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Beau_Bo's avatar
Beau_Bo
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015

need sanity check on weight calcs

Hi - looking to purchase a new TV/TC to carry my DW and me into retirement. I've done the math and I don't like what I'm seeing so I thought I'd post up here to make sure I'm doing things right.

For TV I'm looking at a RAM 3500 DRW 4x4 Crew Cab Laramie long bed CTD/Aisin. From the RAM site it lists that vehicle as having a 5565 payload. I called RAM and that includes all fluids including a full diesel tank, but does not include any weight allowance for driver or passengers. From this payload I figure I need to subtract 500 for people and dog (big dog!).

Also I need to subtract weight for a heavier hitch and tie downs, guessing 200 lbs. This brings the available payload down to 4865 (5565-500-200). For other "stuff" I've read that 500 is a good guesstimate so that brings available payload to 4365.

The Eagle Cap 960 build your own site lists 4463 as the wet weight with options. Wet weight includes options, full water, propane, and batteries.

For 80% of what I want to do with the rig it looks close enough to work but for the other 20% I want to pull a 7K jeep/trailer with a tongue weight of around 700 lbs, which puts me about 800 over payload. I could cut this back by traveling with an empty water tank which saves 365 lbs for a result of about 435 over.

So, I have 2 questions. First, are my assumptions/calculations accurate? Second, is 435 over a problem for the 20% of the time I'll be towing? 9750 is listed RAWR if that helps.

Thanks...
Truck Campers
  • Beau_Bo's avatar
    Beau_Bo
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2015
    Trackrig wrote:
    Tow the Jeep four down?

    Bill


    Sorry but not an option, lifted and modified suspension. Tried flat towing, its scary!
  • towpro's avatar
    towpro
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2015
    I have one of those trucks. I think if you take the weight off each tire inflated to 80 psi, and take that times 4 tires, your coming up with a number around 10K lbs. So its not the tires that is the limiting factor.

    And the only thing I am doing to mine is adding a bigwig sway bar.but my camper is only just over 3K, plus tong weight. I noticed my truck rides level with just over 3K camper in bed.
  • Beau_Bo's avatar
    Beau_Bo
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2015
    towpro wrote:
    I have one of those trucks. I think if you take the weight off each tire inflated to 80 psi, and take that times 4 tires, your coming up with a number around 10K lbs. So its not the tires that is the limiting factor.



    Thanks, good info to have...
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Aug 13, 2015
    You are confusing sticker numbers made up for tax purposes with actual vehicle capacities.
    I have no problem to put 10,000 lb on my F350 DRW, but with camper weight distribution is an issue.
    I weight my camper at the time of purchase and it was 4200 dry (manufacturer lists 3800lb), but it did put almost 5000 lb on my rear axle.
    Unfortunately I have never seen camper manufacturer listing center of gravity, so making the setup you are forced to do try by error decisions.
    I doubt you can overload DRW with your set up, but focus on what rear axle can carry as this will be crucial point.
    Make a habit of loading heavy stuff up front and use the behind rear axle storages for light stuff only.
    If you have spare, putting it on front bumper can be wise move.
    Now you are not saying how big is the camper rear overhang.
    For my camper I need 5 foot stinger for trailer hitch.
    Would I put 700lb tongue on it, that likely would transfer to about 2000 lb on rear axle and front wheels barely touching the pavement.
    You are walking very thin line here.
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Aug 13, 2015
    The numbers look right even if it doesn't seem possible.
  • fpoole's avatar
    fpoole
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2015
    Yah, I feel your pain..
    Did the same thing, but not quite as calculated...

    3500 then Looked at the 4500, and still a lot of "What about adding ....."
    Got fed up with dancing around with figures/calculations and went with a 5500..

    But, as I'm told, it's a trade off on the "bumpies".... shake'n not stirred...

    I believe? you can order whatever Cab you want on it and that might help sooth the pain, but it is a "special order" and takes a few weeks to get, but you then get it right... Still stiff, but it'll carry/tow whatever config you come up with.. Why mess around eh?

    Good luck...
  • mkirsch's avatar
    mkirsch
    Nomad II
    Aug 13, 2015
    You are spot on for a "by the book" calculation based on the truck's GVWR.

    What's even going to be more disappointing is that 5565 number is the BEST AVAILABLE payload number for that particular truck. It is almost certain that the truck you end up with will have LESS rated payload capacity than that.

    Common practice in the TC community is to ignore GVWR and use axle ratings as your limits. That typically gains you another 1000-2000lbs of payload capacity, so you're no longer "overloaded."

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