Over GVWR?

[Josbrun03]

I carry a 4000 Lbs. slide in camper and tow a 2500 Lbs boat trailer with my Ram 2500, Auto, B5. 9 all stock. My GVWR is 8800. I added leaves to the rear springs, installed Hellwig sway bar, replaced the front coil springs with heavy duty coils, installed Rancho 9000 shocks.

I know I'm over my GVWR, but the rig handles fine, I'm only warried about the transmission. Any sugestions?

 

[Eric_77]

transmission should be fine as you are only about 13k. I think a 4k slide-in would overload a dually. Axles, tires, brakes, and wheels are way overloaded. I did 6k# in my truck back from Chicago (12800# GW) and the truck did it fine but the brakes were toast and the tires showed signs of serious distress; I think the belts blew apart internally. It will do it but not for long that is for sure.

 

[RobG]

I'm right at my GVWR (11k) on my 3500 with my Lance 1030 camper. When I hook up my car trailer, I go 500-750 lbs overweight (tongue weight), but stay well under my GCWR of 21,500.



Your transmission will be fine... it's your tires I'd be most concerned about. Be sure you run the max air pressure and that they're E load rated (not D). You might even consider 19. 5" wheels because the heavier duty tires will substantially help how your truck handles, and make it safer.



Rob

 

[Crazy Horse]

My only suggestion would be to keep it out of OD unless your over 60-63 MPH on the flat highway with no headwind. That will keep your EGT's down alot and keep the trans and eng temps down. Thats what worked best for me while taking a 20,000 mile trip recently.