Do I really need a 4500 for a 5,500 lb TC?
Not another weight question..... My 2008 Dodge 3500 dually is not handling my Arctic Fox 1140 well. Lots of sway. Per advice of the forum, I have Rancho 9000s on it along with a set of Super Sprin...
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I had an 07 Ram 3500 dually, 2 wheel drive. It handled my AF1150 well, but I had stabil loads, air bags, and rancho 9000xl adjustable shocks set for stiff.
As I mentioned- it handled it, but it was definitely at it's limit.
About a year ago I upgraded to an 08 Sterling 4500 (Ram) with 4 wheel drive.
GVWR jumped to 16000. Put the camper on it, with no mods, and it's amazing. It doesn't even notice it's there. Recovery from turns or bumps is instantaneous, no rocking.
One note: MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE BED LENGTH! Most 4500s and up are cab chasis types and the bed can be a foot longer (mine is 9 feet). That means there's about a 6 inch gap between the camper and the back of the cab. Can't get it all the way up against it or the tail lights will be smashed. I had to make some wooden stoppers to take up the distance.
As I mentioned- it handled it, but it was definitely at it's limit.
About a year ago I upgraded to an 08 Sterling 4500 (Ram) with 4 wheel drive.
GVWR jumped to 16000. Put the camper on it, with no mods, and it's amazing. It doesn't even notice it's there. Recovery from turns or bumps is instantaneous, no rocking.
One note: MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE BED LENGTH! Most 4500s and up are cab chasis types and the bed can be a foot longer (mine is 9 feet). That means there's about a 6 inch gap between the camper and the back of the cab. Can't get it all the way up against it or the tail lights will be smashed. I had to make some wooden stoppers to take up the distance.
