3500 frame problem???

[abdiver]

3500 Frame won't carry camper

Oh this is great I am leaving tomorrow Tue to go buy a 3500 SRW 8'Bed, in Kellogg Id. And now I read this Anyone know who I should call to verify this. As some one posted prior to me why would anyone including me BUY a Dodge let alone a 3500 if ya can't place a camper on it? How bout if I just want to load the bed with a large load of lumber or Sand and drive it to my construction site up and over a bumpy winding dirt road full of chuck holes. What would Dodge suggest I buy a Toyota to do this part of the job.



Can this really be true



When was the first year that this Hydo formed frame was introduced



I am going to cry, Tell me it ani't true.

 

[john3976]

Enjoy your Ford, may I suggest that you get the first name of your new Ford service manager, after all after you buy your Ford you will be on a first name basis with him as you have to return get all those oil leaks fixed and don't forget all those transmission problems Ford has been having.



How many in here are buying the 3500 DRW to use with a slide in camper? if you are not then you are not effected so what is the big deal?



You can still put on a topper shell with no problem, it is just the big heavy slide in campers that Dodge says the truck is not designed to use.



I don't really see a lot of need to have to have a 3500 series truck for slide in units any way, most use smaller trucks for that type of unit.

 

[QWaller]

I checked my glove box (stupid me at this point in the game) and it clearly states that I am not to place a slide in camper in my truck. And as to above statements, If a person did use a slide in or other tall loads I would rather take my chances on a Ford or Chevy than not to be able to do what I intended to do with my truck (esp for this sort of money)

Please someone knowledgeable clear this up.

This whole thread will resonate loudly with a large segment of the population, Just watch.

 

[McCRam]

john3976 I have been looking for a slide in camper myself. I find that I am very limited with a 2500 pickup. Some of the larger slide ins will weigh every bit of 3000 lbs when loaded. A 3500 dually is required in that case.

 

[GCross]

It has become obvious to me from reading this and other posts that the 3500 has become inadequate for many of todays RV's and other uses that people buy them for, and that Dodge needs to re-invent the 4500/5500 class trucks if they want to stay in the game. I see some RV owners pulling with class 6 Petes, Freightliners, and International's, which I would like to have (Pete 335 with Cummins 8. 3). But, at a hundred grand they exceed my truck budget.



-George-

 

[TFucili]

A real truck doesn't need disclaimers...

I have no need to carry a slide-in, BUT reading this thread has me starting to wonder about how sound this design really is. :{ I didn't even get my truck yet

 

[macdaddy]

My 05 came with a separate phamplet (spelling) regarding the use of a slide in camper.

It only shows some pictures of a DRW (illustrated)with a camper on it and includes info on centering it. Center line, overhang etc. The manual does not state not to.



Mac

 

[Blu-meanie]

I saw the same warning on my 2001 2500 4X4 about campers. I asked the guys about it then, and was told it applied to the 4X4's because of the truck height. I think I would do it anyway and if it breaks sue the s... out of them. I've seen a lot of 3500's with utility beds on them, never seen one sitting on the side of the road broke in half. If this is a true problem, then I see a huge recall in the future and a company that I would never due business with again. I'd sell your DC stock now. I signed a document about tire chains but did not sign one about a slide in camper.

 

[BHolm]

Something stinks here... I was just at dodge.com and they not only show pictures of Rams with utility bodies but they even provide a list of upfitters all over the country. They are advertising that the truck can do exactly what someone was told they can not do. Something isn't right, it sure would be nice to hear something from DC directly on this. I find it hard to believe that they build a 1-ton truck and then tell you you can't actually use it as such. I have to wonder if the upfitter has some signals crossed. If not, DC is in the midst of some serious false advertising.

 

[john3976]

My 2005 DRW 3500 came with a form about how to set up your camper, however it also has printed in the middle of the form "This vehicle is not recommended for use with a slide-in camper"



It does not say any where on the form that you can't put one on and in fact shows you how to set up the center of garvity for it.



I would suspect that Dodge just recommends that it is not designed to carry a slide-in camper as there is not much of a market for it vs trailers.



Saying not recommended and don't do it are two different things.

 

[klenger]

I am trying to figure out why one could load up a 3500 (SRW or DRW) up to it's GVWR with gravel or whatever, but not a slide-in camper of the same weight. If anything, the camper spreads the load more evenly across the entire bed better than a pile of cement blocks in the middle. I wonder if the problem has more to do with the design of the bed and it's attach points than it does the frame under it, because DC has no limitations (other than GVWR) for gooseneck or 5th wheel hitches. Very confusing but interesting subject. Since I have never heard of a single 3rd gen frame or bed failure here on the TDR, I somewhat feel that this whole subject is "much ado about nothing".

 

[QWaller]

It would have to do with front axel loading, torsional frame stress, or simply heigth of the load (roll over/Ford explorer) issues. Maybe someone out there knows the correct answer?

 

[rogerblind]

For those asking for something on the Dodge website, see http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2005sbbgl/docs/dr/pbr.pdf. Seems pretty clear to me that there is a problem here.

 

[FATCAT]

That is a Friggen Joke ... DC just keep giving us reasons not to buy their trucks. Are they out of their Friggen heads or are they purposely trying to get out of the HD truck business?

I need a dump body on my next truck (5500 4X4 hopfully in the future), but I know they will never make one now.

 

[macdaddy]

For those asking for something on the Dodge website, see http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2005sbbgl/docs/dr/pbr.pdf. Seems pretty clear to me that there is a problem here.

Sounds more like an emmissions deal to me. From what the Dodge statement said it sounds to me like a disclaimer covering their a** so when you alter the bed that all federal emmissions standards are followed as it pertains to the fuel systems, aswell as any other modifcations to the frame, wiring ETC.



Mac

 

[BILLUA]

John 3976:

I happen to be buying a 3500 DRW precisely for the purpose of using a slide in camper...



It is idiotic responses such as yours that must prevail at DC that allow them to sell a 3500DRW that they don't recommend you put a slide in camper on. Just because you feel that one shouldn't use a slide in camper makes your opinion on the subject irrelevant. Do you think I would be happy to have to buy a ferd????FUDGE no!!!!

I want a RD gen and I want the new HPCR. But guess what??? DC just Fed me over.



I will not defend any response about fords except to say that If I had not put 4000 dollars worth of upgrade into my last auto I wonder how long it would have lasted???

 

[abdiver]

Let not flame each other because of a possible dodge problem

it would seem common sense for anyone that buys any truck over the size of a 1500. Would do so BECAUSE they want something they can carry a LOAD this issue needs to be CLARIFIED by Dodge ASAP



I would imagine if a camper is used on a 3500 there is a STRESS problem I would think that other things besided a camper could cause stress.



It seem only a matter of common sense that if a Dodge will not work for your requirement then you and I should consider another manufacture what ever that would be.



I don't think it is very mature to flame someone because they may be forced by Dodge to go somewhere else. Because A DODGE WILL NOT MEET their spec's.



Why buy a 3500 if it will not do the job I am scheduled to fly out of here in a few hours to pick up my new truck I DO HOPE THAT I CAN GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER before then CALLS INTO DODGE noW

 

[QWaller]

Well for me, had I known about this before hand, I would have gone to another manufacturer. My thought at the time of purchase was "well I can pay all this money because I won't need another for quite sometime, I can grow into it. " Now that does not seem to be the case.

 

[abdiver]

Been of phone all morning so far no good straight answer to this Frame problem issue

 

[rogerblind]

Just heard from my dealer. They willingly canceled my order and acknowledged the problem, which they had not been aware of before I raised the issue. Amazing!