3500 frame problem???

[Byershome]

What we have is a over reaction here. There would appear to be two issues here. First of all you have a safety issue with how much the camper would raise the center of gravity up (probably been sued recently for a roll over)... especially on a 4X4. Second, you have a emissions standards issue (aerodynamics changes can effect this). DC seems to be protecting themselves from both. I doubt seriously this is a structural issue, if it was I think someone here would have brought it up already. Has anyone checked the Chebby and ferd sites to see if they have similar... . qualifications?

 

[rogerblind]

JH Byers, All I know is what I was told by two different dealers for Reading Truck Body, who make a living installing utility bodies. They both attended a meeting "with DC" where they were told that the problem was frame cracking behind the cab and that actual failures have occurred. They said they could not install the body for me or they would lose their "certification from DC. " Maybe they are wrong?? Maybe not??

 

[jfrow2]

I bought my Ram primarily for towing a fifth-wheel trailer. I also had in mind going to Alaska with a slide-in camper, not wanting to take our 5er on the trip.



I can find no mention anywhere in Dodge literature or internet sites that even suggests that the truck is not suitable for a slide-in camper. If there was even a hint of that, I certainly would not have bought it.



If there is a center of gravity problem, it makes me wonder how the huge aircraft engine can be hauled in the back of the truck as shown on the 2004 glossy brochure.

 

[macdaddy]

Alright found the pamphlet (spelling) regarding the slide in camper it has all the info for centerline etc, but the numbers as they pertain to the 2500, 3500 SRW, and 3500 DRW are missing, and it does say "THIS VECHICAL IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR A SLIDE IN CAMPER". Now I have to tell you I would lose the camper before I would lose motor and transmission. I guess alot of members will be buying GM's and FERDS. This is BIG possibly as big as the ford edsel (spelling).



Mac

 

[abdiver]

Just cancelled my flight to Kellog

I Just canceled my flight to Kellogg, Till I get an answer to this issue Ryno was great the salesman I dealt with at Dave Smith. The only sad thing for me is he is placing (my truck) back in the to sell group instead of holding it for me, a few more days till I get an a definitive answer to this. But I understand, he said they would credit my deposit back to me. All this time spent Know I must cancel my hotel reservations



I called DC this morning that was a real waste of time, I was only allowed to talk to the first person who answered the phone all I can say is he appeared to be a nice guy But had no real knowledge just a few canned answers. I did ask to speak to his supervisor and was told the supervisor did not speak to anyone.



Called 3 dealership Service Managers who had not heard anything about a frame/camper issue. Most appeared to be straight with me and told me they had friends that had these truck with large campers and they hadn't said anything to him.



I was hoping Dave Smith's dealership would be able to get the Facts but it appears not. I asked them to go to the source (DC) as I figured a large dealer would have better luck than me.



Hope I am not sorry Later But I imagine Detroit or Mexico or wherever will make more trucks I just wanted that NV5600



Perhaps are BEST source Tomeygun will let us know the real story



Bill

 

[catoiler]

I'm kinda suprised Tommy hasen't chimed in here yet!I can't find my camper info on mine but i know i got one with it. Damn old age!

 

[Lorenz]

The sticker is placed on trucks with the snow plow prep package.



DC does not want you to plow with a camper on.



I can't belive how out of hand this thread got!



this topic has been discussed before.

 

[DPelletier]

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".

Exactly.



The language in the manuals and elsewhere has everything to do with corporate liability and likely nothing to do with any real structural problems. There are over 20,000 TDR members and many of them own 3rd gen trucks. These trucks have been in use since 2003 and some have been on the road for a couple of years. I can't recall hearing of even ONE frame problem in all that time and I firmly believe that if there was such an issue, it would be discussed on this site LONG before DC ever reacted to the alleged problem.



I share the frustration of even having to discuss such "weasel clauses" as we call them in my business, but I sure won't be losing sleep over hauling my slide-in in my 3500 dually.



Cheers,

Dave

 

[Garry Verheyden]

I'm a little embarrassed to mention my dads name here,but he recently got up in the morning with his 03 3500 DRW and forgot to put his slide in. He drove his 3800 lb camper with the slide out on the Fraser canyon for 100 miles. It handled perfect. It might not be legal, but the truck handled it just fine. I don't know how dirty his rear view mirror was(but he was sober!!) He felt pretty stupid when he pulled over and saw the slide out.



Garry

 

[BILLUA]

Dave, you may be starting to put my mind at ease... I am the one who started the panic on this thread and take full responsibility for it. I went off before having full information. (That never happens on this forum ) Am I now to fully understand that the "No slide in Camper " restriction is only for vehicles that have the snow plow prep? If that in fact is the case, I might be able to get a full nights sleep tonite. As I stated in an earlier post, I ordered this truck specifically to haul a 10. 5 ft Lance slide

in.



I was so upset over this that I made arrangements to drive the other manufacturers trucks. This is something that I should have done before as it really gives a neat perspective. Today I drove a Chevy 1 Ton Dually 4x4. I went with a fleet sales manager here in LAS. First: The engine seemed like a total dog, no kick in the pants at all, not like a 3rd gen cummins. Second: The ride was so primitive that I couldn't believe it. I almost need a kidney belt! Third, The Allison transmission is awesome! In the tow haul mode, it delays the shifts as you would expect it to, but on deceleration, it stays locked while downshifting down to about 15 mph. I most awesome feel. The shifts were quick and positive. other than that, there was not much at all I like about the Chevy. I wish we could have the allison... Thursday I am going to drive a Ford 1 ton dually King Ranch version. As my cousin works for a Ford dealer, I can get an incredible price on it...



I STILL WANT MY 3RD GEN CUMMINS!!!



Best, Bill

 

[DPelletier]

Bill,



I hope everything works out for you. At least you can decide what you want to do before you sign on the dotted line.



Dave

 

[abdiver]

Thanks BILLUA

"I am the one who started the panic on this thread and take full responsibility for it"



BILLUA As far as I am concerned I am glad you brought this issue up. You may have saved me some headaches by raising this issue. I was scheduled to fly into Spokane this eve, and drive a 3500 SRW home tomorrow.



I called Dave Smith dealer spoke to the customer relations end of things and he told me they would hold the truck. As to give me time to make up my mind regarding this issue of Frame Problem. Salesman told me earlier that I should just take a chance, that the truck would probably be OK,



There's must be something to this, as so far no real answer to it. I hope it is just a Snow plow issue/Camper issue. But lots of conflicting posts on this so far. I will call a couple of utility box installer tomorrow



Bill

 

[QWaller]

My truck came with the statement in the glove box. I don't remember seeing anywhere about a plow package. Is there a special code on my truck that would confirm this?

Thanks

Quinn

 

[Dieselnerd]

I called the "Ask Dodge" question line this morning. I was told I could carry anything I wanted as long as I didn't exceed the payload rating which is what you would expect from a pickup truck. There is a big difference between "Slide in camper not recommended" and "Slide in camper prohibited". I'm going to stop worrying about it. I do plan on adding an aftermarket rear sway bar.

 

[sag2]

I can't believe all the over reaction on this. QUIT GUESSING and ask your dealer for the copy of the 2005 "consumer information on:cargo weight rating, center of gravity"

I only have a copy of the 2004 book, and it only lists SOME trucks that are not recommended for slide in campers. At a quick glance I only see a DR3H42 3500 4x2 160" wb 5. 9 quad slt 8. 0 box bench w/DRW GVW 11,500 that says no camper. All others are ok. Remember, this is 2004 book.

The only exception is inside the front cover that says "All Dodge Ram 4x4 models equipped with snow plow prep packages" are not recommended for slide in camper applications.

This booklet is required by NHTSA to provide customers with proper loading to ensure safe handling.

 

[Gypsyman]

There is a big difference between "Slide in camper not recommended" and "Slide in camper prohibited".

EXACTLY!!!

 

[TCDiesel]

Yeah, if I was DC No way would I recommend Plow plus camper. Thats going to put you at least 2000 LBS over manufacturer max on steering axle. My CC/LB is 4000 with Me in it empty. with My 90 gallon plus truck tank full 4420. with a DC max of 4700 . When I was at shamrock scale one Guy had 6520 on steering axle ,He had so much negative toe I don"t think those tires would last over 20k. I have been as high as 5450,Most of the time around 4900 ,I need new tires at 40k. My front suspension part are holding up, other have not been so lucky. . I did Have to replace driver side spindle and axle.

 

[abdiver]

I am only looking for Facts not Rumors or Theories

I can't believe all the over reaction on this. QUIT GUESSING and ask your dealer for the copy of the 2005 "consumer information on:cargo weight rating, center of gravity"

I only have a copy of the 2004 book, and it only lists SOME trucks that are not recommended for slide in campers. At a quick glance I only see a DR3H42 3500 4x2 160" wb 5. 9 quad slt 8. 0 box bench w/DRW GVW 11,500 that says no camper. All others are ok. Remember, this is 2004 book.

The only exception is inside the front cover that says "All Dodge Ram 4x4 models equipped with snow plow prep packages" are not recommended for slide in camper applications.

This booklet is required by NHTSA to provide customers with proper loading to ensure safe handling.

Today I spoke to 1Dodge customer help rep, 4 dodge Service managers, 1 Sales manager, 1 Customer Relations, 1 accessories dept. manager (service manager suggested I speak to the accessories manager "as he installs campers" who said don't place a large camper on it and my salesman. No one suggested a 2005 "consumer information on cargo weight rating, center of gravity" They were all guessing on the answer. I asked the Sales manager at Dave Smith to get some clarification one way or the other directly from Dodge as they would sure stand a better chance than me to get to someone with an answer at DC. I do not want to spread rumors I just want to know if I decide to place a large camper (that was just under the rated capacity not over it) on my truck I could. At the present time I plan to only pull a 22GQ, but I also have considered adding a utility box with a camper shell on my 3500 TV as this is a good combo in my opinion, as I can have all the exterior cabinets of the utility for tool and misc. storage and under the shell for extra fuel & water, large camp gear (you know everything including the kitchen sink). That is why I want to buy a 3500. I want the assurance that this frame will handle this for years and years. So far I have not gotten this from dodge. I will not spend this kind of money where there might be a problem and if it is to much trouble for someone at Dodge to find the information I require then I will wait. I can always buy a new truck, later last I heard they are still making them. Perhaps next week I will not have to remove my signature.



Tomorrow I will call a few utility box installers and see if what they know. It shouldn't be this dificult

I want a positive answer, and I want that Dodge I had intended on driving home tomorrow. But if I can't get the information I won't



Thanks, about the information regarding the consumer information on cargo weight rating, center of gravity

 

[abdiver]

Facts not Rumors or Theories

Yeah, if I was DC No way would I recommend Plow plus camper. Thats going to put you at least 2000 LBS over manufacturer max on steering axle. My CC/LB is 4000 with Me in it empty. with My 90 gallon plus truck tank full 4420. with a DC max of 4700 . When I was at shamrock scale one Guy had 6520 on steering axle ,He had so much negative toe I don"t think those tires would last over 20k. I have been as high as 5450,Most of the time around 4900 ,I need new tires at 40k. My front suspension part are holding up, other have not been so lucky. . I did Have to replace driver side spindle and axle.

Today with all my conversations only I said this was regarding snow plows plus camper I guess that would have been a large camper.



I person said that it was just a liability issue as once Dodge was sued So now Dodge just says they do not recommend a slide-in camper use.



It appears to me the best lead for me to follow is to call utility box installers and see what DC has told them or haven't told them.



As I recall dodge also tell some owners that there trucks vibration is normal.



I sure wish I could get the Facts

 

[abdiver]

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

So if you were pulled over out of state could you be cited for being over loaded? Is this a mistake I haven't been looking at the rating labes I did notice that at the Dodge.com site doesn't seem to have the site to see the weight capacites that was there before.