4 x 4 and Camper

[Wdoucet]

If I remember correctly, I had a little piece of cardboard in my truck (06 3500 swb qc 4x4 CTD G56 3. 73) that stated that it was not reccomended for a truck camper.



Is it only because of the height of the truck and the center of gravity that DC dosen't want us to put a camper on?



I've been towing a small fifth for 10 yrs and now the kids don't want to follow, I was thinking of a small camper and wanted to make sure I wasn't getting into any trouble.



Thanks for any input you guys may have.



Wayne

 

[RJWEST]

2002 2500 4x4 , 3k truck camper, had to add Supersprings,sway bar, bilsteins shocks
, still rocks and rolls, Yes you can feel the high center of gravity.
I try to keep all heavy stuff at floor level ( can goods, water jug, etc)
It's not as stable as a dually, but rides good , just have to drive with
the extra weight in mind...

I am looking for a set of factory overload springs, I'm sure that would help
considerably,,, You should have the overloads already so should be fairly stable as it is... . I would not go to much past 3k Lbs, without addition suspension mods.
the sticker on the TC and the dealers are way off on weight ( low side )
really need to weight any prosptive camper, or if you can find the
shipping invoice ,it may state actual weight

If you ask this question on the RV forums... . you will get a bunch of
C**P,about overload, factory reccomendations, go buy a dually,
and probably some, "your crazy for asking": comments.

This is my 4 TC, over 35 years, really enjoyed the TC life,
specially with the cummins power, and 16. 29 MPG last trip... .

Hope this helps a little...

 

[Regcabguy]

Cabovers and swb,srw's.

If I remember correctly, I had a little piece of cardboard in my truck (06 3500 swb qc 4x4 CTD G56 3. 73) that stated that it was not reccomended for a truck camper.



Is it only because of the height of the truck and the center of gravity that DC dosen't want us to put a camper on?



I've been towing a small fifth for 10 yrs and now the kids don't want to follow, I was thinking of a small camper and wanted to make sure I wasn't getting into any trouble.



Thanks for any input you guys may have.



Wayne

You've got a shortbed and typically your application will necessitate the tailgate being down. Not only will your center of gravity be raised with a camper,but the load will rest rearward. To minimize this you might look into a popup camper. My 2500 reg. cab. came with a warning to not exceed 1550 lbs. Our popup is not as comfortable as a hardwall,but I am conforted by the fact that if I have to abruptly turn the wheel in an emergency situation,it's not going to roll. Make sure your running "E" rated tires also.

 

[fkovalski]

... I was thinking of a small camper ...

It depends on your definition of "small. " I have a pop- up at around 1500# dry on my 3500 and am not concerned. I posed this question a while back to which no real clear answer could be determined. You can read it here: https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/3rd-generation-ram-forum-no-engine-transmission-discussions/133564-not-recommended-slide-camper-disclaimer.html

 

[SSell]

my 05 3500 QC 4x4 came with that card 2. found it the day after I brought it home from the dealer, they knew I was buying it for a slide in cabover camper & pulling a trailer. Put it in the recycle bin for safe keeping, but come to think of it, haven't seen it lately. Oh well

 

[Regcabguy]

my 05 3500 QC 4x4 came with that card 2. found it the day after I brought it home from the dealer, they knew I was buying it for a slide in cabover camper & pulling a trailer. Put it in the recycle bin for safe keeping, but come to think of it, haven't seen it lately. Oh well

Back in '06 I was contemplating buying an '06 reg. cab. for a cabover application. The fleet manager @Dishman Dodge(great guy by the way) warned me about the disclaimer on cabover use and said the only truck recommended for cabover application was the reg. cab or qc duallys. From a safety standpoint,it makes sense. Dishman's sales staff were advised to ask the customer what their objectives were for their new trucks. If they needed the truck for camper use,the customer was steered toward a dually. Dishman had bought a customer's truck back from him after the customer had read the disclaimer from Dodge concerning cabover use. I'm actually overweight with my camper,but from a safety point it handles well with the Lorenz setup and airbags on 20 psi. Camper places will sell you anything. Best bet would be to install your holdowns and ask to test the campers on your rig.

 

[fkovalski]

... the only truck recommended for cabover application was the reg. cab or qc duallys. ...

Not to disagree with you, but here is where there is mich of the confusion: Those trucks that have the disclaimer ALSO have a camper loading diagram. Why (if no cameper is recommended) do they show how to properly load one?



Also- I had a '06, 3500, SRW for a week last year while mine was in the shop. It was identical to mine. I looked at it's loading sheet and it DID NOT have the disclaimer on it. the sheet was like mine but did not have the words saying no camper.

 

[Bob4x4]

Not to disagree with you, but here is where there is mich of the confusion: Those trucks that have the disclaimer ALSO have a camper loading diagram. Why (if no cameper is recommended) do they show how to properly load one?



Also- I had a '06, 3500, SRW for a week last year while mine was in the shop. It was identical to mine. I looked at it's loading sheet and it DID NOT have the disclaimer on it. the sheet was like mine but did not have the words saying no camper.

I have seen many of those sheets and have seen the payload as low as 850lbs... ... ... ... show me a camper with that weight.



Bob

 

[GFreshour]

I put a 3300lb camper in my 06 4x4 LB, just used airbags and replaced tires with toyos, (3195 vs 3750 max wt). all went fine until I bounced the camper a couple of times in mexico, truck is good, camper needs a wee bit of help.

 

[CRuth]

I have seen many of those sheets and have seen the payload as low as 850lbs... ... ... ... show me a camper with that weight.



Bob

Okay, here you go.

Four Wheel Campers Grandby - 8ft Model Fits Full Size Long Bed Trucks

 

[fkovalski]

I have seen many of those sheets and have seen the payload as low as 850lbs... ... ... ... show me a camper with that weight.

Okay, here you go.

Four Wheel Campers Grandby - 8ft Model Fits Full Size Long Bed Trucks

I think those are geared toward 1/2 ton trucks.

 

[steved]

Don't do it... your frame will crack! :-laf



I haul a hardside (1982 Hornet 8-footer), probably 1500#s, and other than a little bit of top-heaviness; it hauls alright in my std cab 2500. I don't think I'd want to push it more than 8 foot or more than the 1500#s though (but that's just me)... I've hauled it as far as Key West (around 1500 miles) without incident.



I also have airbags, that I installed AFTER I owned the camper for a while... probably didn't need them, but they do help sway a little bit.



And as already noted, on longer trips I too load heavier stuff on the floor (it is REALLY noticeable if you don't)...



steved

 

[Grizzly]

I didn't get a disclaimer card with my 05, QC, 3500, DRW, 4WD. I also hauled an 11' 3" Lance camper 11,000 miles to Alaska and back without any problem. Didn't use airbags either. If I remember the disclaimer had to do with cracks in the frame, according to TDR Posts.

 

[Bob4x4]

I had a four wheel pop up camper years ago,it was just the ticket for a 4 wheelin trip but a bit spartin for much more.

All 3rd gens come from the factory with the camper loading page,but some dealers may not want to pass that info on.



Bob

 

[Regcabguy]

Grizzly camper model.

Get a rig like Grizzly's. It's safe and designed for campers.

 

[Grizzly]

Get a rig like Grizzly's. It's safe and designed for campers.

Thank you Bajabob. It work for me.

 

[Wdoucet]

Get a rig like Grizzly's. It's safe and designed for campers.

Honestly thinking about it:confused

 

[Regcabguy]

Honestly thinking about it:confused

I drive a 1992 Hino cabover at work and it is solid and sway-free with the dually's. If I was serious about hauling a hardsided cabover,I'd definitely consider one. If it's a twice a year deal,the added width,tire drag,and lack of parkability might affect my decision. We're real happy with our Northstar popup and feel safe with our srw '07.

 

[Paladin1911]

I run a 8' Lance-Lite 815 hard-side slide-in in my '03 SRW. I have Ride-Rites to help the ride and sway. I've never had any problems. My camper weighs a little under 2K with water.

 

[fkovalski]

I didn't get a disclaimer card with my 05, QC, 3500, DRW, 4WD... .

yes, but you did get a camper loading diagram sheet? Any disclaimer would have been on it.

... If I remember the disclaimer had to do with cracks in the frame, according to TDR Posts.

I do not know if that was ever determined. What does a camper have to do with frame cracking as long as it is within payload limits. A pound of camper still equals a pound of cargo. The truck does not know what it is hauling.