Forum Discussion

FireGuard's avatar
FireGuard
Explorer II
Nov 28, 2014

2500 Ram w/ coils carrying TC

I'm possibly looking to step up to a 2500 Ram 4x4 CC SB CTD to haul a light weight camper.
This will be a DD so I think the 3500 may be too stiff with the leaf springs.
I will use my TH when I stay in 1 place for an extended time and want a small, lightweight camper for travelling/exploring.
I want to look at the Lance 825 or 865 but others have said wet weight is around 2700 lbs. I'm looking at around 2300-2400 lb payload with the Tradesman level.
Another thought would be the Northstar 850SC, but this will also weight close to the Lance. I would like to carry a 300lb dual sport MC on a rear hitch rack also.
I know a 3500 with over 4klbs of payload would work much better.
My concern is with the coil springs mounted inboard vs leaf springs and the sway and roll with a camper.
Anyone with a 2500 and coils I would like to hear how much weight you are carrying and how the truck handles it?
I noticed Northstar is making a 650SC this year with a shower and cassette toilet and no overhang for a S/B truck, but it looks pretty tight on the inside.
Any other advice on similiar campers would be appreciated.
Truck Campers

10 Replies

  • FireGuard's avatar
    FireGuard
    Explorer II
    Nov 29, 2014
    Thanks for the good info.
    No doubt a 3500 would be better at carrying a TC but I'm looking for maybe a good compromise.
    I had an 03 Dodge CTD DRW for several years and carried different TCs from a 5200 lb AF 1140 down to a 2000 lb Lance 815. No matter what truck you have, carrying a 5k lb TC is a big load and will never handle like an empty truck. The 815 on a CTD DRW was actually sporty to drive even on mountain roads.
    I don't want to get a 3500 and hate it as a DD because of the stiff suspension.
    I may focus more on the Pop ups like the Northstar as I want something small, light and easier to get around with. I would only stay 1 or 2 nights in each place with this rig.
    As mentioned, I have a 21' TH to use when staying for awhile.
    I added airbags to my 1500 Ram with coils and that made a big difference, so I would think a 2500 with coils and airbags would carry a 2k lb pop up comfortably.
    My local dealer is now advertising $12k off new 15s. I could get a 4x4 CC Tradesman CTD for under $38k.
  • homefor2's avatar
    homefor2
    Explorer
    Nov 29, 2014
    The advice given here on buying a heavier (payload) truck is good advice but………you are right about the 3500 as a daily driver. When empty, mine rides like a buckboard but I still love it.
  • twodownzero's avatar
    twodownzero
    Explorer
    Nov 28, 2014
    Shopping for a 3/4 ton truck when you expect to carry a camper would be a very bad decision. The difference between a 3/4 ton truck and a 1 ton SRW is minimal but the difference in payload capacity is not.

    Pick your camper first and then pick a truck that has 1000 lbs of payload remaining with the camper installed. You will use that 1000 lbs for clothing, food, water, and other necessaries. Buying a truck with 2400 lbs of payload for a 2700 pound camper, especially when buying a truck is a $60,000 decision, should be obvious to you as a bad decision.
  • jdboss's avatar
    jdboss
    Explorer
    Nov 28, 2014
    We have a similar truck.... 6.4Hemi instead of the CTD. Good truck, but honestly, if I had it to do over again..... it'd be a 3500.

    Here's a post of mine from several months ago.

    http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27759529/gotomsg/27759944.cfm#27759944

    To add to that, once we modded the truck with the Timbrens, its great WITH the camper on it, but unladen it likely rides a whole lot rougher than a 3500, because as soon as the suspension travel gets into the Timbrens there is quite a bump.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer III
    Nov 28, 2014
    I don't think a Lance 825 or an 865 is going to roll down the road anywhere near 2700 lbs. I think you will be surprised as you sit on a scale especially when you add people,dogs,tools and the stuff you carry in your truck . IMO, a 2500 coil spring won't cut it . Towing a trailer is a different ball game, that might be able to be done .
  • bobman's avatar
    bobman
    Explorer
    Nov 28, 2014
    I rented a nice 1500 Ram to haul a 1300 lb pump to one of my customers I liked everything about the truck but the rear coil suspension. I was on the interstate coming out of Jackson MS heading west and the road is very poorly designed ( not bumpy more like a roller coaster) in that area the handling was squirrely. Just felt real strange.

    Limited sample but I prefer leaf springs for carrying weight. Now when the weight was off it road like a nice car so I guess its up to you what you would prefer.

    I would never get a 2500 to haul a TC. I drive a 350 dually crew cab a 1997 and I think the ride is very good and love the handling duals provide.

    JMO
  • dadwolf2's avatar
    dadwolf2
    Explorer
    Nov 28, 2014
    Bedlam wrote:
    The coil spring rear is relatively new and little feedback is available at this time for hauling tall heavy loads. If it needs suspension aids, you have trouble locating something that will work. At this time, I would suggest staying with a truck that uses leaf springs.


    That's exactly how I feel.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Nov 28, 2014
    The coil spring rear is relatively new and little feedback is available at this time for hauling tall heavy loads. If it needs suspension aids, you have trouble locating something that will work. At this time, I would suggest staying with a truck that uses leaf springs.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Nov 28, 2014
    Do you realize the difference in price between a truck that will struggle to do the job and a 3500 is less than $1K?

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