Campers in 3rd gen trucks?

[KWinterborne]

Not sure how long they have been doing this, but I understand DC has been "recommending" that their trucks not be used to carry truck campers. Consequently, I called their customer service number and they confirmed, while they could not give me anything in writing, they do recommend that the 4x4 models NOT be used, as they are already top heavy. She could not go into specifics with regards to how carrying a camper could potentially void my warranty, but did say that if a problem occurred because of the camper, the warranty would be voided.

Does anybody that works at a dealer know anything about this or has anyone had any problems with something like this? Granted, I guess if I get in a wreck and the truck flips with the camper on, I can't sue them. But let's say I get a crappy built engine (it could happen) and it blows. Can they say just cause I carry a camper my warranty is voided? It's not like you can hide the signs of a truck that has carried a camper.

I am very concerned as I just ordered a new truck and my dealer knew I was buying it for a camper, but neglected to mention this to me. I am still waiting to hear back from him, but thought I would check here too.

Ken<O</O

 

[TowPro]

My dealer only has 2 in stock, both 4wd and I noticed both had the paper on the glovebox saying "not built to carry a camper". I also notice the camper package is missing when I look up building one on KBB.com



I did ask my salesman "will this truck I am ordering (single 3500 2wd) allow me to use my slidin camper?" he said yes. I will let you know in about 7 weeks. At any rate, Yes the slide-in camper will be getting used next summer

 

[fkovalski]

To me it's pure BS that a 4x4 1ton cannot carry a camper and dirtily underhanded that DC "sneaks" the disclaimer in the golve box rather than specifying it on the build sheet (ala snow plow disclaimer. )



It is a recommendation not a prohibition. I brought this up in THIS THREAD



A camper package is not offered on the 3G's, but I *made* my own by adding a sway bar and taller bumpstops.



DC had better get on the ball with these *so called* trucks... especially if they drop the Cummins... else they will be glorified grocery getters.



After 4 mos. of owning the 2005, I will now go on record as saying that this 3500 is not even HALF the truck my '01 3/4T was. This camper bu!!$#!t is a big part of this reasoning.



You listening DC??? start building TRUCKS again!

 

[KWinterborne]

So after spending a lot of time trying to read all of the other threads on this subject, I don't believe I ever found a definitive reason as to why or what the potential warranty issues are if you do carry one. I agree there is a difference between recommended and prohibited, but would hate to get into fight over a warranty issue if DC tried to get out of it saying the problem was due to a camper being installed. :-{}

Ken

 

[Edgemann55]

While I do not agree that a 2001 is better then my 2005,I had a 2001 before the truck I now have. Anyway I have seen plenty of 2500 and 3500 4X4 with campers. The disclaimer is lawyer driven like everything else in this I blame someone else world.

 

[TowPro]

You mean that truck I just ordered don't have a rear sway bar?

A camper package is not offered on the 3G's, but I *made* my own by adding a sway bar and taller bumpstops.



You listening DC??? start building TRUCKS again!

 

[fkovalski]

You mean that truck I just ordered don't have a rear sway bar?

Correct! there is no rear sway bar offered on 3G's from the factory. I added an aftermarket HelWig.



KWinterborne- I cannot give you an answer but I will be following this thead closlely. I added my link to offer some background to what allready has been discussed (plus some of my venting. )



Hopefully your inquiry will help shed more light on the issue as it related to justified warrantee work.



EDIT: I cannot comment as to whether or nor sway bars are/ are not offered for 2WD... .

 

[fkovalski]

You mean that truck I just ordered don't have a rear sway bar?

My understanding is that the new hydro formed frame is wider than previous versions thus eliminating the "need" for a sway bar. Well, if this were true, then why the disclaimer??



In the owner's manual it refers one back to the dealer for camper loading information. I have tried to get this from my dealer, but they cannot find the literature (even when I show them what is stated in the manual. )



What I gather is that is a "top heavy" issue rather than a "weight capacity" issue due to the height of 4WD's. It may not apply to 2WD models.

 

[Dieselnerd]

I've used my slide in all summer with my 2005 4x4. It doesn't sway as much as my older Dodge 4x4 with the sway bar and the same camper. I was considering the Hellwig until I actually used the camper and found I didn't need it. My dealer said camper no problem and when I called "Ask Dodge" before I took delivery they also pleaded no knowledge of a restriction and said as long as I didn't exceed GVW, no problem with a camper. What's the difference between a camper or a load of cargo that weighs the same?

 

[fkovalski]

What's the difference between a camper or a load of cargo that weighs the same?

Good point!... this was brought up and discussed ad nauseam. The truck does not know the difference. Weight is weight be it soil or camper... . the loading criteria that DC supplies has more to do with weight distribution in the bed. There are many here, who in the linked tread, went on to further expalin "max weights," "gross weights," "axle weights" etc... I will not try to explain as they are far more knowlegable than I. What it sorta' came down to was that the higher center of gravity *can* affect the hadling of the truck with a camper on it and while it 'should' be OK to use a camper on back- do so at one's own risk. Might want to forego the 12" lift with 44 TSL's though :-laf



I added the Hellwig sway bar for a couple of reasons: A) it will improve overall handling when required... and... B) I got a great deal from a fellow member here of which I could not pass up.

 

[DBond]

In the owner's manual it refers one back to the dealer for camper loading information. I have tried to get this from my dealer, but they cannot find the literature (even when I show them what is stated in the manual. )

I went had asked several salespeople at multiple dealerships for this information and finally someone knew about it. Ever dealer has a big 3 ring binder with detailed specs on every model. In 2005, Under Towing there is a Slide in camper application chart. they were happy to make copies for me once they found it.



Note; The 2005 chart gives a CWR (camper weight rating) for most 2500 and 3500 models, including 4x4s. There are only a few configurations that are listed "not recommended". I can't determine why these particular versions are treated this way, a couple 3500 DRW 4x2 are "not recommended", yet some 2500 4x4 have a CWR.



My 2005 3500 SRW 4x4 came with a CWR in the glove box

 

[fkovalski]

... . yet some 2500 4x4 have a CWR.

Was this by chance a long bed? If so- it would be good info as to why this particular model to which you refer is compliant and others (mine) are not? What would it take for one to *make* a truck compliant- moreover WHY were they not done this way from the factory!!

My 2005 3500 SRW 4x4 came with a CWR in the glove box

Is this the same information that I am seeking at the dealer that you were able to find? If they were in fact able to locate the info... is it just going to be a repeat of the glove box info that I allready have?



I know I am beating a dead horse, but this camper BS is wrong! I mean come on... this is pickup for crise sake!



Thanks for the info and putting up with my rant!

 

[DBond]

Was this by chance a long bed? If so- it would be good info as to why this particular model to which you refer is compliant and others (mine) are not? What would it take for one to *make* a truck compliant- moreover WHY were they not done this way from the factory!!

On 2500 4x4 (with CTD and Qcab) ; both bed sizes have some versions with a CWR and other versions "not recomended". I have no idea why.

Is this the same information that I am seeking at the dealer that you were able to find? If they were in fact able to locate the info... is it just going to be a repeat of the glove box info that I allready have?

The paper in my glove box was very close to the CWR in the dealer 3 ring binder. The difference I think is due to specific option weights, making the glove box sheet more accurate.

From your profile it looks to me like you have a DH8H42 sales code. The chart shows that as 1396 lb CWR. Keep in mind that they allocate 150 lbs of payload to every seat in the cab, so for the Qcab that's 900 lbs.

 

[KWinterborne]

Not much help here yet, but went by to see my dealer this morning. He supposedly did not know about any issues with a TC. So we read a owners manual together and saw the generic note that some models are not recommended to carry TC's and to refer to the "consumer info guide" mentioned above in other posts. He could not find it, so has a call out to someone higher up to get more details. We also went on his lot and found a 4x4 CTD long bed QC DRW and looked in the glove box. No note about not carrying one and there was a single page guide to camper install instructions for that particular truck. The only difference for me for the one I have on order is I got the 48RE. So waiting to hear back from his contact.

Hopefully some of the dealers/workers at the Dodge dealerships that are on this board will shed some details. #ad


Ken

 

[DBond]

We also went on his lot and found a 4x4 CTD long bed QC DRW and looked in the glove box. No note about not carrying one and there was a single page guide to camper install instructions for that particular truck. The only difference for me for the one I have on order is I got the 48RE. So waiting to hear back from his contact.

Ken

The info in the glove box (required per federal law going back to the early 70's) either has a weight printed on it, or "not recomended". It is specfic to that vehicle and has the VIN number on the paper.



Get a salesperson/dealer that knows the product, most I've talked to don't.

 

[BigGunZ]

There's actually a procedure for putting a slide-in on all 3500's... .

1. Ignore any warnings to the contrary
2. Install camper
3. Go camping

 

[KWinterborne]

There's actually a procedure for putting a slide-in on all 3500's... .

1. Ignore any warnings to the contrary
2. Install camper
3. Go camping

#ad

I suspect this is what I will do, as I really do not want a ford or gm. But, while hopefully it will never happen, am concerned with getting "a lemon" (they all make them occasionally) and getting screwed out of warranty work just cause I carried a camper that was under the max payload. Of course, that is assuming my camper is under too, but that's another issue I'm trying to deal with since I want a big, full wall slide camper with big tanks.

Ken

 

[BigGunZ]

As someone pointed out earlier it's likely legal issues. More specifically, rollover issues. That said, I had a F250 SRW that was camper rated... my DRW Dodge is not yet my Ram can likely carry that Ford on it's roof. I might be a little concerned with a 2500 without sway bars but a DRW 3500... no problem... I could carry a slide-in and tow a 5k boat easily.

 

[fkovalski]

... (required per federal law going back to the early 70's) ...

i did not realize this! I did not get one for my '01. if one is not provided is it assumed to be able to handle a slide- in?



Yes, the "no- no paper" for my '05 is VIN specific.

 

[KWinterborne]

As someone pointed out earlier it's likely legal issues. More specifically, rollover issues. That said, I had a F250 SRW that was camper rated... my DRW Dodge is not yet my Ram can likely carry that Ford on it's roof. I might be a little concerned with a 2500 without sway bars but a DRW 3500... no problem... I could carry a slide-in and tow a 5k boat easily.

I agree it is likely legal/top heavy issues, just wish I could confirm this from Dodge in writing. To me it’s like a motorcycle manufacturer saying they recommend their riders wear helmets and other safety gear.

Ken