Howdy, i'm in the market for a cabover camper but before I get in over my head or too excited, I wanted to post my concerns.I've got a '05 Dodge 2500 Longbed with a cummins diesel and automatic trans.I've also got a 25' Parker fishing boat that weighs between 7000-9000k depending on what I put on it. That's including the trailer weight. I'm in the process of changing from hydraulic drums to Electric over hydraulic disc brakes. Meaning, I plan on removing the hydraulic actuator/coupler and putting a fixed coupler on the trailer. This would allow me to use the proper weight distributing hitch on it if I chose to use one. (The brakes would be actuated by a standard electric brake controller using the 7 pin wiring adapter connected to a electric brake actuator on the trailer that would actuate a hydraulic master cylinder and stop the brakes. Pretty nifty and i'm actually pretty excited about setting that up.)Anyway, with that being said, a lot of the nicer cab-overs that i'm looking at all seem to hang over the truck bed and somewhat block the hitch. -What type of cabover should I be looking for and can I get away without using an extension? -If not, what sort of extension should I get? -Is the standard hitch on the Dodge strong enough for use with an extension?-Do I also need a WD hitch?I want to have this kind of setup but I want it completely safe and I don't want to compromise anything especially with my family in the truck with me. Thanks all.

Don't want to compromise anything? Then, I would change out the stock receiver. If the cabover extends beyond the truck bed Torklift makes a very nice Super Truss for a hitch extension. Consider suspension modifications, air bags, more springs, etc. to handle the weight. However, first look at the payload of your truck, understand the tongue weight of the boat, and the fully loaded (not dry or brochure) weights of the cabover you are interested in. You might be shocked how little camper you can carry and stay under or at GVWR. If you are willing to go for a one ton dually you probably can tow the 7-9000 pound boat and carry a fairly large and well equipped cabover that extends beyond the rear of the truck.

Sorry, I forgot to include I already had airbags in mind as well.I plan on ordering a tongue scale to confirm what i'm really at for Tongue weight.

Any kind of extension will lower you hitch tounge weight by 35-50% Good think to keep in mind.

just hook up the boat and go to a cat scale. That will tell you how much tire load capacity you have available at each axle. The axle itsel cand deal with almost any TC. The wheels and tires cannot. It comes down to get a drw pick up, get a small tc and run with what you have, or upgrade a srw truck with 19.5 wheels and tires to handle the load.

I just watched the installation video for the super truss system. Pretty damn beefy. I like it.

Cabover and Towing questions | Good Sam Community

Flyliner
Explorer
Oct 23, 2014
Superdave, no sir, I have not. Given that the 2500 is a 3/4 ton truck, I was assuming a 1500lb payload.
Flyliner
Explorer
Oct 23, 2014
Buzzcut1, do you have any links that would educate me towards the benefits of running 19.5" wheels?

I've been towing my boats for the last 15 years, I just never towed with a cabover, so the requirements/recommendations are all new to me.
Super_Dave
Explorer
Oct 23, 2014
Flyliner,
Per my signature, I'm bigger on my truck end and smaller on the boat end than you. The 2500 truck is going to put you in a short camper so there won't be a lot of overhang. I use a 15" solid extension on mine and have approx. 300 lbs tongue weight. Have you calculated the available payload for your truck yet?
Flyliner
Explorer
Oct 23, 2014
I just watched the installation video for the super truss system. Pretty damn beefy. I like it.
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Oct 23, 2014
just hook up the boat and go to a cat scale. That will tell you how much tire load capacity you have available at each axle. The axle itsel cand deal with almost any TC. The wheels and tires cannot. It comes down to get a drw pick up, get a small tc and run with what you have, or upgrade a srw truck with 19.5 wheels and tires to handle the load.
tuna_fisher
Explorer
Oct 23, 2014
Any kind of extension will lower you hitch tounge weight by 35-50% Good think to keep in mind.
Flyliner
Explorer
Oct 23, 2014
Sorry, I forgot to include I already had airbags in mind as well.

I plan on ordering a tongue scale to confirm what i'm really at for Tongue weight.
jmtandem
Explorer II
Oct 23, 2014
Don't want to compromise anything? Then, I would change out the stock receiver. If the cabover extends beyond the truck bed Torklift makes a very nice Super Truss for a hitch extension. Consider suspension modifications, air bags, more springs, etc. to handle the weight. However, first look at the payload of your truck, understand the tongue weight of the boat, and the fully loaded (not dry or brochure) weights of the cabover you are interested in. You might be shocked how little camper you can carry and stay under or at GVWR. If you are willing to go for a one ton dually you probably can tow the 7-9000 pound boat and carry a fairly large and well equipped cabover that extends beyond the rear of the truck.

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