3500 frame problem???

[rogerblind]

I am about to take delivery on a 2005 3500 2X4, and was arranging to have a utility body installed. The utility body installer tells me that DC has determined that the frame can not take the weight of the body and they can not install one without risking a frame failure. Something about frame cracks behind the cab, which DC is "working on. " Before I take delivery, has anyone heard of this problem and/or know where I can find out more. So far the dealer is denying the problem exists.

 

[GCross]

Doesn't seem to make sense, if you load the bed or hookup a trailer, the frame has to support that weight which would be a lot more that the weight of a utility body. The only odd thing that I have heard of is that you cannot get a dually without the pickup box, so that may play into it (if your getting a dually).



-George-

 

[rogerblind]

George. Yes that is part of it. They won't sell it w/o the box since it is too weak to add anything else ... so I am told. Apparently there is some sort of internal DC memo on this, but not a TSB.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I think the only limitation is you can't weld to the frame. Ask them where they "heard" about this. I saw a 2005 2500 two weeks ago at the dealership where I bought mine and it had an aftermarket custom bed instead of the box that comes with them.

 

[klenger]

You might want to look around on the Dodge Body Builder website at http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/. It has a bunch of info for this type of mod.

 

[rogerblind]

Thanks Klenger. It says that only quad cab 3500's are available for box removal, and none with dual rear wheels (See http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2005sbbgl/docs/dr/pbr.pdf). Mine is a regular cab with DRW, so it is not available, as the utiltity body installer said. They attended a meeting, apparently with DC, who told them not to do it any more. Guess I will be having a long talk with my dealer tomorrow and buying a Ford ... ughhhh!

 

[KCJackson]

This may explain the camper data sheet in my new 05's owner's manual folder. My 96 listed a slide-in available weight of 3312 pounds, but the 05 very firmly states "THIS VEHICLE IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE WITH A SLIDE IN CAMPER"



Sounds like DC feels the dually is not capable of handling large static bodies such as utility bodies or slide-ins. I'm guessing the hydroformed frame has a lot to do with it - DC probably needs time to develop a frame that can be drilled or welded. This would also explain why they have yet to produce a chassis-cab 3rd gen.

 

[champspa]

let me get this right , dodge is saying that their 3500 dually can't take a slide-in camper in the box ? why would anyone after hearing this buy one ?

 

[BILLUA]

Are you serious that the owners manuel says that??? If so, I am so disgusted with DC I will cancel my order and buy a FORD. . That is total Fudging BS.



Anyone else back this up?



Thaks, Bill

 

[JHardwick]

I think the only limitation is you can't weld to the frame.

Says who? Show me in writing

 

[sag2]

Every dealer should have a copy of the Dodge truck camper application and loading guide. It lists every truck combination and if you can add a slide in camper. It is based on weight and center of gravity. The book has been published to the dealers for many years. For the most part, it is ignored. That is why DC started adding the colored card to the glove box if the truck is not certified for camper application.

 

[RCorbeil]

My owners manual for 04. 5 2500 Quad states "Slide in camper NOT recomended".

 

[Garry Verheyden]

I wonder if the fact that the 03 up trucks no longer come with sway bars has anything to do with recommending not using slide out campers.

Garry

 

[klenger]

According to the Truck Camper Loading document that came with my 3500, my cargo weight rating is 1300 lbs. Go figure.

 

[BHolm]

Doesn't make much sense from a wieght standpoint. I have two 3500 work trucks, one a reg cab drw and one QC srw. Both have B&W hitches and haul heavy gooseneck trailers all the time. I know the dually has hauled a 21k lb trailer across the country and over several ranges of mountains. This puts a good 3-4,000 lbs of load right on the frame above the rear axle. These trucks (not mine) also routinely haul big fifth wheel campers all over the US some with substantial bed loads.



The only issue I can think of might be the torsional forces from a custom body or camper which the central, single point load of a hitch might not see. GM uses a hydroformed front frame with the traditional C channel section under the bed. I thought they were just being cheap :-laf maybe they were onto something

 

[QWaller]

It sounds to me like I would not be buying the Dodge either. I would think warranty claims would be affected if it was known that the truck was improperly equipped ie. had a utility bed on it. I am also quite suprised by the responses on this subject. I was under the impression that this frame was the next best thing to sliced bread. Kind of p*ssess me off actually.

 

[Dieselnerd]

I sure hope this isn't true. My dealer has just informed me that my new truck has arrived. Because I'm out of state for a few weeks I won't be picking it up until April 12. I've ordered a 3500 SRW 4x4 and tow a fifth wheel and use a small camper for fishing trips in the summer. The camper only weighs 2200 pounds and should be well within the 3500 weight requirements. After reading this thread I'm wondering what the deal is. Does anyone else have a 2005 3500 LWB that says no campers in the owners manual? I might have to switch to a Chevy which I really wouldn't like. Dealer sells Dodge and Chevy so that part would be no problem.

 

[TCDiesel]

Back in Dec 2002 when I was checking for A new gooseneck To pull My construction trailers the B&W and others were 48. 5 TDC from tailgate ,When I spoke to the B&W People they told me that this was DC specs, I said Why would I want to go 48. 5 when 44 is TDC axle . You add a 90 gallon auxiliary fuel tank with 2000 tounge weight you will be over 5100 LBS on the steering axle. This is not the first I have heard of this. Although I have heard and seen more front axle damage then frame problems.







B&W I"m am still waiting for you to show me your spec document From DC. Over Three years must not be enough time.

 

[BILLUA]

I just got off the phone with my cousin, he is a finance manager at a ford dealer.



Do you know what the payload is of a F 350?? 5900lbs! That's right, 5900's!



I will be test driving one on WED. I am so pi@@ed with DC right know I can't stand it. A 3500 DRW that can't haul a camper??? YGBSM!



I love the CUMMINS, but F Daimler Chrysler for doing this to us!

 

[Keith03]

im a little confused here guys. is it just the drw trucks that wont handle a camper or all the 3g? somthing dont seem right here.