst case scenario” side. So far, we’re looking at (weighing directly on the axle at this point): 2300 lbs Okay. Total Payload Cap says I have 1175 more lbs to go. Let’s say I have 1 200 lb driver + four 200 lb. passengers, + 175 lbs of coolers/tools in my spacious cab (again, this would be an extreme case, but I’m trying to get up to the payload limit). Assuming any weight put in the cab area (passengers, gear) will be equally distributed over the axles, even halving that 1175# load figure nets you an additional rear axle load of; call it 585 lbs. That’s *still* 385 pounds more than Chevy’s limit of 2500 lbs bearing on the rear axle. I’m already technically overloaded on the rear axle, according to their specs, even though I haven’t exceeded the payload capacity. Where is the other 1175 lbs of supposed available payload supposed to be carried? On the front bumper, as some sort of crazy counterweight? Doesn’t that seem odd, or what is the “safety” or “slop” factor? How “real” is this 2500# rear axle weight limitation? Of course, If I’m going to be over loaded it’s not gonna be that much weight in the cab; it’s gonna be stuff stored in the for storage compartments of the 5er. So how much *really* can I overload their 2500# axle limit, and still drive safely? 100 lbs? 200? 500? As a practical matter, it’s just too easy to exceed their Rear Axle Weight limit; and that’s without putting ANYTHING in the fifth wheel trailer!
Response:
Where is the other 1175 lbs of supposed available payload supposed to be carried? On the front bumper, as some sort of crazy counterweight?
Anything forward of the rear axle is spread between the rear axle and the front axle. I presume the maker had that in mind with the 5th wheel hitch load. Passengers sit way forward on the “beam” making their weight felt more by the front axle. Just my take on it. Hugh
Response:
Silverado HD payload capacity: 3475 lbs.
I know you were punching numbers to try to figure your capacities, but that will probably vary significantly based on the options of your truck. But the limit for fifth wheel hitch weight at the point over the Rear Axles is: 2500 lbs
I’m not sure where that weight cap. came from, but the rear axle weight rating is ~6K lbs. It is possible to be over the GVWR, but not over the axle ratings. I think it would be more difficult (assuming a reasonable load) to be over the axle ratings, but under the GVWR. http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi Try a search on this webpage, camper slide in, 5th wheel, and cargo weight capacities have been discussed extensively. First locate topics discussing curb weight; find someone who’s vehicle is similarly configured to what you will be buying, then you’ll have your actual payload capacity. Then look to see if someone with a similar set up listed their rear axle weight. Then go from there with number crunching.
Response:
Silverado HD payload capacity: 3475 lbs. But the limit for fifth wheel hitch weight at the point over the Rear Axles is: 2500 lbs Let’s assume a Fifth Wheel Hitch weight of: 1800 lbs And a SuperGlide 16k 5er hitch weighing: 300 lbs Shortbed has 26 gal tank: say 200 lbs gas. 200 lbs Yes, I know these may not be precise; I’m going a little heavier just to err on the “worst case scenario” side. So far, we’re looking at (weighing directly on the axle at this point): 2300 lbs Okay. Total Payload Cap says I have 1175 more lbs to go. Let’s say I have 1 200 lb driver + four 200 lb. passengers, + 175 lbs of coolers/tools in my spacious cab (again, this would be an extreme case, but I’m trying to get up to the payload limit). Assuming any weight put in the cab area (passengers, gear) will be equally distributed over the axles, even halving that 1175# load figure nets you an additional rear axle load of; call it 585 lbs. That’s *still* 385 pounds more than Chevy’s limit of 2500 lbs bearing on the rear axle. I’m already technically overloaded on the rear axle, according to their specs, even though I haven’t exceeded the payload capacity. Where is the other 1175 lbs of supposed available payload supposed to be carried? On the front bumper, as some sort of crazy counterweight? Doesn’t that seem odd, or what is the “safety” or “slop” factor? How “real” is this 2500# rear axle weight limitation? Of course, If I’m going to be over loaded it’s not gonna be that much weight in the cab; it’s gonna be stuff stored in the for storage compartments of the 5er. So how much *really* can I overload their 2500# axle limit, and still drive safely? 100 lbs? 200? 500? As a practical matter, it’s just too easy to exceed their Rear Axle Weight limit; and that’s without putting ANYTHING in the fifth wheel trailer!
