GVWR Exceded, Mechanical Issue?
AF 996 on 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab Edit by hanapaa13 Not Published Recently purchased a 2014 AF 996 at the recommendation of the AF Dealer. Was told by the dealer I would have no problems haul...
Forum Discussion
You have a truck that was engineered to tow over 12,000 lbs. so your camper does not begin to stress the engine or drivetrain or braking capabilities of your truck. You do however have a problem with the rear wheels.
The 3750 load capacity tires provide in total maximum support for 7,500 lbs. and I would suspect your truck alone puts a load of more than 3,000 lbs. on the tires and add in the 4,000 lb. camper your are at 7,000 lbs. before you have added anything at all.
In your position I would either get a lighter camper, and 95% of the campers sold today weigh less than the one you were sold, or get 19.5 rims and tires to provide a rear wheel capacity of 8800 lbs. for the truck.
The tires are the weak point and if they are at 100% of their load capacity you will have more sidewall flexing so they will run hotter and poorer road handling and you have no reserve for hitting a pothole along the way. Add a generator or any other item becomes an added stress to the tires and something for you to worry about it.
My camper had a sticker weight from the factory of 2800 lbs. but after adding a roof rack, AC, second battery, and solar panels, the weight is now 3200 lbs. - it adds up quickly.
Take your truck with its new camper to a local CAT scale and for $10 you have proof of the weight and then you need to sit down with the dealer and insist on a refund for the camper they sold you. Then get one that has a sticker weight of 3,000 lbs. or less.
The 3750 load capacity tires provide in total maximum support for 7,500 lbs. and I would suspect your truck alone puts a load of more than 3,000 lbs. on the tires and add in the 4,000 lb. camper your are at 7,000 lbs. before you have added anything at all.
In your position I would either get a lighter camper, and 95% of the campers sold today weigh less than the one you were sold, or get 19.5 rims and tires to provide a rear wheel capacity of 8800 lbs. for the truck.
The tires are the weak point and if they are at 100% of their load capacity you will have more sidewall flexing so they will run hotter and poorer road handling and you have no reserve for hitting a pothole along the way. Add a generator or any other item becomes an added stress to the tires and something for you to worry about it.
My camper had a sticker weight from the factory of 2800 lbs. but after adding a roof rack, AC, second battery, and solar panels, the weight is now 3200 lbs. - it adds up quickly.
Take your truck with its new camper to a local CAT scale and for $10 you have proof of the weight and then you need to sit down with the dealer and insist on a refund for the camper they sold you. Then get one that has a sticker weight of 3,000 lbs. or less.
