Dodge increases towing capacity of 2010 Ram on paper with no hardware changes
To paraphrase – Dodge: "Gosh, the Ram is even better than we thought." That's essentially the explanation given as to why the Ram's maximum towing capacity has been bumped from 9,100 pounds to 10,450 without any apparent hardware changes. Now fully coil-sprung, Chrysler initially said this new setup (as opposed to leaf springs) offers significantly better ride quality, and since research indicated that 80 percent of owners tow just 6,000 pounds or less, joining the fracas of half ton trucks that can drag around five tons or more wasn't the most important benchmark for the new Ram.
While the stated goal at the time of the new 2009 Ram's launch was to at least match what the previous Ram could do, another look at the latest SAE testing protocols for tow ratings suggested that more brawn had indeed been baked into the new truck. As such, a 2010 two-wheel drive longbed Ram with the 5.7-liter Hemi and 3.92 rear end gets a 1,500 pound bump in gross combined vehicle weight rating to 15,500 pounds. The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the absolute maximum the truck is guaranteed to handle without damage – passengers, payload, trailer and all.
There are other detail changes for 2010, such as trailer-towing mirrors in manual or power specification, an efficiency tweak to the airdam, available iPod integration and 22-inch wheels, along with an engine management revision to eke some more efficiency out of the truck by shutting off fuel during deceleration.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
HotRodzNKustoms 10:44AM (7/29/2009)
Most people towing any more than about 6,000lbs will generally step up to a three-quarter ton truck anyways. So I never understood the recent half-ton towing capacity war. Anybody who wants to tow more can just buy the beefier truck, unless they have their heart set on buying Japanese.
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Mike 10:58AM (7/29/2009)
I think things have changed a little, the 3/4 ton and up trucks are much larger and get much worse fuel economy (unless you get a diesel). They are also more expensive (especially the diesel).
I think the willy-nilly decision to get something significantly larger than what is actually needed is going away.
Fact is, a half ton truck can now do what 1 tons could do 10-15 years ago and our towing needs aren't any larger than they were back then. I've towed my race car with both an F150 and F250 (6.4L diesel) and while the 250 was more pleasurable to tow with, the 150 gave me no issues at all. The trailer weight was around 8,000 lbs fully loaded. Accelleration and braking were plenty capable in the 150. The only thing was the mileage wasn't as good.
Now if I could get either for free, it would be a 250, but since we all typically have to buy our vehicles, I'd probably buy a 150 if I was in the market right now. The only reason I could see for stepping up to the plate on the 250 is if I towed every weekend for long distances as the fuel economy edge for the diesel would have negated the extra purchase price, but since I go racing about 10 times a year, the 150 would be just fine.
Dan 2:47PM (7/29/2009)
Current 1/2 tons match, even surpass the 2500/3500 trucks of a decade ago in some respects. But with soft springs for cushy commuter duty and 1400 lb payload ratings to match, they aren't stand ins. With a toolbox and passengers, tongue weight on any trailer near that brochure rating will put you well over GVWR.
Zag 3:57AM (7/30/2009)
If you have springs you can put some air bags in the springs and that will offer the best ride you can buy or can get.
I could undertstand the rating to go up due to springs but they could be uprated springs thus the reason for no upgrades as such.
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teamkonsol 10:53AM (7/29/2009)
and now that the towing capacity has been increased, what has been done about the brakes?
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Mike 11:01AM (7/29/2009)
Obviously nothing, I'm not saying Chrysler tacked on a fake towing capacity but you'd think they'd have done a little more testing when they released the truck so as not to have to change the numbers with no hardware changes. With people already a bit sceptical of Chrysler, these things don't lend lots of confidence.
Redline 11:02AM (7/29/2009)
On paper they are better too. :P
teamkonsol 11:46AM (7/29/2009)
... and this exactly how the (american) automotive industry has allowed itself to arrive at its current predicament. exploiting the 'on paper' argument may be relevant to those consumers who purchase vehicles based on their technical specifications, but, inauspiciously, the real world performance of the aforesaid product(s) presents a far more compelling argument.
ah, i just realized that i might be digressing... :).
Frank 11:01AM (7/29/2009)
"There are other detail changes for 2010, such as trailer-towing mirrors in manual or power specification, an efficiency tweak to the airdam, available iPod integration and 22-inch wheels, along with an engine management revision to eke some more efficiency out of the truck by shutting off fuel during deceleration."
Looks like Dodge is sweating the details. This how it's done by the Japanese. A little improvement here and a little there and over time you have vehicle that is well regarded and sells.
I agree with the others here. You don't tow 10,000 lbs. with an half ton.
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blitzgt 11:08AM (7/29/2009)
The last sentence claims that fuel will be shut off during decel, this happens anyway if your foot is not on the pedal. ?????
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Chibi Chaingun - blackhivemedia.com 11:09AM (7/29/2009)
Computer "software" update allow for more power?
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cool_ozzyfromkalush 11:12AM (7/29/2009)
If you look at me on paper, Im also great : 6'3", short brown hair, brown eyes, 174 pounds. But in real life Im ugly as ****. XD
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Noah 11:22AM (7/29/2009)
One could tow 15,000 pounds with a 1/2 ton, but I wouldn't recommend it for long. Its tow rating is just what Chrysler is comfortable and confident the truck can handle. My guess is that they weren't totally confident for the first year, but after more testing, real life scenarios, they became confident.
Or, they just wanted to add artificial "improvements" after the first year.
I have never owned a truck, let alone towed anything, but if you tow ~9,000-10,000 lbs all the time, you'd want to step up to a 3/4 ton, right? I imagine its best not to tax your truck by towing at the limit all the time.
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ehisforadam 11:25AM (7/29/2009)
No apparent changes = doesn't mean they didn't change springs or bushings or something like that. Tuning can make a lot of difference.
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The Other Bob 11:26AM (7/29/2009)
A full size truck interests me, but not for its total payload weight or towing capacity. All I want is the ability to utilize the volume of these trucks. I think most folks need the same thing, but cannot get it in a smaller truck.
I would love an F-100, with a full sized bed, but lighter duty to save money and gas.
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Farmboy 11:42AM (7/29/2009)
I actually read somewhere that it there was a change in the gear ratio. Still, I'd rather take the F150 over the Dodge, and trust me, I love both brands.
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MikeW 1:39PM (7/29/2009)
Where is that 7 speed double clutch at?
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Matt 1:13PM (7/29/2009)
Ah...so Dodge is taking a page out of Ford's book.
Not good Dodge...not good.
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jjmcubed 4:17PM (7/29/2009)
Matt is correct. Ford did the same thing a couple of years ago with zero changes to the F-150.
TigerMil 3:18PM (7/29/2009)
Good. Now that these are over 10,000 GCVWR, they can stay the heck off my street where there are SIGNS that say so.
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