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neilrvnet's avatar
neilrvnet
Explorer
Oct 14, 2022

2009 Adventurer 950B on 1999 Dodge 3500 Diesel LB Dually

Hi again. Now looking to get advice on if a 2009 Adventurer 950B can safely go on my 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Turbo Diesel Dually Longbed 4WD 5.9L 24V Laramie SLT Extended Cab
Tires: Firestone Transforce HT2 235/85r16 Rated E at 3,000 lbs each.
Axle Ratio-
Front: Dana M60 4:10
Rear: Dana 80 Hybrid anti-spin differential 4:10
GVWR: 11,000 lbs
GAWR: 4,850 lbs front axle
GAWR: 7,500 lbs rear axle
GCWR: 18,000 lbs Gross Combined Weight Rating (Truck, Trailer, Cargo)
The closest I can figure, going to the Cat Scales, is the truck is about 7,000 lbs curb weight, leaving about 4,000 lbs for payload. Just talking to several different people, they said that I am probably totally safe going 500 pounds over payload, several people said 1,000 lbs over payload, because that truck was made to handle it. Just trying to do my research and see what I can learn. I thank you all in advance for your comments. Neil
  • You have a Dana 80 rear axle. It is an 11klb axle. So tires wheels axle is rated far heavier than the truck rating.
    On paper you have about a 4klb payload, so your math is correct.
    Leaves the 2 main concerns being frame and springs.
    Both will handle a large camper no problem except for spring rate. You may/will need to add/modify the rear suspension to handle 2 tons plus in the bed.
    The last concern is the condition of the truck. At almost 25 years old, it could be anywhere on the spectrum. My recommendation only applies if it’s in good well maintained condition.

    Biggest difference from a high cg weight hauling perspective compared to newer trucks is the 2nd Gens aren’t a fully boxed frame so they aren’t as torsionally stiff.
    It’ll be a little more of a noodle than if on a newer truck. Makes having sufficient suspension upgrades including heavy duty sway bars more important to control body roll.