Overload Springs

[Ver Hey]

I'm still confused whether or not I need the overload springs on the 2004. 5 2500 Ram I'm getting ready to order. I pull a 30 foot Montana with a hitch weight of 1860. I don't think my present 2002 2500 Ram has them. Thanks Bernie

 

[klenger]

Why are you ordering a 2500 to pull that much weight? You need the 3500, which comes with overloads. Have you actually weighed your 5er fully loaded?



See http://www.klenger.net/arctic-fox/weight/index.html for more info on rV towing weights.

 

[Bandit2]

Bernie, I would not want helper springs IF you were only going too use the truck to pull the 30ft. Montana. It will ride better without them. Chances are you would be putting just enough weight on the truck too have the springs bounceing on the pads. You likley have a weight equalizeing hitch so you should have no problem.

I on the other hand carry a 2500lb. camper on mine and after my wife loads ALL her things,I need the extra springs, especially in a cross wind. Also sway bars front and rear. Good luck with your new truck. Dick Reynolds

 

[Bandit2]

I hope we can disagree here on this web site. I would NOT want a 3500 for your use. I have had several campers both the ball hitch and fifth wheel. Never have I found the need for a 3500. In fact I at one time thought about takeing a leaf or two out of my springs on the 2500. I do think the dualy gives you extra security IF YOU CHECK YOUR TIRES EVERY DAY. Too many people go down the road with one flat or low which is more dangerous than a single tire. Get your 2500 and don't look back. Dick Reynolds

 

[klenger]

Although I didn't mention it in my post, I was thinking of the 3500 SRW, which is available on the 3rd gens, for the added weight capacity. I have no complaints with the overloads on mine.

 

[DPelletier]

The springs on the 3rd gens are softer than on a 2nd gen. I would get a 3500 SRW if I was towing a 30' trailer. For not alot of extra money, you get 900 lbs more GVWR and the overloads. You can never have too much truck.



Dave

 

[dresslered]

As long as we're agreeing to disagree, I would sure want the training wheels if I were pulling a 30' trailer just for the added safety margin.

 

[klenger]

Anyone going to offer up a 1500 Hemi?

 

[Ver Hey]

Thanks for all the responses. I forgot to mention that it is a fifth wheel that I'm

pulling. My gross combined weight on vacation this summer was 16,400. Although I was overloaded, the truck handeled this load extremely well even in the mountains. The 2004. 5 towing specs for the 2500 HO are well within that range. I really would prefer not to get the overloads.

 

[Casey Balvert]

The limiting factor for 2500s pulling a fiver is NOT the GCWR but the truck's GVWR. Have you actually calculated the pin weight on a scale with the trailer loaded? Even without a bedroom slide you will likely exceed the truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. My last trailer, a 97 30 foot Newmar American Star without a bedroom slide put my 97 Ram 2500 just over the GVWR. I agree with Klenger, get the single wheel 3500 for the trailer you have because the 2500 won't legally do it. For the slight increase in price you will get an additional 900 pounds of payload and the ride solo will be no different. FWIW.



Casey

 

[Ver Hey]

Here are the weights that were recorded in 2002. Steer axle-3700,Drive axle-5120,Trailer axle-7920 and gross weight -16740. Bernie

 

[klenger]

Assuming that you are looking at a 3rd gen quad cab 4WD, the empty weights are higher than the 2nd gens. I assume most of the increase is because of the 4 door design. The 3rd gen 2500 does have a 9000 lb GVWR to help offset this, but the 3500 9900 lb GVWR sure helps a lot with no negatives IMHO.



Here are the 3rd gen weights and towing specs.



Here are the 2nd gen weights and towing charts for comparision.

 

[DPelletier]

Ver Hey,

With this new info, it sounds like you could do it (just) with the 2500 although it would be very close. I hope you never get a larger trailer, or haul a couple of extra passengers or ? I just don't see the negative part of buying a 3500 SRW. If the overloads really bug you, take them out. At least you have 900 lbs more legal weight capacity. No, the world isn't necessarily gonna end if you are sometimes 50 or 100 lbs over legal GVWR, but why risk it? Just remember that if you ever need that extra 900 lbs capacity, getting it later will cost you thousands of dollars. My 2 1/2 cents worth.





Dave

 

[jadoca]

as bandit2 referenced if you are towing moderate tongue or pin wt you will be bouncing of those overload pads on the 3500 3rd generations. i found it to be a very, very, unpleasant, painfull experience. fortunately my nieghbor is a chiropractor. i wanted the 3500, regardless, for the nameplate coupled with possible towing requirement changes in the future. good, cheap insurance. my solution was to have the locall spring shop remove the overloads and twist 4 new u bolts. problem solved for about 100 bucks.



regards,

 

[ProspectorTim]

I would go for the 3500 SRW or 2500 *without* the overload springs. Save the cash for airlift bags & Rancho 9000 shocks and have an adjustable ride. Level it out when loaded; and enjoy a softer ride when empty

 

[BigMike]

The 2500 will easily handle the 30' 5er. The legal/illegal debate continues. I'm still waiting to read the first post from someone who has had any legal problems associated with "being over the GVWR". I'd put air bags on before I'd put on overloads.