Am I Being Reasonable?

[R&RBilyeu]

Hi all. I'm considering a slide in camper for my 06. After spending about 3 hours reading here last night I came to the conclusion there is no definitive answer to that question. But lot's of opinions! Ultimately, I have to answer that question myself. I sure wouldn't mind a little more opinion regarding my proposed setup though.

The truck weighs 7360 full of fuel and us two on board. 2540 under GVWR. Front at 4440, rear at 2920. I'm 3280 under the axle rating and 3470 under the max. tire rating.

Camper is an Adventurer 89RB. 2880lbs wet with batteries but before the beer and other sundrys. Getting up there but still a fair bit less than Bigfeet and Foxes.

I plan on at least a sway bar and probably a set of airbags. Running bilsteins but also considering RS9000 for the rear. Also considering 19.5's or possibly an in between and slightly less expensive option of 18's with 275/65-18 tires.

I'm pretty sure a dually isn't in the equation even though its a better candidate for the job.

Thanks!

 

[RVTRKN]

Sounds like your doing your homework properly. All of your published weights seem to be staying within GAWR's. As you might be aware of, the GVWR is a dodge number that only is enforced through warranty. The GAWR is the legal rating, that is what you should stay within. Your also taking the extra step of stabilizing the load. Pictures would be nice when your done.

 

[Dieselnerd]

When I had a 2005 3500 SRW I carried my signature camper.

It's about the same weight as what you are looking at. I had no problems carrying it.

I did it with no mods to the truck and I didn't have any excessive sway. I did have to be careful not to take too much stuff along.

Now that I have a DRW I don't have to be so careful but I wouldn't hesitate to use the same camper on a 3500 SRW again.

 

[GAmes]

The GAWR is the legal rating, that is what you should stay within.

I don't thinks so. If you will note what it says on the door jamb tag, your axle is rated at xxxx pounds with LTxxx/xxRxxY tires. If you upgrade to LTxxx/xxRxxZ tires with a higher load capacity, what is the GAWR now?

 

[R&RBilyeu]

Thanks guys. I'm not sure of the legalities, but I am more concerned with the GAWR than I am the GVWR. I know I'm going to be a little over that. Front is rated 5200, rear is rated 6200. That's 6200 with the stock tires. There is another tag that says not to exceed 2979 lbs. payload with the stock tires. The camper load sheet that came with the truck says 1615 lbs. Not sure where they came up with this
number, other than I'm pretty sure a lawyer took the engineer figure and cut it in half. So, I'm at 2880 wet camper weight, with 3280 left on the axle rating. I'm going to have to watch what I bring along
also. What does a 6 pack weigh?

 

[RVTRKN]

GAmes, this is an old argument, if you stay within reason of the GAWR, sure it's OK. An extreme example of this, is if you were to take a 3/4" shaft and install E rated tires on it. Would that 3/4" shaft be able to handle all that weight if you were to do that. The axles aren't just engineered for the ability to handle the weight, but are engineered for braking and suspension. I'm very well aware of your experience and ability, and I'm not criticizing you. Me and AH64ID has argued about this many times. Your subject to a troopers discretion of what HE thinks is legal. If your moderately over the GAWR and your tires are within their rating, ya sure your OK.

 

[R&RBilyeu]

I don't really want to argue about any of it, but I do want to be reasonable. I ride a motorcycle and sometimes its risky just breathing. You mitigate the risks as best you can. The camper brochure says tires will be your weak link and I think I agree with that. If it weighs out too close I'll upgrade. I can eat puffed wheat for a while.

 

[RVTRKN]

What's there to worry about, you weighed everything, your within the published limits, and your being pro active. Airbags would realy help in leveling your load, at the same time help smooth out your ride. I personally prefer a DRW with a camper, but that's my preference.

I had to pull a triple axle RV without its brakes for 400 miles at @ 22K GCVW. I just slowed it down and left plenty of space between me and other vehicles. If you just take your time and be cautious, you should not have any issues.

I too ride motorcycles, and went on a 3 thousand mile ride with me and the wife on the same bike with all our gear as well, and was very close to GVWR if not over it. We even had to ship stuff we purchased at one point to limit our weight. We never weighed anything, but I just knew we were maxed out. Again, I just slowed it down and took it easy.

 

[GAmes]

I only bring it up because my truck came with load range D tires. Finding the manufacturer's D80 rating has proven to be elusive. My first set of new tires were load range E and I go totally by the weight ratings of the tires. Remember the Dodge commercial where they had a 3500 with a 2500 crosswise on the bed and IIRC a Dakota crosswise on the 2500's bed? Just a guess, but I'm thinking that exceeded 10,500 pounds on the rear axle of the duelly. Also, I would be willing to bet the D80s that came from the factory with load range E tires were rated on the sticker above 10,500. Any '98 3500 readers out there want to check?

 

[GAmes]

Correction. My GVWR is 10,500. The rear axle weight rating with 215/85R16D tires is 7500.

 

[R&RBilyeu]

I'll try to figure out how to post a pic, IF it ends up on my truck. Just starting to wrastle with the dealer. O joy.....