Magnum R/T AWD Load Capcity

**CT-MSRT** · 10-08-2008, 09:23 AM

I have been doing some searching for this and been coming up empty. A buddy of mine has his own heavy industry service business and routinely carries 1200-1800lbs of equipment in his SUV. It is definitely on its last legs and the more i told him about the magnum and the more of them he sees the more he has liked them. Main question is, with the 5.7 and towing package on an AWD, can the suspension take that kind of weight? I know the drive line can tow it and brake it, and everything he uses can fit inside the back most likely with the rear seats removed for a better setup. If the car can't handle it, does anyone know of a suspension setup that can so we can get another person into one of these fine automobiles?

**Pigman 440** · 10-08-2008, 12:44 PM

First thing is to read on the sidewall of the tire regarding max load capicity,multiply by four and subtract car weight and the result is max that tires should carry. Most vehicles have a GWR (gross weight rating) or a GVWR gross rating with cargo. Exceding that could possibly be dangerous in event of a blowout or suspension failure,takes longer to stop,Etc. Could void warranty if dealer finds out or thinks car was extremely overloaded. Best to determine extent of cargo he will haul and buy/tailor vehicle for his purpose.

**FlatEric** · 10-08-2008, 01:21 PM

According to the sticker on my RT AWD, the GVWR is 5500 pounds. The GVWR is the total allowable weight including driver, passengers, and cargo (definition from the owner's manual).

The car alone weighs 4400 pounds give or take a gallon of gas or so, with distro of 54% front and 46% rear.

Add a 200 pound driver and a 150 pound passenger, and your max capacity for cargo is about 750 pounds, but not all of that can be over the rear axle as the max allowed there is 2810 pounds, (GAWR), a spec that is the same for both front and rear axles. So, without actually weighing the rear of my car, I would say it is at the recommended max capacity in the rear at 600 pounds tops.

I think if he needs to put 1000-1800 pounds in the back, he should get a pickup. 1800 pounds is just short of a ton, more than should even be put into 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton pickups. Or put it in a trailor, the Mag can tow up to 3800 pounds in a trailor with the tow package.

Hope this helps...

**The MagWag** · 10-08-2008, 01:23 PM

what about on a tow behind trailer? whats the tow rating?

**FlatEric** · 10-08-2008, 01:50 PM

Well, I'm guessing the tongue weight cannot exceed the max weight allowed on the rear axle, 600 pounds, less if there is luggage or something in the rear of the car. I don't have the tow package or hitch, just the load level system. And the book says max tow weight with the tow package is 3800 pounds, and to carry a full sized spare, as the compact spare can't be used when towing this kind of weight.

**CT-MSRT** · 10-08-2008, 03:04 PM

Thanks for the input. my concern is definitely on the axles and rear suspension of the vehicle. Tires/wheels can easily be obtained for the weight so they are not a concern. Despite the weight, the majority of the equipment is electrical and other parts that will not go well in the open so a pickup with a compartment or cap on it is out (he is tired of climbing into his current ride for parts. Trailer is also out of the question due to a few reasons. He wanted to go with something smaller than his full size SUV. Quite the predicament for him me thinks.