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How to read the vin decoder?

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Old Apr 24, 2018 | 06:05 PM
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How to read the vin decoder?

When reading the specs from the vin decoder I get 3 or 4 numbers for each spec. I am not sure which numbers to use. For instance, is the GVWR 9900 or 10000, is teh GCWR 22000 or 19000. Here is an example of the numbers for a 2013 Ford F-250...Gross Axle Wt Rating - Front 6000, 4800 lbs 4800.0 min 6000.0 maxGross Axle Wt Rating - Rear 6100 lbs 6100.0 min 6100.0 maxCurb Weight - Front 3941 lbs 3941.0 min 4660.0 maxCurb Weight - Rear 2846 lbs 2846.0 min 2989.0 maxGross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap 9900, 10000 lbs 9900.0 min 10000.0 maxGross Combined Wt Rating 22000, 19000 lbs 19000.0 min 23500.0 maxDead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. 5000 lbs 5000.0 min 5000.0 maxDead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. 500 lbs 500.0 min 500.0 maxWt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. 12500, 12000 lbs 12000.0 min 14000.0 maxWt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. 1875, 1800 lbs 1800.0 min 2100.0 max
I searched the forum but have not been successful. Perhaps I am using the wrong search terms.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2018 | 06:07 PM
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BTW, sorry for the numbers all scrunched into the paragraph. I had it all formatted but when I submitted the post everything was posted as a paragraph.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2018 | 06:09 PM
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Better yet... here is an image of the specs...

 
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Old Apr 24, 2018 | 06:28 PM
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your REAL numbers are on the drivers door tag, for YOUR TRUCK.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2018 | 06:36 PM
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Yes, the numbers on the door tag are the real numbers. I don't have the truck here. The numbers on the tag don't have all the information as the vin decoders. So while I know about the door tag, my question still stands... can someone enlighten me on reading the numbers from the vin decoder.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2018 | 06:33 AM
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From: very South Texas
gas engine can carry more weight... as engine is lighter.
diesel looses 1,000 pounds of carry
4x4 looses about 500 pounds of carry
deluxe interior weights more so carries less.

Ford offered 4 different front springs
Ford offered 3 different rear springs.

a F 250 with 3:73 gears is limited to 10,000 pounds of tow..
a F 250 with 4.30 gears maybe 12,500 pounds of tow
diesel.. offered 3 different gear sets.. so 3 different Max tow..

my 2012 "XL" Gas.. with trailer and slide in camper packages.. can carry 3,500 pounds and tow 10,000 pounds...
as my truck has the strongest front and rear springs.. and has the Rear anti-sway bar....

so you need to get your truck scaled.... at a Cat Scale or other weight station.
the F 250 rear axle can carry 6,100 pounds minus what the truck weights empty on the rear axle...6,100 minus 2,600 of truck weight = 3,500 to carry.
that is the best I can offer.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2018 | 12:35 PM
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"Chuck's First Ford", thanks for the info. Looks like your are knowledgeable. I have been towing for over 30 years. I currently tow a TOAD with my Class A motorhome. I know that payload is affected with options like diesel vs gasser, 4x4's packages, etc. I know about gear ratios and pulling power. I have taken my Class A and my TOAD to the local truck scale to get my curb weight and calculate my payload before. I have also done so with my truck and boat. I am not asking about "how" to figure out factors for towing. My original question is about reading the vin decoder. It is mostly out of curiosity and punching in different vehicles from different manufacturers and different models. My son is buying a truck and asked me about the vin decoder and it piqued my interest.

So back to my original question, can anyone tell me about the row of numbers for each spec and how to properly read them?
 
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Old May 1, 2018 | 09:26 PM
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So, does anyone know how to read the numbers on the vin decoder?
 
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Old May 1, 2018 | 09:39 PM
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That decoder sucks use etis if you want accurate info, you have to register but it’s free. https://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleReg...oz.eccvas1900h
 
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