I've been on this forum trying to understand towing with the Ram 1500, and while enthused by the idea of a 4-corner air suspension have, like the owners, been fluxed by the low payload ratings which limit tongue weight.
A glance at the table below highlights the problem. The Ram, even using the restrictive SAE J2807 spec, had the highest GCWR. But it also has the lowest GVWR, lowest rear GAWR, and the lowest payload. The first thing on the door sticker with GAWR is a statement on the tires and air pressures. Presumably shifting to an LT tire and using either air suspension or aftermarket supplemental air springs would de facto raise the rear GAWR, GVWR, and payload. IMHO, the change would raise the effective rear GAWR from 4100 to 4800/4900, the effective GVWR to 7700/7800 and the 1100lb payload to a more funcitonal 1700lb-1800lb buyers were expecting in the first place.
However, comparing to my two past vehicles, on the basis of the practical work stuff, it is coming up short. Of course, the corollary is that neither of those vehicles is still in production. The last Yukon XL 2500/Suburban 2500 was made in 2014. The last Titan-based QX56/Armada was made in 2016. There is no equivalent on the market. Both developed 'issues'. The Yukon started bursting brake lines...it even burst one at the dealer while they were fixing another. The QX56 lost the line to the rear A/C and the wheels are leaking from surface corrosion. To replace the line (corroded A/C lines apparently being a relatively commn Nissan problem) requires removing the body from the frame.
With a top draw interior, 4-corner air suspension, Rambox, and the dual function tailgate (as it is called on the window sticker), it is unique and IMHO way ahead of its competition. But in functionality from towing a heavy trailer to taking home 4x8 plywood it seems to come up a bit short. Not to mention the ridiculous towing mirrors when the 2500 (mirror cameras and both top and bottom electrically adjustable) and GMC (integrates with upto 15 cameras including creating a "transparent trailer" view) have such functional solutions.
Just frustated! Really looking for a Ram SUV with 8000 lb GVWR and the 2500 towing mirrors!
A glance at the table below highlights the problem. The Ram, even using the restrictive SAE J2807 spec, had the highest GCWR. But it also has the lowest GVWR, lowest rear GAWR, and the lowest payload. The first thing on the door sticker with GAWR is a statement on the tires and air pressures. Presumably shifting to an LT tire and using either air suspension or aftermarket supplemental air springs would de facto raise the rear GAWR, GVWR, and payload. IMHO, the change would raise the effective rear GAWR from 4100 to 4800/4900, the effective GVWR to 7700/7800 and the 1100lb payload to a more funcitonal 1700lb-1800lb buyers were expecting in the first place.
However, comparing to my two past vehicles, on the basis of the practical work stuff, it is coming up short. Of course, the corollary is that neither of those vehicles is still in production. The last Yukon XL 2500/Suburban 2500 was made in 2014. The last Titan-based QX56/Armada was made in 2016. There is no equivalent on the market. Both developed 'issues'. The Yukon started bursting brake lines...it even burst one at the dealer while they were fixing another. The QX56 lost the line to the rear A/C and the wheels are leaking from surface corrosion. To replace the line (corroded A/C lines apparently being a relatively commn Nissan problem) requires removing the body from the frame.
With a top draw interior, 4-corner air suspension, Rambox, and the dual function tailgate (as it is called on the window sticker), it is unique and IMHO way ahead of its competition. But in functionality from towing a heavy trailer to taking home 4x8 plywood it seems to come up a bit short. Not to mention the ridiculous towing mirrors when the 2500 (mirror cameras and both top and bottom electrically adjustable) and GMC (integrates with upto 15 cameras including creating a "transparent trailer" view) have such functional solutions.
Just frustated! Really looking for a Ram SUV with 8000 lb GVWR and the 2500 towing mirrors!
| 2000 Suburban 2500 | 2010 QX56 | 2020 Ram 1500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAWR | 3800/5500 | 3900/4300 | 3900/4100 |
| GVWR | 8600 | 7300 | 7100 |
| Actual Payload | ~2100 | 1323 | 1100 |
| GCWR | 16000 | 15100 | 17000 |
| Tires | LT 265/70-16 | P275/60-20 | 275/55-20 SL |
| Peak Horsepower | 300 | 320 | 395 |
| Rear Springs | 2-stage leaf spring, live axle | coil spring with supplemental auto-leveling rear airbags, IRS | 4-wheel air suspension, live axle |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic | 5-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Max cargo length (seats folded) | 97" | 88" (front seat tips forward to hold 8ft 2x4s) | 67" or 76" |
| Length | 219" | 207" | 233" or 242" |
| Weather protection | Enclosed storage, liftgate | Enclosed storage, liftgate | Hope an aftermarket cover will keep it dry, tailgate. |
