Still lots of people here, like myself, that like to keep current about what's happening in the truck market. So figured I'd ask because I can't find the answer ... how is Chevy/GM creating a new GVWR of 11,500lbs for a "3/4 ton" truck and somehow (dodging? solving/avoiding?) the 10,000lb GVWR class 2 DOT restriction? Or are they? Or am I completely off base thinking this is even an issue... I guess I'm confused because I have been a believer that the 3/4T (regardless of manufacturer) has always been a paper/sticker rating - not a physical rating. Looking for example at current F-250 6.7L, the FAWR is 5000lbs and RAWR is 6200lbs (at least it is on my '19), giving 11,200lbs (even OEM 18" tires are 3400lbs capacity/ea). So what's the angle/trick/change of the 2020 Chevy/GM 2500 that Ram/Ford haven't done?

 

Maybe I missed it, but I haven't seen any official GM documentation that says they're increasing the GVWR, just documents that they're increasing the GCWR:

https://plants.gm.com/media/us/en/ch...2020.tab1.html
https://www.gmc.com/gmc-life/trucks/...rra-heavy-duty

These never mention the GVWR rating being changed.

 

It's a question better asked over at a Chevy/GM forum. Not being flippant. Just being realistic. Those guys know their trucks and manufacturer as well as we do ours.

But, also realize that you can get a Ford F-350 SRW, normally 11,500 lbs, with a 10,000/9,900 GVWR rating. So, there you go.

 

Funny that I literally just posted a thread on this same topic.

I don't think there is any official restriction that says "3/4 ton" (a fake designation) trucks must be Class 2 vehicles. I believe Ford assigns the 10,000 pound GVWR to the F-250 for marketing reasons. Why else would Ford offer trucks that are nearly identical mechanically but their GVWR differs by 1500 pounds? The only difference between my F-250 with the High Capacity Trailer Tow Package and a F-350 is a slightly different leaf spring configuration. I seriously doubt that the slight difference in deflection rates justifies the 1500 pound bump in GVWR/payload.

GM said screw it, and for 2020 will build certain 2500 trucks that are Class 3 vehicles with a GVWR and payload ratings that exceed a F-350. They will also build other 2500s that maintain their status as Class 2 trucks. Why? What is their strategy? I don't know the answer to that question?

 

3:06
11:46

 

It's really no different than Ford putting out the F-450 with the same 14,000# max GVWR as the F-350. Is one really class 4 and the other class 3?

 

I’m glad to see GM push the GVW up. Hopefully, this will force Ford to offer a higher GVW on the 350 SRW.

 

Good thing I got my 10,000 gvwr F250 already.

 

I don't think many non commercial buyers care what class a vehicle is in. Perhaps it may be an issue with registration fees or insurance, dunno, never thought about it. Maybe that varies by state too.

 

Its nation wide, DOT rules.

Most of these trucks are commercial. Not all of them need over 10,000.

 

So why would you be glad you have a less capable truck? Just curious. Should you buy a New GM you can always declare a 10,000# GVWR for your extra capable Silverado. Looks like companies are giving the consumer the choice of GVWR best for them.

 

Sorry guys, not Super Duty related tech, so this discussion thread has to be moved over to the General Automotive Discussion forum.

Stewart

 

It does precisely what I need. Plenty capable.