Forum Discussion

Mello_Mike's avatar
Mello_Mike
Explorer
Apr 16, 2014

2013 Ram 3500 and 2011 Wolf Creek 850 Weigh-in

We had a great opportunity yesterday, while passing through Nephi, UT, to weigh our 2013 Ram 3500 and 2011 Wolf Creek 850. With a GVWR of 11,700 lbs, I was curious to see how much this combo would weigh. Compared to my recently traded-in Ford F-250, this truck's GVWR is 1,700 lbs more and has 500 lbs more payload, but part of the GVWR increase is taken up with a diesel engine and 4x4 transmission.

Well, after getting on the scales here are the results: Front Axle: 5,020 lbs; Rear Axle: 6,900 lbs; Gross Weight: 11,920 lbs. So based on these figures, I'm 220 lbs overweight with a fully loaded one-ton truck. Oh, and for the record. The diesel tank was pretty close to full, while the camper was loaded to the hilt with food, clothing, and a full tank of fresh water.

In spite of being slightly overloaded, my axles are still under weight. The Front GAWR for my truck is 6,000 lbs, but I was well under that with a weight of 5,020 lbs. The rear, on the other hand, is close to maxed out with a weight of 6,900 lbs with a Rear GAWR of 7,000 lbs.

My next task after returning home is to weigh the truck without the camper to see how much payload I truly have. The door pillar sticker says my payload is 3,809 lbs, but I want to confirm that.



Truck Campers
  • bka0721's avatar
    bka0721
    Explorer II
    Apr 16, 2014
    Thanks for sharing, Mike. It is often a reality check, after the visit to the Scale.

    If it makes you feel any better, your total weight (truck & camper) is a couple hundred pounds more than my truck, before my TC is loaded and supplies.

    b
  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Apr 16, 2014
    so was the stock set of tires rated at 3500# each? As I will bet the real rear axle spec from the mfg is way higher than 7000#
  • hedge's avatar
    hedge
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2014
    wow that's surprising, I really thought that you'd be fine with a 3500. I guess I'm likely over too, especially when I tow.
  • Mello_Mike's avatar
    Mello_Mike
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2014
    Buzzcut1 wrote:
    so was the stock set of tires rated at 3500# each? As I will bet the real rear axle spec from the mfg is way higher than 7000#


    It is but I don't know the exact figure. I'm going to have to research that.
  • GpnAZ's avatar
    GpnAZ
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2014
    Hey Mike - As you know we have similar rigs and I also weighed mine shortly after getting it set up. My truck was exactly 8000 lb - filled with fuel and tailgate on. Camper loaded on truck - full of water and propane - no clothes or food packed - 10,580 lb. My rear axle was 5640 lb and front axle was 4940 lb. My GVW is the same as yours, 11,700lb, except my payload is 3740 lb according to the door sticker. When I checked the specs on the Firestone TransForce tires that came on it, they were rated for approximately 3400 lb, I can't remember the exact figure. So I am well under my rated weight all the way around :)
  • cewillis's avatar
    cewillis
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2014
    Buzzcut1 wrote:
    As I will bet the real rear axle spec from the mfg is way higher than 7000#

    Gotta be -- almost guaranteed at least 10,000. (my 06 2500hd)
  • Mello_Mike's avatar
    Mello_Mike
    Explorer
    Apr 17, 2014
    GpnAZ wrote:
    Hey Mike - As you know we have similar rigs and I also weighed mine shortly after getting it set up. My truck was exactly 8000 lb - filled with fuel and tailgate on. Camper loaded on truck - full of water and propane - no clothes or food packed - 10,580 lb. My rear axle was 5640 lb and front axle was 4940 lb. My GVW is the same as yours, 11,700lb, except my payload is 3740 lb according to the door sticker. When I checked the specs on the Firestone TransForce tires that came on it, they were rated for approximately 3400 lb, I can't remember the exact figure. So I am well under my rated weight all the way around :)


    I have to say I was a little surprised at how much this combo weighed. I took my previous combo to the scales and they weighed 10,200 lbs. This time around I expected to see around 11,300 lbs. Might have to take my rig to another scale to verify though the CAT scales are known to be pretty accurate.
  • childofthewind's avatar
    childofthewind
    Explorer
    Apr 17, 2014
    Mello Mike wrote:

    Well, after getting on the scales here are the results: Front Axle: 5,020 lbs; Rear Axle: 6,900 lbs; Gross Weight: 11,920 lbs. So based on these figures, I'm 220 lbs overweight with a fully loaded one-ton truck. Oh, and for the record. The diesel tank was pretty close to full, while the camper was loaded to the hilt with food, clothing, and a full tank of fresh water.


    Interesting. Do you have the Aisin transmission? That takes ~160 lbs off the payload.

    I am also wondering if you have added any suspension upgrades to the Ram. Or do you feel the stock suspension is good for your camper?

    I am about to order a 2014 Ram 3500 SRW 4x4 crew shortbox. Have a ~3200 lb camper.
  • GpnAZ's avatar
    GpnAZ
    Explorer
    Apr 17, 2014
    Mello Mike wrote:
    I have to say I was a little surprised at how much this combo weighed. I took my previous combo to the scales and they weighed 10,200 lbs. This time around I expected to see around 11,300 lbs. Might have to take my rig to another scale to verify though the CAT scales are known to be pretty accurate.


    I get mine weighed at the Love's truck stop at Wild Horse Pass Rd & I-10. Your weight does sound a little strong to me. My weights didn't include any people, did yours? I was probably 200-300 pounds light with stuff I normally have in it when I go camping, that I didn't have in it.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025