Re: Wrong TV Rig???
Boy, does this thread sound familiar! Thanks for all the great comments, I learn a lot through the Forum. I shudder to think how many undersized tow vehicles are out there. I remember the Heartland guys telling me about a 5th wheel dropped off for service - it was loaded up with so much 'stuff', especially in the nose, that their forklift would not pick it up.
Anyway, the reason this all sounds so familiar is back when we got our 2013 Cyclone 4100, we moved up from a 2010 Chev 2500 to a 2012 Ram 3500 DRW. Based on the promo material in the window of the Ram, I thought it had a GCWR of 30,000#. Last year we decided to go with a new Cyclone 4100, and figured the 2012 Ram was still good to go. I had the rig weighed by the RV Safety folks, and they came back with a GCWR of 25,000 for the Ram. I was way overweight!
Stunned, amazed, and more than little angry, I contacted my dealer, they gave me a phone number to Chrysler; I've had several conversations with Chris at Chrysler up in Michigan, and bottom line only 'certain' 2012 Rams were rated at 30,000. Mine, even though it had the Max Tow package, was only good to 25,000.
A summary of the conversations in my words is that Dodge upped the horsepower and torque starting in 2013, and also increased the cooling for motor and trans. No significant changes in the frame.
I looked into changing gears from 3.73 to 4.10, but since I had a 4WD would have had to change both diffs. And even that would have only gained about 3,000 in GCWR. And going to 4.10 would have played hobs with my already miserable fuel mileage.
I broke the news to Pam, and proceeded to agonize for a couple of months. While several resources said I would probably be 'OK' continuing with my 2012, doing any mountainous terrain could overtax the engine/tranny. I also thought about the possible liability should I get into an accident, especially if it was my fault. If the investigator found out I was overweight, and if Allstate found out I was overweight, would I be up the creek with no paddle and millions of $ of liability?
Weighing all the factors, I did more research, talked to Chris again, and ended up ordering a 2016. Aisin tranny with HO Cummins and 3.73 gears yields 900 ft lbs of torque, 385 horsies and GCWR just over 33,000 - Chrysler provided written specifics. Got it two weeks ago and it appears to be every thing it's supposed to be. Haven't towed the Cyclone yet, but have towed my 30' car hauler, and the increased HP and torque is quite noticeable. Fuel mileage is also already a lot better than my pitiful 2012.
Was I PO'd that the 2012 was not all it was supposed to be? Oh yeah! Did I go back to a Ram even so? Yup. While I've been a die hard GM guy, sure do love that Cummins. The dealer has been good to me, wasn't their fault the 2012 didn't match up to expectations. And, must admit I hadn't done my homework; I am now a lot more knowledgeable about all those weight acronyms - GAWR, GCWR, etc, etc, etc.
I looked real hard at special built 4500 or 5500 or even a semi tractor. But before I even mentioned that, Pam read my mind and said "You're not parking one of those in our driveway!" She pretty much lets me get a way with whatever I want, so when she's that adamant, I've learned to pay attention.
Has this cost me a bundle? Yes; but when offset against potential liability, lawyer costs and on and on, I'm 'way ahead financially, I sleep better at night and tow with a lot more confidence.
