Tires: Dual rear tire capacity, dodge ram 3500, ca highway patrol

Question
QUESTION: Dear John,

My driver was ticketed by the CA Highway Patrol for exceeding the MFG max. load rating of 2,470 lbs @ 80psi, Firestone Transforce HB TL LT215/85R16
CVC code 35550(c)(1)  which sets the max capacity of the tire by the MFG as molded on the sidewall

I have dual rear tires by my calculation 2,470*4=9,880 lbs capacity for rear axle

She wrote the ticket for half that capacity or 4,940lbs, do they not count all four tires when they determine load capacity?????????????

1997 Dodge Ram 3500 GVWR 11,000
         "   curb weight 6,000
         "   pay load    5,000     

The total weight of the truck loaded was 6,575lbs when they weighed it with there mobile scales.  It seems to me I could have had an additional 4,425lbs before I exceeded the MFG max capacity??????????

Any insight would be appreciated.

Bob

ANSWER: Not really.
If you look at the tire, you will find a load for single and load for dual.

Here is a link to read.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires-techpage-1/71.shtml

John


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: >>>>"Not really"  

John, you couldn't be less informative if you tryed than your two word responce.  You haven't told me anything.  The link you sent was worthless.  

>>>>"If you look at the tire, you will find a load for single and load for dual."

Did you even read my letter?  I clearly stated the tires statistics

"MFG max. load rating of 2,470 lbs @ 80psi, Firestone Transforce HB TL LT215/85R16"

Are you infering that my Ram 3500 with dual rear tires is limited to a total of 4,940 capacity or the sum of just two rear tires?

The vehicle would be in violation driving off the lot as it weighs 6,000 lbs!  


Do you want to try again?  If you don't have a clue than just be honest.

Some much for the so called experts advice.


Answer
With all do respect, but if you would have read the link you would have read:

"Light truck tires that are intended to be used in dual applications have two "Max Load" ratings branded on the tire's sidewall. This is because the load capacity rating of a tire serving duty in a "single" application is greater than the exact same tire being used in a "dual" application. For example, a LT235/85R16 Load Range E tire is rated to carry 3,042 pounds when inflated to 80 psi and used in a single application, but only 2,778 pounds when used in a dual tire application at the same inflation pressure."

The link was added to show you this, and not just take my word and my schooling on tires.
What training do you have on tires?  

The fact is very clear here.  Link I said, you need to read your tires and see what is the single and what is the dual tire load.
I never said what weight your truck holds, ratter I told to do look for yourself.
So look at the tire and see what it the max load for dual at 80 psi then times by 4.
You never ( even in the follow up ) told me if the load of 2470 is single or dual.  
If you do not understand then please ask for help.
Hope this helps.
John