I have wondered for a while as to why the modern trucks weigh more than the old ones. For example, I have owned many old Silverado's. My last one was a 85 3/4 ton HD. It was a rc, lwb, 8 lug and weighed 4500lbs. I now own a 04 Ram 1500 rc,swb, v6 that weighs 4500lbs.

Why is that? Anyone know? I know the sheetmetal is a lot thinner than what they used 20 years ago. I'm guessing the frame is beefier? The bumpers now days weigh nothing compared to the old steel bumpers.

 

Inflation is awful heavy......

 

you got that right![sm=exactly.gif]

 

the airbag systems weigh a ton, and i would guess the frame is heavier. the trucks have also gotten bigger over time as well haven't they? i thought the rams back in the early 80s were about the size of dakotas now, but i could be wrong.

 

Interesting topic. The frame is definitely a good factor. The older trucks did not have boxed frames as many of the newer trucks do. And steel adds up fast in weight. Also, I bet it could be all the additional systems that new trucks have. Look at the size of the rims and tires we run. One tire/rim from a stock truck with the 20's weighs near 75lbs. Also, all the electronics weigh something too, like the computers. Just think about behind the dash board. Before, all that controlled the heat was a few vacuum hoses, now you have computers and motors for your dual zone climate control. We also use more stuff like insulation and sound proofing. Older trucks were for the most part "bare bones" hauling, and working vehicles. Just my $.02

 

thanks for your replies!

I dont think a regular cab truck is any bigger now than what they have been in the past.

If anybody else has any ideas, please chime in. The weight it seems is what is keeping us from getting decent mileage.

I would be interested in looking at the specs of the big 3 in terms of weight by taking the same setup in Ford, Dodge , & Chevy and then factor in mpg and how they compare.

 

I didn't know that the airbags weighed that much. My truck has two of them. Any idea how much weight that is?

 

Come to think of it, air bags can't weigh that much. They put them in steering wheels. Something is still not adding up.

 

Lets see the newer trucks are generally bigger with a more substantial frame, bigger tires and wheels, add in the power windows/locks/wiring, add in the creature comforts like more speakers, comfy heated leather seats, extra doors, sound proofing, all electronics for the engine, safety equipment like side intrusion beams, etc and you have a big weight difference.

But I think that everyone is overlooking over the most important feature, the older trucks weight less because they have RUSTED OUT PARTS, LOL!!!

 

I did a comparison on weight from numbers I got off auto consumer guide and it shows that trucks are getting heavier.

Dodge 94-01 04 05 (exception) Chevy 90-98 04 05 Ford 04 05[ul][*] [*] [*]
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lbs 4009 4542 4459 -83lbs 3849 3923 4142 3923 4615

mpg 16/20 16/21 16/21 17/19 16/20 16/22 17/22 15/20






These trucks compared are v6 rc sb. Its still a mystery to me why such a small truck weighs so much. I would think that safety wise, its a good thing but the sturdiness is only in the chassis. Like all new cars, these trucks will smash like a tin can.