Forum Discussion

Cannon_George's avatar
Mar 07, 2015

Center of Gravity Question

I enjoy driving my 2004.5 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab SRW Diesel 4x4 shortbox to many offroad (remote) places. The truck is equipped with airbags as well as super-springs. Stock lift.

Sold my 2,000# pop-up, now looking at a 2,600# 8'-11 hardside (non-slide) camper. The published CG (center of Gravity) for this camper is 37.5". Unfortunately, (based upon straight-edge and string lines) the distance from the rear of top front bed flange to the axle is 34". I suspect published CG is based upon dry weight but honestly don't know. Camper dealer of course says no problem.

For those with experience, how much of a detriment is this? Suggested mitigation, if any?

Thanks

13 Replies

  • I did not like the COG behind the rear axle on my 98, made for odd steering characteristics. Filling the FW tank helped as the tank was forward in my Lance 1110. Lived with the issue for years while not knowing better. When I put my AF990 on the same truck with cog forward of axle, Wow, big difference, pleasure to drive even with a 1k+ lbs. heavier Arctic Fox.
  • I carry my 10 ft Avion on my 6.75 ft bed F350. I remodeled to move heavier items forward. With yours being only 8-9ft, on a 6 ft bed, the difference is as if you added the tongue weight of a trailer or less. If the overall weight, and axle weights are good, just pay attention to how you load, and enjoy!

    Good luck!
    Garry in Kodiak, AK
  • wnjj's avatar
    wnjj
    Explorer II
    3.5" is only 2.5% of the 138" wheelbase. This means 2.5% of the camper's weight will be removed from the front axle and added to the rear. For the 2600 lbs you listed, that's only 66 lbs. If that's dry weight you can calculate using the 2.5%, assuming the camper COG doesn't change significantly when loaded.

    Many on here will say the camper COG must be at or in front of the rear axle which just isn't true. I've even posted GM's camper loading guide in the past where the COG can as far back as the tailgate so long as the relative loading of front and rear axles met a certain ratio. I think the principles would apply to any make.

    Personally, I'd have no problem with it.

    If you're still concerned, add a front receiver hitch for cargo and pack your heaviest stuff toward the front.