Axle ratings where is the weak link?
I keep being told my current truck an 07 Chevy diesel 4x4 DRW LB EXT CAB can handle the triple slide TC's on the market today with some suspension upgrades but it has some pretty low ratings as it si...
Forum Discussion
Each of us must perform due diligence to examine the data available from the manufacturer as regards payload capacities. In my case that meant digging through the Ford websites and tables to determine (for my specific model) the wheel rating, the axle rating, and the numbers for front, rear, GVW, and GCVW. Then go weigh the truck empty with a full tank sans tail gate at a certified scale. Don't trust the local dump, CAT scales are better.
Take all this information and compare it with the camper dry weight, then add what you expect to load into it and any ancillary loads (trailers, extra batteries, tanks, generators, etc.). You should be able to come to a judgement as to whether or not the rig is going to be at or under an acceptable weight for your purposes and locality.
All this discussion over legality is entertaining but does not actually give a person all the useful feedback that they need. In my job as a DOT worker on state roads and interstates I see many examples of overloaded rigs that have bad outcomes, but they tend to be smaller trucks attempting to tow large fifth wheels at high speeds. I have not come across any TC's that have wrecked due to overloading YET. Most RV's are hauled away in pieces, and yes, they do cause injuries and fatalities, HOWEVER most accidents are caused by excessive speed, weather, or inattentive driving. The most common accident on the interstates is driving off the road for no good reason!
Stopping distance and handling characteristics are critical factors in any camper decision for me. Suitability for my truck entailed far more than just weight, and center of gravity was perhaps just as important.
My gut reaction to the OP's question is one of incredulity: How can that DRW truck have the same GVW as my '06 SRW? I feel your pain! I guess the story is in the numbers. Someone on this forum has the links he needs to find all the OEM data. In my case the wheels were the weak link. With a dually I would think the wheels and tires would NOT be the achille's heel.
In any case, if the truck is licensed properly and is modified to carry the payload safely, I don't think that the Port of Entry guys or the State Police will be giving it a second look -- at least here in Idaho, where TC's are everywhere.
Run your numbers and if they are close, add some bags or Stableloads or whatever and see how it drives. Or walk away from it and try something else. In any case good luck with the outcome!
Take all this information and compare it with the camper dry weight, then add what you expect to load into it and any ancillary loads (trailers, extra batteries, tanks, generators, etc.). You should be able to come to a judgement as to whether or not the rig is going to be at or under an acceptable weight for your purposes and locality.
All this discussion over legality is entertaining but does not actually give a person all the useful feedback that they need. In my job as a DOT worker on state roads and interstates I see many examples of overloaded rigs that have bad outcomes, but they tend to be smaller trucks attempting to tow large fifth wheels at high speeds. I have not come across any TC's that have wrecked due to overloading YET. Most RV's are hauled away in pieces, and yes, they do cause injuries and fatalities, HOWEVER most accidents are caused by excessive speed, weather, or inattentive driving. The most common accident on the interstates is driving off the road for no good reason!
Stopping distance and handling characteristics are critical factors in any camper decision for me. Suitability for my truck entailed far more than just weight, and center of gravity was perhaps just as important.
My gut reaction to the OP's question is one of incredulity: How can that DRW truck have the same GVW as my '06 SRW? I feel your pain! I guess the story is in the numbers. Someone on this forum has the links he needs to find all the OEM data. In my case the wheels were the weak link. With a dually I would think the wheels and tires would NOT be the achille's heel.
In any case, if the truck is licensed properly and is modified to carry the payload safely, I don't think that the Port of Entry guys or the State Police will be giving it a second look -- at least here in Idaho, where TC's are everywhere.
Run your numbers and if they are close, add some bags or Stableloads or whatever and see how it drives. Or walk away from it and try something else. In any case good luck with the outcome!
