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STANG23L's avatar
STANG23L
Explorer
Feb 18, 2016

Proper sized camper for Ram 1500 Ecodiesel

So over the last few years I've been trying to add a bit more camping into my UTV/V-Strom adventures. So far I've relied on truck tents. I know these are not very popular but they have served me well. The amount I've been able to get out I feel I can finally justify stepping up to a slid in camper.

I've been keeping an eye open for a good used camper locally over the last two years. Everything that I looked at was either peer junk or sold before I could even look at it. I'm getting tired of playing this game.

So I'm considering going new and need some advice fitting one to my Ram 1500 Ecodiesel.

Requirements/issues
As I will be towing one or both of my toys. Need a camper that will fit with the tailgate up or tailgate off. While still allowing adequate clearace to trailer. Truck has 6' 4" bed.

Weight. Ratings on my Eco is pretty poor vs a Hemi with the added engine weight. I will be running it across a CAT scale in the next few day's to get specific numbers.

Budget: 10-15K max.

Current options I've been looking at: Travel Lite 625 & RAYZR FK (625 minus cab over), Palomino SS-550.

Pro's and cons?
Are there any other options I should be looking at?
  • Here is a link to Ram body builders site that will show the camper payload for your truck.
    Click Here

    they show the payload of all ecodiesel with 6'-4" bed is 1650lbs for 2wd, 1250lbs for 4wd

    Under camper weights I noticed no Eco diesels were listed, and found this at the bottom of the chart.
    * For all other Ram 1500 Vehicle Configurations not listed in the above chart the addition of a camper is NOT RECOMMENDED
  • brholt wrote:
    For a quick estimate of the payload capacity of your individual truck, look at the yellow payload sticker on the driver side pillar. Everything you add to the truck, people, things, hitch, TC, trailer tongue weight, etc. counts against that total.


    x2

    I'm very curious to know what the official payload is of that new truck. Diesel engines are heavier than gas ones, so while you enjoy greater power and towing capability, you lose when it comes to payload.
  • For a quick estimate of the payload capacity of your individual truck, look at the yellow payload sticker on the driver side pillar. Everything you add to the truck, people, things, hitch, TC, trailer tongue weight, etc. counts against that total.