Ordered new 4000+ pound truck camper, Help me choose my Dodge

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Altexp, The idea is to stay below the GVWR.
Airbags, etc. will not increase the rating. I own a 3600 lb. Lance and it is tough to stay under the 11k lbs. The weak link with my setup is the truck brakes. I nearly started a fire on the front pads while in Nova Scotia.
I have the air bags, and all the other stuff too. My RR air bag brakets are all bent up also, as someone mentioned above. I don't use the bed liner on long trips, the camper does slide around. I use a rubber mat. I'm not sure what happens when you are operating an overloaded vehicle and are involved in an accident. I know I can't afford to find out.
I'm too am sure an overloaded Dodge is okay coming from the local Home Depot, but those people don't belong on the highway.

Ron

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98 3500 QC 4X4 Int Blue, 6BTA5. 9, Auto 3. 54 LSD, PIAA Pro90's, RS9000's, Tonneau, Running Boards, 5K Air Bags, Hadley Air Horns, EGT/Boost/transmission Temp Gauges, Cobra / K40, Valley class V, Bugflector II, Bedliner, Tow Hooks, Cup Smoothie, Meg's turn-down tip, SS Fender Flares... .....

99 Lance 1110 Slide-On Truck Camper

 

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Well please do not travel the highway's in south Texas and south Louisiana, because the hot shot trucks break the sacred GVWR and GCWR daily as do your 1 ton car hauler's and 1 ton wrecker's and a multitude of other business related vehicle's. Buy a 550 or 650 with tire's going for 200. 00 a pop, increased registration cost's , restricted to Truck Route's in some cities- all just to carry a 4000lb camper and tow a boat??????? hhhummmm... OK

 

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Altexp, Large Car has a point about registration fees. My Fl60 runs $200 a year at 23000 declared and gvwr,I cango to 2599 declare with out increase. You could get a class 5 or class 6 around (cab and chasis) 35000 to 45000 depending what you want on it.
Stay with 3500(class 3) when you go to the trucking companies you don't get the same warranty. Plus your insurance company mite not like the idea of bigger truck.
I know of a guy that hauls produce with 5th wheel put several over load springs on his truck. Don't know if this increased gvwr, but they kept him level.
The Mexicans that have the 3500's Dodges and Fords will load watermelons on the bed 4' to 6' high front to back. They have to be over gvwr. I load around 150 t 200 on my truck with 1' boards average weight 15 to 20 lbs(the bigger they are the less I can carry). I haven't bottomed out yet. ( but I have been close).

 

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Alex:

First, do you have a URL of the camper you're getting? I'd love to see pix.

I just got a Lance 1030 a couple weeks ago, and I went with the 1030 instead of the top of the line 1140 that I really wanted due to weight reasons. The 1140 is about 225 lbs heavier than my 1030, and I'm already figuring that with all the options I have, loaded up and with the tanks full, it'll weigh around 3400 lbs.

Add that to my truck, a 96 RAM 3500 CC 4x2 that weighs about 6400 lbs unloaded and full of fuel and I'm within 700 lbs of my 10,500# GVWR, leaving just enough room for myself and some cargo inside the truck.

On top of that, I'll be towing a flatbed car trailer and car weighing in around 7000 lbs. Tongue weight will be about 600-700, so at least I won't be overloading the Reese extension setup I have. BTW, the Reese setup has a 2" reducer so regular hitch stuff works. I've seen the setup you saw in person in a parking lot and wouldn't take it if they gave it to me. Just didn't look beefy enough.

To make sure my truck could handle all this, I upgraded to 19. 5" wheels and tires, and added the Hellwig air springs. I have a PacBrake, and will be installing brake ducting on the front brakes before I leave for Colorado in mid-August.

I'm still trying to figure out how to get bigger/better brakes on the front of the truck. Until Dodge makes a 4500 or 5500 series RAM, this one will have to do, because no way in hell will I buy a Ford.

BTW, I highly recommend that rubber bed mat. I brought my camper home w/o one and then got one and drove around with it and there was a BIG difference. Truck felt much more stable.

Rob

 

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RobG, Thanks for the input. Check it out at www.nashtraveltrailers.com under campers. We looked at all the lances. Thought they were awesome till we saw the arctic fox. Extremely well built and thought out. One thing you can not see in their web site(not up to date yet) is the new dry bathroom with lots of storage and a real full size shower with a sliding shower door. We just sold our 2000 31. 5' coachmen leprechaun which was very roomy and beautiful, so my wife is having a real hard time with me wanting a truck camper so we can have a boat, and run around truck, and a place to crash. When she saw the lance she still said no, but then we saw the Arctic Fox, she was very impressed.

On your situation, It sounds to me that you forgot to add in your tongue weight to your calculations. Tongue weight is part of payload, which is part of GVWR. And to make it worse, when you extend out 36" it has the effect of almost 2x actual weight because of the lever effect.

Next, go to www.torklift.com, and tell me if this is the hitch you saw. I have not seen it yet, only read about it. It looked grat to me, but if you know of a better one, Im all ears.

Report back!!!!

 

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I just got back from a 2400 mile trip to Vancouver Island hauling a 2900 lb Lance plus 2000 lb of people, dog, and gear. Towed a 2500 lb boat all the way using a Reese Titan V with the stinger and 2" adaptor (250 lb hitch weight). My GVW was way over the limit for my "little" 3/4 ton, but I did not exceed the tire or axel limits. NO PROBLEM! Blasted up and down the 6% grades between Reno and Port Angels with only a shift to 4th. Pulled in 5th most of the way. Hardest work were some short hairpin grades on the way to Port Renfrew, BC. Must have been 8%. There is no way that a 5th wheel could have made this trip towing a boat. I got between 13. 2 and 15. 5 mpg per tank for an average of 14. 5 mpg. Cruised between 60 and 63 mph.

I got this rig in order to tow a boat just about anywhere both for work and recreation. We have been more than satisfied. There seems to be a lot of prejudice against truck campers at this site. I have to agree that for general camping a 5th wheel or trailer makes more sense. But for towing a boat and camping, you are making the right choice. ALTEX, you live in Florida and have no hills whatsoever. When I lived there myself, I pulled a 22 ft Grady White with a V6. I would go with 2 wheel drive, 6 speed 3500 with an open differential. You won't need an exhaust brake as long as you stay in state. But if you ever come out West, you definitely will need one.

Some other trivia: The load rating for the stinger that comes with the Reese hitch depends on how far it is extended. For your rig, you will have to stick it out all the way, which allows for a 3000 lb trailer. Use a full cover on your boat when you tow. Towing with an open cockpit is like pulling a parachute. I lose 1-2 mpg without the cover. Get airbags, Rancho 9000 shocks, and cabover stabilizers. They all improve the ride and safety of the rig.

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1999 Quad cab 2500, SB, SLT, 4X4, 5-speed, 3. 54, tow and camper package, Lance 820 camper, Lance cabover stabilizers, Rancho 9000s, Airlift airbags

 

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i just bought a 2000 3500 w/4. 10 and auto. and i haul an old northstar slide in. wet 4000 plus. this truck is an animal and handles the load like nothing. two thumbs up, even if you go w/ a boat. you do not need a ford f550. the dodge can take it- if you respect the load. a few suggestions. 1. synthetic/guage if auto but no hop-ups other than line pressure(valve body) 2. no e brake if auto- the 2000 brakes are great (esp. in fla) 3. synthetic in front and rear differentials 4. get the 4*4, the suspension is tremendous to handle the load. the 4*2 cant have nearly as much travel 5. no bedliner(too slippery) but rubber mat ok. I remove my bedliner when i put slide in on. 6. order camper package but not trailer package because extender bar requires 21/2 inch reciever (dc uses 2") Remember, "form follows function. " the slide-ins are smaller but for just you and wife, they are versatile and roomy enough with all the goodies... and you get the boating option. The dodge 3500 is the truck for the job! Good luck!

 

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Sully, what do you think about the spray in x liner, looked pretty ruged to me, and definately not slick?? I will order the tow package to get the HD flashers, and wire with plug, then unbolt hitch and save for resale. DO YOU USE OR RECOMEND AIRBAGS OR DIFFERENT SPRINGS??

 

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Altexp and RobG, The Tork Lift Super Hitch (class 5) is produced near me in Kent, WA. Several of my friends have this hitch and believe me, they say it works EXTREMELY WELL! Several different (double, piggyback, 2" x 2") extension lengths are available depending on your requirements. A chain on each side of the aft most extension end, angle outward to the attachment points on the hitch providing lateral stabilization for the trailer. Turnbuckles are provided to apply proper preload tension to these chains. This is a very popular hitch with people who tow large horse trailers with a camper. If your were to go to any of the horse shows in the NW you would see many of the newer trucks (hauling campers), towing horse trailers, using the Super Hitch setup.

With that said, I elected to replace my POS OE hitch with a Reese Titan V (also class 5) hitch, as I don't haul a camper but wanted what I consider to be the best, stoutest choice possible for my future towing needs. I had a VERY hard time trying to decide between the two. One thing is for sure, BOTH are excellent hitches. The Reese hitch extension (2. 5" x 2. 5" single tube... used for three different hitch extension lengths... cut to length as required when using either of the longer two) is very stout but spendy when compared to the Super Hitch extensions (which are length specific). Tork Lift also sells the required (length specific) extension wiring required for their Super Hitch extensions although, I'm not sure if this is included or optional.

The bottom is this (IN MY OPINION): If you want the stoutest, strongest hitch for towing, buy the Reese Titan 5; if you are hauling a camper AND towing a trailer (requiring an extension), the Tork Lift Super Hitch is far and away your best choice.

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'98. 5 2500 QC 4x4, (BLACK) SLT Sport, ISB, LWB, 3. 54 LSD, A/T, Glasstite Vision II canopy, Line-X spray in liner, 285/75R16 BFG A/Ts on 16x8 M/T Challengers, Warn 4X Boards, Mopar fender flares, front and rear NW Custom stainless steel/rubber mud flaps, Mag-Hytec diff. cover and trans. pan, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Mopar tow hooks, Reese Titan V hitch, Jordan Research Ultima 2020 trailer brake controller, VDO Vision gauges, '00 Sport grille, '00 Sport headlights with PIAA Super White 9007/9004 bulbs, 4-2-7+4 Brite-Box, PIAA Dual Sport 900 auxiliary lights, BD exhaust brake and TorqLoc, Prime-Loc fuel filter relocation kit, Bosch 275 hp. injectors, VA CPC, DD Boost Module, Banks Stinger wastegate actuator, BLACK '00 valve cover, Banks Stinger 4" dia. stainless steel exhaust system, BD LV V-10/Cummins hybrid TC and valve body, BD modified transmission front pump and PressureLoc, Air Bulldog induction hood (with NACA ducts), plus many other trick modifications

[This message has been edited by John (edited 07-17-2000). ]

 

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altexp, i have no experience w/ the spray liner. i had the airbags on my old gm 1ton and they can handle the load but i wonder if they compromise the stability in wind. your shocks cant be very effective(stock) if it's jacked up on air bags. I found this out as i was on the roof of my camper w/ a few friends at a jet game chanting J-E-T-S ... that sucker rocked back and forth easily. However, i dont recommend the bags unitl you see if how the springs handle the load. if your helpers are just in contact then you're ok. all spring action will be with the helpers. If you want to avoid air spring helper then go with kelderman full air replacement. They take the springs out and you're now driving a bus suspension. It's all a matter of how much you want to spend. Another bit of advice, if you order, they will try to make the most money out of you. Go to a dealer and find a truck you want (it may be auto but that's not so bad). then go in and try to order a plane jane 2wd and watch them come down on something already on their lot. They will come down like you don't know if you approach it like you really want to price ordering a 2wd plane jane. Good luck

 

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ALT, sound's like you are committed. Guess I'd put the heavy stuff in the boat and get trailer brakes. After doing the Alaska trip and the Florida trip I'd say flatland driving is CLEARLY less abusive.

Get ALL the goodies. You'll forget the cost, but not having that bell or wistle will bother you FOREVER!

I paid $600 over invoice thru autobytel and ORDERED my truck. Could've gotten $0 if I wanted to go out west. Liked my salesman, worked him pretty hard.

Although the automatic sometimes frustrates me, I'm glad I don't have to shift. Maybe someday Dodge WILL go with an Allison.

For people that want pickup camper a trailer or 5er is not an alternative. We may not be "campground campers," or like to tow something, or like NOT towing something.

John, got a link for the Jordan trailer brake? Had a brochure but lost it and can't find anything about them.


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tedstruck 2500qc, no leather or abs
bigfoot & other travel pics 1500 bigfoot, no auto waterheater or microwave.
Cool Summit Pass Pics, & Alaska Journal

PS DEFINITELY get a sprayed in liner or get nothing! I love my rhino!

[This message has been edited by ted kidd (edited 07-19-2000). ]

 

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altexp,
have had good luck with the spray on liner #ad
i've got the rhino not the "x" i dented my bed and it did not separate from the bed. One thing you might think about is the spray ons grip your load so it won't shift. I owned a camper many years ago and wanted the slip in loading and unloading the camper from my truck, some food for thought. I sold my camper after going through a major wind storm , the camper roll got to my wife,( the suzuki samari syndrom, turn too fast roll over) We went to a 5th wheel, we now take two vehicles whoever can get away first takes the 5'ver and the other takes the boat. A suggestion in to see if florida will allow doubles if you have a semi licence, in the peoples republic of califoria #ad
#ad
they will allow a 5'ver to tow a boat if they have a semi licence and both trailers are under 28ft. good luck!!!!
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99 2500 slt, at, rhino liner,ultra boards,pace edwards roll top, rbw little rock'r, firestone airbags, 00 Cardinal 29XL 5Th Wheel-- starting to bomb on a Budget

 

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altexp,
have had good luck with the spray on liner #ad
i've got the rhino not the "x" i dented my bed and it did not separate from the bed. One thing you might think about is the spray ons grip your load so it won't shift. I owned a camper many years ago and wanted the slip in loading and unloading the camper from my truck, some food for thought. I sold my camper after going through a major wind storm , the camper roll got to my wife,( the suzuki samari syndrom, turn too fast roll over) We went to a 5th wheel, we now take two vehicles whoever can get away first takes the 5'ver and the other takes the boat. A suggestion in to see if florida will allow doubles if you have a semi licence, in the peoples republic of california #ad
#ad
they will allow a 5'ver to tow a boat if they have a semi licence and both trailers are under 28ft. good luck!!!!
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99 2500 slt, at, rhino liner,ultra boards,pace edwards roll top, rbw little rock'r, firestone airbags, 00 Cardinal 29XL 5Th Wheel-- starting to bomb on a Budget

 

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I know this is off topic but, to answer your question Ted, I have the following information on Jordan Research:
address: 6244 Clark Center Ave. , Suite #4, Sarasota, FL 34238-2752
phone number: 1-800-533-0306

Jordan Research used to have two very informative websites however, I heard they eliminated them due to a low number of hits over a given amount of time.

 

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I am NOT happy with my Rhino Lining. To make a long story short, the Rhino Lining dealer barely applied 1/16th of the lining to my truck bed (3 trips to his shop and 2 applications). Rhino's advertising say's they are 1/4" thick. I've contacted Rhino Linings directly, and they have not been any help at all in resolving the lack of lining applied to my truck. In fact, they could care less #ad
#ad
#ad
. This is my experience with a company that does not have any customer support.

 

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That would be 1/16th of an inch thick, oops #ad

 

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wheelinfool, Rhino Linings advertises UP TO 1/4" thick. As you have found out some dealers really get cheap about the amount of material they are willing to apply. I had a similar experience with Line-X. Almost every Line-X job I have witnessed has been applied thinner than the Rhino Linings jobs I've checked out. I had a Rhino Liner sprayed in my last truck (in 1992), Line-X on my '98. 5 Ram. All in all, I would have liked to have had the Rhino on my Ram instead of the Line-X. The Line-X "chalks out" quicker than ANY other sprayed in liner on the market. The bottom line is this: the difference between all the spray in bed liners is minimal, what's REALLY important is the preparation of the surface to be sprayed and application of the material.

 

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John, thank you for your reply. Like I said, I made a long story short. This dealer assured me that his application would be 1/4" thick on the bed floor and 1/8" sides.

 

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Thanks again to all who have commented, can't name you all, but let me get started. John, fantastic info on Superhitch vs Titan V, since I need an extension, I will get the superhitch. Sully, guess I'll put the airbags on, just in case, and only use if I have to. Ted Kidd, ordered 3500/4x4/Quad/Auto/ with everything but pwr seat and 4. 10, including LSD which I probably did not need on a 4x4. Dealer said I should be BX tomorrow. Dabubba, maybe I should just get a drop in liner, and remove when I use the camper with a pad. I still need more convincing on this issue. To ALL who said I was "nuts" I only hope I'll be back on here telling everyone how awesome this truck handled the loads. If not %$#@#%^%Keep the debates going, this has been extremely informative. Bottom line, I should have a nice signature in about 8 weeks if all goes well. Oh and the new exterior color is "bright silver" which I picked. Forgot, several of you mentioned tandem towing. ILEAGAL IN FLORIDA!!!!! too bad.

 

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Thanks again to all who have commented, can't name you all, but let me get started. John, fantastic info on Superhitch vs Titan V, since I need an extension, I will get the superhitch. Sully, guess I'll put the airbags on, just in case, and only use if I have to. Ted Kidd, ordered 3500/4x4/Quad/Auto/ with everything but pwr seat and 4. 10, including LSD which I probably did not need on a 4x4. Dealer said I should be BX tomorrow. Dabubba, maybe I should just get a drop in liner, and remove when I use the camper with a pad. I still need more convincing on this issue. To ALL who said I was "nuts" I only hope I'll be back on here telling everyone how awesome this truck handled the loads. If not %$#@#%^%Keep the debates going, this has been extremely informative. Bottom line, I should have a nice signature in about 8 weeks if all goes well. Oh and the new exterior color is "bright silver" which I picked. Forgot, several of you mentioned tandem towing. ILEAGAL IN FLORIDA!!!!! too bad.