Forum Discussion

Explorer

Aug 19, 2015

2500HD and a 4000lb camper...

Ok so I've been digging around on the forums for answers, and now it's time to get a consensus on what I have come up with...

truck specs and weights

09 2500HD Z71 CC LB 6.0 gasser
285/65/18 toyo at2 (3640@80psi max)
Dick Cepek 18x9 wheels (3640lbs max)
Torklift frame mounts
Torklift stable loads
Firestone airbags
Super springs SSA15 (5000lbs)

Weighted the truck with a full tank and me and the wife, here are the #'s

front axle 4040lbs
rear axle 3080lbs
total 7120lbs

camper specs
adventurer 910fbs
3284lbs dry (inc. options)
4228lbs wet (inc. 50g water, 40lb pro., batteries & 300lbs misc)
47" COG

so I found a great little camper weight site http://www.visualsc.com/tc_calc.htm

I put all the numbers into the calculator and here is what I get back..

rear axle 7077lbs
rear tire 3538lbs
front axle 4271lbs
front tire 2135lbs
gvwr 11348lbs

Now I do know that in this model when you add the water weight, it will move the COG forward.

from all the searching I've done the only differences from a 2500 to a 3500 is the spring pack (extra overload leaf) and wheels and tires, 16" to 18".

My question is am I wrong in figuring my rear axle is now 7280lbs (both wheels and tires are 3640lbs max X 2)? I know i'm way over on that the door tag shows for gvwr & gawr, but I assume those numbers are for a factory stock setup.

Truck Campers

44 Replies

Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Aug 19, 2015
You can do if you ignore the weight police. I have yet to see anyone post a spec that there is a difference in part numbers between calipers and rotors on a 2500 and 3500 or F250/350. Weakest link is going to be Wheels, tires and suspension. The door sticker is based on OEM components. no you can't change the door sticker but the sky isn't going to fall and the DOT isn't going to come after you (except in BC). I rode a rig like that for 5 years until I recently bought a Dually. My thoughts, you can do it, its a compromise, go way over on beefing up components. If you do it go with beefy anti sway bars, 19.5 wheels and commercial truck tires (You need to not be anywhere near the tire and wheel weight limits). beef up the spring packs. You are still going to wear stuff out faster and have a rougher ride than a dually for that kind of weight.
mr70ss
Explorer
Aug 19, 2015
MN Ben wrote:
Car/truck manufacturers take into account breaking as well. All of that weight has to safely stop.
It is what it is.

Have you improved your braking?

good point thanks.
MN_Ben
Explorer
Aug 19, 2015
Car/truck manufacturers take into account breaking as well. All of that weight has to safely stop.
It is what it is.

Have you improved your braking?
Second_Chance
Explorer II
Aug 19, 2015
No modification can change the manufacturer's GVWRs on a vehicle. The sticker is what it is.