Weight Handling

[Boaring1961]

I've got a 2005 Ram 2500 QC 4wd and most of the time it's just my daily driver. However, when I go on my out-of-state hunts I load the bed with an in-bed pop-up camper and tow a utility trailer with my ATV. The in-bed camper fully loaded is around 1,900 to 2,100 lbs. It's not super heavy, but it definitely adds some weight to the rear and I hate the side to side sway with it loaded. My truck empty is 7,260 lbs and the camper fully loaded puts me at or above the 9k lb GVWR most of the time.

What are my options to increase the rear load capacity by 400 to 600 lbs and/or reduce the side-to-side sway of the truck when I'm loaded?

 

[NIsaacs]

If you don't have one, the best thing you can do for a top heavy load is add a rear sway bar.

Nick

 

[DaveHess]

I like Timbrens for keeping my body roll to a minimum plus it picks the load up. Little easier on the leaf springs I think.

 

[Tuesdak]

X2 on rear sway bar.

Not sure how to explain how soft tires play in the sway factor. I normally run some stiff commercial tires like the ones intended for delivery vehicles. (Not suitable for off road.) Are you running those soft LTX Michelin Tires? IMO Michelin sway more vs. said stiffer ride commercial delivery tires. Consider higher load range tire that fits your needs. Inflation pressures for the actual weight are a deep subject you can also look at. For example the sidewall limit is 80 and the door says 70 PSI - 70PSI is assuming you are not going over GVWR.

 

[Boaring1961]

Due to ease of installation I installed a set of the Timbren's SES. I did a quick test the other day and loaded 1,500 lbs of bagged corn into the bed to see how they'd work. They definitely helped and I think the more weight the more they'll help. If I want more in the future I'll also add a sway bar.

Off the subject. I also added a 20" Rigid LED light bar to the front of the truck with their special brackets for our trucks. It is scary how bright it is. It is not for driving in traffic!!!

Thanks for the suggestions guys on the weight handling!