Help with Weight of Truck Camper
Hello fellow campers! I have a question that I would like opinions on - I am sure this tossed around a lot… I have a 2005 Dodge 2500 with the 5.7L Hemi Head. Great running truck! Since then, I...
Forum Discussion
You seem to be worried more about the engine than the suspension. That Hemi will have plenty of power. I wouldn't worry about that. This isn't racing after all.
I'd leave the engine alone and concentrate on carrying the weight.
You'll likely need new shocks, maybe a sway bar, and possibly 19.5" wheels and tires. A 2,500 pound dry weight camper will quickly turn into a 4,000 pound load. My camper says 3,1xx on the sticker. Loaded and ready to camp it's about 4,140.
My boat and tandem axle trailer weight about 4,200 pounds. It's a 20' so likely heavier than yours. I only have about 200 pounds of tongue weight (less than 5%). You just can't get much tongue weight on a boat since all the heavy parts are in the back. The trailer tows great. The 4' hitch extension probably weighs about 80 pounds by itself.
My dually is rated for 11,400 GVWR but with the camper, family, and boat it scales at almost 13,500.
If I were you I'd be looking at nothing larger than a 9' camper and keep the option list short.
I'd leave the engine alone and concentrate on carrying the weight.
You'll likely need new shocks, maybe a sway bar, and possibly 19.5" wheels and tires. A 2,500 pound dry weight camper will quickly turn into a 4,000 pound load. My camper says 3,1xx on the sticker. Loaded and ready to camp it's about 4,140.
My boat and tandem axle trailer weight about 4,200 pounds. It's a 20' so likely heavier than yours. I only have about 200 pounds of tongue weight (less than 5%). You just can't get much tongue weight on a boat since all the heavy parts are in the back. The trailer tows great. The 4' hitch extension probably weighs about 80 pounds by itself.
My dually is rated for 11,400 GVWR but with the camper, family, and boat it scales at almost 13,500.
If I were you I'd be looking at nothing larger than a 9' camper and keep the option list short.
