GVW difference

[trouttrooper]

Not entirely sure myself. I try not to think about it too much. I believe the actual limiting factor on a DRW is the rating of the axle itself so that may be where the payload number comes from. The combined rating for all 4 tires on the back exceeds the axle rating, so the axle is what limits the rating. On a SRW the combined rating for the 2 tires is less than the axle rating. Here's where part of my theory comes from. Compare 2005 model 2500HD to 3500 SRW. They are the same truck minus 2 leaf springs. A 2500HD has a 9,200 GVWR with 245/75/R16E tires rated at 3042 lbs. 3500 SRW has 9,900 GVWR with 265/75/R16E tires rated at 3415 lbs. 9,900 - 9,200 = 700 lbs. (2x3415) - (2X3042) = 746 lbs. IMHO Awful big coincidence if the tires aren't the limiting factor there.

The 200 lb lower 5th wheel hitch rating on the DRW makes no sense to me.

 

[Grendahl]

Not entirely sure myself. I try not to think about it too much. I believe the actual limiting factor on a DRW is the rating of the axle itself so that may be where the payload number comes from. The combined rating for all 4 tires on the back exceeds the axle rating, so the axle is what limits the rating. On a SRW the combined rating for the 2 tires is less than the axle rating. Here's where part of my theory comes from. Compare 2005 model 2500HD to 3500 SRW. They are the same truck minus 2 leaf springs. A 2500HD has a 9,200 GVWR with 245/75/R16E tires rated at 3042 lbs. 3500 SRW has 9,900 GVWR with 265/75/R16E tires rated at 3415 lbs. 9,900 - 9,200 = 700 lbs. (2x3415) - (2X3042) = 746 lbs. IMHO Awful big coincidence if the tires aren't the limiting factor there.

The 200 lb lower 5th wheel hitch rating on the DRW makes no sense to me.

I think both the SRW and DRW trucks have the same GCVWR, which is probably determined by the capability of the brakes. Since the SRW truck is a bit lighter than the DRW, the allowable trailer weight is heavier. That is my theory anyway.