2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How much of rear load transfers to front?

[geusterman]

In trying to decide between 225 and 245 X 19. 5" tires I need to know how much load (say a 4000 lb camper) transfers to the front as well. Four 3640# tires equals over 14,000 lb total and four 4500# tires equal 18,000# total. I can't ever imagine my truck at 14,000#. A 7000# truck with a 4000# camper hits 11,000#. My concern is that the rear empty is about #3000 and a 4000# camper would max the 225's if the weight was completely on the back. Anybody know the ratio? George

 

[klenger]

I think you need to know the CG (Center of gravity) for the camper. With that, some simple math should help determine the load distribution. I would think that the camper mfg. should be able to supply this info.

 

[geusterman]

I think it was RaDodge that said his camper added only 200lbs to his front axle and about 3700 to his back. That is probably normal and fuel tanks are also to be considered. The reason is figuring what kind of tire strength I need. George

 

[LandShark]

My front weight only goes up a couple hundred pounds with the camper on.

 

[geusterman]

Thanks LandShark. I have the camper pkg which comes with a sway bar. I have the Rancho's now (and a Kelderman air ride) and I am going for the 19. 5's instead of duallies. What else you learn about hauling campers (your private email does not work so I put my question to you here!) Thanks, George

 

[RKohn]

It also depends....

on how hard you stand on the brakes.

 

[geusterman]

Rkjohn--Oh yeah. I lucked into 4 wheel discs and will do a mechanical Pac Brake in time. I think I am going to build my camper on a flatbed--more room. George

 

[M Barnett]

If you don't transfer that load to the front, this can happen to you.



#ad




Michael

 

[roadranger]

I was reading on irv2.com where a guy with a long overhang camper actually lost weight from the front axle with the camper on!



That rear axle must be at or over max capacity!

 

[RKohn]

Isn't it true that sometimes when you've got a load on...

you need to put a little more A$$ into it?



Sorry guys, I just couldn't let that one pass.

 

[geusterman]

Our pastor has been going through the story of Joseph in Genisis and using media props/period music etc and when he got to the part about sending his family back home laden down with goods he used that picture. Fun church. George

 

[CRSmith]

how to calculate your answer.

To closely estimate the added load:



-Find where the center of gravity (CG) falls in the bed of your truck.

-Multiply the weight of the camper by the distance from the CG to the contact patch of the front wheel.

-Divide that value by the distance between your front and rear wheels. This will be the added load on the rear axle.

-This works if the camper's CG is in front of or behind the rear wheel. It's based on static load, so it all changes if you're experiencing bumps or acceleration.