Truck-Camper loading sheet specs...Are they correct?

[jalberring]

Hello, I've searched for this question but couldn't find anything.



With the truck in my signature I got the DOT camper loading sheet(white sheet with red letters). The sheet shows the correct VIN for my truck and shows that the Cargo Weight Rating (Pounds) is 0806. Surely this isn't correct. This means I am only supposed to carry a camper that weighs 806 pounds! This also means that the truck weighs 7994 pounds, right? (GVWR - actual weight)



Either that rating is too low or the truck is extremely heavy. By my calculations and reading some of the other posted weights of some of your trucks I should have double that capacity.



Could someone please explain this to me?

Thanks, Jason

 

[Fuzz]

Interesting

I would like some answers on this DOT sheet also. On mine it

showed 2300 +/-. (-5 out and I'll post correct weight later).

My truck a 2000,3500,4x4 all the goodies.

I called the Dodge 800 # . Waste of time. .

Dealer had no idea...

Asked once here and everyone thought it a mistake.



As near as I can find out it has something to do with the CG.

Not so much with the GVW.

Maybe we can find out.

Fuzz

 

[dresslered]

Unfortunately, this is the case regardless of how rediculous it sounds. I was shocked as well to see that my dually was only suppose to carry 2772 lbs. when I had been reading in the sales brochures that it could carry a maximum payload of 4600 lbs.



The numbers are actually derived from the options that you include on your truck. So every time you think that you are adding a "heavy duty" item, it is really adding weight to your truck which is subtracting from the payload. Additionally, if you didn't order the "rear seat delete" option, the DOT sheet is going to assume that you have three adult passengers (I believe at 180 lbs each) permanently mounted back there and their combined weight would also be subtracted from the total. Finally, remember that big heavy Cummins option you ordered? Yep, that is subtracted from the overall weight as well. Bottom line is you should have ordered a stripper truck with the lightest engine available.



I think that the real way to determine your payload capacity is to actually have the truck weighed. Weigh the entire truck and then have it weighed again with only the front or rear wheels on the scale (this will let you figure how much weight is on each axle). Make sure that you have a full tank of gas, and as many passengers that you will normally be traveling with. Then go by the GVW of the vehicle, the axle weight ratings, and also the tire weight ratings (especially don't exceed these). This will give you a much better idea at what the truck is really spec'd for.



P. S. Jason, my BMW can carry 806 lbs. :{

 

[BigMike]

David is right. Weigh your truck. It will probably come out around 7300lbs depending on your load. Mine is at ~7400lbs. But that still only leaves you 1500 pounds payload. I'ts almost impossible to meet the truck GVWR with either a camper or a 5er on the rear axle. I guarantee you that most folks towing 5ers or with campers are exceeding their truck ratings. I finally convinced myself that the axle and tire ratings are the critical factors. I also called DC to get the correct ratings for my truck. It only takes a little patience. I'm also going to do everything I can to protect my rear axle and my transmission. Otherwise, I'm towing down the highway with a big smile on my face.

 

[Fuzz]

I thought it was the white paper,red lettering titled:

Consumer Information

Truck-Camper Loading

that Jason was asking about. If it is the numbers do not jibe unless I am reading it wrong. On mine it states the Vin # then

Cargo Weight rating(pounds):2823

Then the figures for the CG limits. .

The factory brochure states my truck has a curb weight of 6975

Payload 4,030

TTL 11,000

Now assuming the Curb weight of 6975 and then add the weight from the above mentioned Sheet of 2823. . That would make the

total GVWR 9798... or 1202#'s less than the 11,000GVWR on the

door post. . Wonder Why??

I agree on weighing truck,don't exceed axle or tire ratings or GVW

But why does this paper not compute with it's numbers.

With all the crap I have on my truck, it weighs 8400#'s. Fuel,wife,hitch,Shelty,11,000 minus8400 =2600

Does my question make sense?Only wondering about the Camper

loading paper...

 

[dresslered]

Hey Fuzz-

First of all, your truck does not weigh anywhere near 6975 lbs. (I believe that this number does not include fluids, passengers, or options and requires that you fill the tires with helium). The factory brochure is very misinformative and you should refer to the Camper Application guide for the real numbers. It sounds like you already realize that the truck (before extras) approaches 8000 lbs. rather than what your brochure says. Go by the actuals and toss the white paper with red lettering in the garbage.

 

[CTRam]

want to hear a funny one... . I got my truck with the camper and tow packages from the factory, and my white paper with red lettering says DO NOT use vehicle to transport slide in truck campers... what good is the camper package???

 

[dresslered]

Very good, Tdews. By any chance did you get the snow plow package? These aren't suppose to be used with slide-ins.

 

[CTRam]

Nope. I ordered it so I could haul my slide in. This is the first time I have heard about the plow prep, thats good to know for future ref.