Camperless in Colorado

[Sregorb]

Ok, I bought this truck thinking I could put a decent camper on the back and hit the backcountry in style. Kind of an Earthroamer part II. After a few minor additions to the truck (DOR bumper, bedliner, steps, etc) I figure I'll get a good sampling of the truck weight to see what size camper I can put on an stay legal.

Hmm, ok, I'll start at the beginning and get the dealership shipping weight..... ok 6253lbs. I figure 150lbs for bumper, 100lbs for winch, 100lbs for bedliner and steps, and added 300 for misc (kids seats, me, kids, hitch, wife etc). So I expect to be about 6900+-. Get to the scales and the company rep says (without me/wife in the truck too) it's at 7100lbs!!!:--)

Is there scale off or am I really supposed to find a camper with a wet weight of under 1400lbs?!?!?!? (remember Mrs and I not in truck. )



So here's the questions,

Does adding leaf's or airbags increase amount of load you can safely carry?

I read the last TDR and it seems there are ALOT of people that are overloading with campers then... . Have there been legal ramifications as a result or is it a generally accepted practice?



Now I'm looking into custom campers and might just go that direction for fun. I just didn't plan on it as being the only option.



If the frustration shows, please forgive, but it's beginning to look like I'm going to have to go with a towed or fifth wheel, which is very bad as the Mrs will never drive during trips then... ...



Brian:{

 

[WyoJim]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32644

 

[WyoJim]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33843

 

[PRout]

Sounds about right. My 2500 4x weighed in at 6950 before I added the extra tank & other goodies.



I wouldnt worry about the weight too much. Just add some airbags & a good e-brake, and youll be able to carry anything you want. Just make sure you have the best tires available.

 

[JGarcia]

I agree with Shortshift. One common denominator you read about in all the GVWR threads is that putting the rig outside of the specs threatens it's ability to stop safely. Getting a good E brake is definately something I would want, keeping in mind that this would not overcome any legal ramifications should you have an accident. And having and maintaining good tires is critical. I completely empathize with you, trying to stay under 8,800 lb limit almost caused me to wonder why mfgs even bother with 3/4 ton trucks. But duallies don't work with my commute, and now that I have some experience with my 2500 and trailer, I have a comfort level that works for me. If it's any consolation, with 3 horses and gear, I'm always travelling over GVWR, but I feel that my truck handles it and handles it safely.



Regards, JRG

 

[PRout]

Yep, just gotta use some common sense & dont drive like youre in the Blue Angels.



Also, a big point about adding airbags. My neighbor added some to his Ford for their camper. The only thing he did wrong was he connected both sides together & used 1 air valve stem to fill them. Said he did it for convenience.



He just lost half of his side sway stability because when it leans to the right, the air moves to the left airbag!



Gotta run 'em seperate to help control sway.

 

[Sregorb]

Whoa!

Shortshift,

Hadn't thought about that! I'm glad you posted before I made that mistake too... .



What keeps getting reduced or gloss-over is the legal ramifications that I'm so concerned about. Have we (TDR) had anybody get sued for having one of their trucks overweight? Is it that big of a problem for accidents or is it just a disclaimer for Dodge to dodge liability when you can't dodge the other Dodge?



Brian

 

[JGarcia]

I've been a little curious about this myself. I've not read any threads by anyone who has personally been sued in connection with an accident. I would presume in the event of an accident, the first action would be you getting a ticket for having an unsafe vehicle (how they would scale and weigh you, I don't know). You would then have no recourse against Dodge. But the worst part would be dealing with the attorney of whoever you might have hit, who would probably take you to court for damages dependent on the severity of the accident and (God forbid) any personal injuries. I can't help but think, however, that to start this whole scenario, you would by appearance have to be blatantly over weight (like a 40ft TT vs camper). How would they know otherwise? Any attorney's or law enforcement people out there?



JRG