I am looking at possibly replacing my RAM 3500, and been interested in the Chevy 3500. The Chevy short bed has a GVWR of 12,100 lbs compared to the 11,800 lbs of my RAM, and I believe the 11,500 of the Ford. One of the Chevy 3500 I looked at (diesel 4x4 LTZ) has a 4,185 payload, which is better than the 3,750 that my current RAM has. Rear axle in the RAM is 7,000 lbs, where the Chevy is 7,250 lbs. The question is, the Chevy has the J2807 sticker that shows the max pin for goose/5th wheel of 3,180 lbs. No such sticker of course on the RAM, and taking into account all the actual payload numbers, I can theoretically put 3,750 lbs of pin weight in my RAM, where the Chevy with the higher payload, GVWR, and GAWR can not, if you follow the J2807, which I believe is just a guide to try and keep the manufacturers somewhat in line.

I have done a lot of searching, and seeking opinions. We all have used max payload (per a CAT weigh), and max axle weight as our numbers, so would it be an issue to continue? The Chevy is a fixed number, no matter the payload, where RAM is whatever the payload is. My trailer pin is usually around 2,800 lbs (320G has a very light pin weight), so I would be good no matter what, but if I were to load it more, than it could be 3,300 lbs.

Before anyone mentions it, yes, if I get near the 16,000+ lb weight (18,000 GVWR on trailer), I will be looking for a dually. Short bed only at this time. I am within all numbers, per the CAT scale with my RAM, and it tows well in all weather conditions. I know it is heresy to some, but I like the Dmax over the Cummins.