Pardon my question but how does a push bar set you over the GVWR? I can see if you were adding something like an in bed camper or something but I can't imagine a pushbar would add more weight than if you had 3 passengers in the vehicle while towing? I'm just curious how that would work, given what the tow rating is on a 2500?
Thank you for asking for the clarification. As I re-read my post, I wasn't clear on what I meant. Let me clarify. The GVWR of my 2024 RAM 2500 is 10,000 lbs. The cargo and occupant carrying capacity is 2119 lbs. per the stickers on the driver's door jam. If you look at the RAM 2500/3500 Payload Capacity Chart it reads the payload for a 2024 RAM 2500 4x4 6'4" box is 2500 lbs. That capacity is not accurate for my truck due to the weight of the added factory options. Also, the Capacity Chart says the Towing Capacity for a "generic" RAM 2500 4x4 6'4" box is 20,000 lbs. That 20,000 lbs has nothing to do with the GVWR of my truck. My 33' travel trailer has a "generic" tongue weight of 810 lbs. Probably closer to 1000 lbs when I load up the trailer with all the "stuff" needed for camping. That 810 lbs added to the truck is subtracted from the 2119 lbs of cargo and occupant carry capacity, leaving 1309 lbs of fuel, people and "stuff" I can add to my truck without going over the 10,000 lb GVWR. I weigh 200 lbs. My wife weighs 130 lbs. My dog weighs 96 lbs. Thats another 426 lbs into the truck, which leaves 883 lbs I can add to the truck without going over 10,000 GVWR. Then there's the diesel fuel! I have a 31 gallon tank. At 7.1 lbs per gallon I have an additional weight of 220.1 lbs of fuel. I now have 663 lbs of "stuff" I can load into my truck without going over the 10,000lb GWVR. I haven't even counted the weight of the DEF. I carry a lot of "stuff" with me in the bed of the truck when I go camping, e.g. bottle jack, tools, folding steps for dog to get in back of truck, air compressor, grill, mats, etc. That "stuff" can quickly add up. Last time I weighed my truck, trailer attached to truck, me, wife, dog, and all the stuff I was right at 10,000 lbs. That told me the trailer tongue weight was way more than 810 lbs, notwithstanding I have a weight distribution hitch. Suppose I had added a lift kit, bigger wheels and tires, a push bar, different bumpers, etc. I'd be way over the 10,000lb GVWR, risking excessive wear on the truck transmission, wheel bearings, axles, bushings, etc., and on the handling capability when towing. I could be subjected to excessive trailer sway. Had that happen once with a correctly loaded truck and trailer. I don't want to experience trailer sway again. I also don't want any issues with an insurance claim should I have one.
If someone isn't towing a large trailer with a heavy tongue weight then adding lifts, wheels, tires, etc. is probably not going to put the truck over the GVWR.
I see people on the Interstate, at gas stations, at campgrounds, etc. with clearly over loaded trucks. They are putting themselves, their families, and other people on the road at risk. It really upsets me!