No slide in campers allowed in 2005 trucks?

[Dieselnerd]

There is a thread in the 3rd Gen forum about frame strength indicating that slide in campers and utility bodies are not recommended (possibly due to frame cracking problems?) Does anyone have a 2005, 3500 LWB 4x4 SRW where the owners manual says slide in campers not recommended? My new truck just came in but in addition to towing a fifth wheel I also have a small slide in camper. I won't be picking it up for a while since I'm currently out of state but reading that thread gave me a dose of panic. I don't want the truck if I can't use a slide in. Anyone have any information on this? I would appreciate hearing from someone that has a similar truck and finding out what the owners manual says about slide in campers. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Grizzly]

I special ordered an 05 Dodge/Cummins dually and I have a 98 Lance 11'-3" extended cab-over camper. I had that camper on my last truck, which was a 95 Dodge/Cummins dually. I had the tie downs and wiring installed on the new truck. It's been on one trip and it was great, no problems. I spoke to a factory rep about hauling my 4500 lbs (loaded) camper before I order the truck. He answered all my questions and didn't have any causions about frame or anything. I have read the owners guide and it does not say anything negative. Why would Dodge build a 3500 truck if you can't haul a cabover camper or a 5th Wheel with it? They weren't built to deliver flowers. Grizzly

 

[Lorenz]

Your question was answered on the last thread.



snow plow prep package has the "no slide in camper sticker"



DC doesn't want idiots to overload the front axle while using a plow with a slide in camper.



I bought the "sticker" and snow plow prep because the springs are heavier on the snow plow prep. also a bigger alternator and 750amp batteries. You want the sticker, as hoky as it may sound, if your carrying a camper...

 

[macdaddy]

There is a thread in the 3rd Gen forum about frame strength indicating that slide in campers and utility bodies are not recommended (possibly due to frame cracking problems?) Does anyone have a 2005, 3500 LWB 4x4 SRW where the owners manual says slide in campers not recommended? My new truck just came in but in addition to towing a fifth wheel I also have a small slide in camper. I won't be picking it up for a while since I'm currently out of state but reading that thread gave me a dose of panic. I don't want the truck if I can't use a slide in. Anyone have any information on this? I would appreciate hearing from someone that has a similar truck and finding out what the owners manual says about slide in campers. Thanks in advance for your help.

Right here

The 05 has a pamphlet (spelling) that shows a truck with a slide in for the purpose locating center line and proper load distribution, however all the numbers are missing. It also goes on to state quite clearly that DC does not recommend this vehicle for slide in campers.



Oh well



Mac

 

[DPelletier]

My '03 has the "Consumer Information Truck-Camper Loading" sheet with all the appropriate data on it. Since they haven't changed the frames, I still believe that this issue is strictly a pathetic attempt to limit DC's liability in the event of an accident and was probably suggested by some highly paid corporate lawyer. The sheet I have states, in part " This information is provided in fulfillment of the requirement by the United States Government, Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration... " and this language suggests (to me) that the manufacturer accepts some additional liability by providing this information. Much easier for them simply to say " don't use this truck to carry a camper".

Until someone comes up with some examples of 3rd gen trucks with broken frames caused by hauling a slide-in camper, I fully intend to ignore the issue completely.

This isn't to say that I'm not disgusted with DC for passing the buck to the consumer.



Anyone remember the 1980 F-series Fords with thier "swiss cheese" frames c/w 4" holes to lighten them up. Now that was a weak frame!



Dave

 

[DBoggs]

Perhaps I'm missing the point here, but if it is not recommended to put a slide in camper in the truck then should I also not haul a load of gravel, lumber, cement, or other such items that put a substantial amount of weight in the whole bed? I don't own a cab over camper anymore but if I did and the manual says no campers, I wouldn't buy the truck. Maybe DC ought to put a warning sticker that says "only cargo allowed is flowers".



Sorry, I've ranted enough. (bad day at work)



Duane

 

[Dieselnerd]

Thanks for the replies guys, between this thread and the one on the 3rd gen forum I'm satisfied I won't have any problems as long as I don't exceed the load limits of the truck.