Using 70s/80's MDT as camper+4x4 hauler?
I currently have an '05 Ram 1500 2WD quad cab short bed truck, with the Hemi and factory tow package. As is so common, when I bought the truck, I didn't forsee my future needs, thus it doesn't really...
Forum Discussion
Bedlam wrote:
My 2015 4wd Ram 5500 has a 9000 lb payload capacity. Some of the older Class 7 trucks have close to the same capacity and are not as fast or comfortable. Look closely at their ratings and unloaded weight before making a commitment even if it drives well.
I carry a 4000 lb camper on the flatbed (will be upgrading to a 6000 lb model) and tow an 8000 lb enclosed behind it at the same time.
Something like that is going to be so far out of my budget range that it's not even a blip on the radar of "maybe in a few years", regardless of how much I may need it, lol.
The big reason why I was looking at one of the bigger trucks like this was to eliminate the use of the trailer for most circumstances, when I'm taking just the camper and one of my trucks. Then be able to still hitch the trailer up if say I want to haul a buddies truck out at the same time. But I'm thinking I really need a 10K payload capacity to make that work just based on how stinking heavy the 4x4s themselves are fully loaded up. I don't have my main 4x4 fully built yet, but I'm guesstimating it's weight to be around 5500lbs when done. I'm coming up with rough numbers of around 8800lbs total between camper, 4x4 on flatbed, spare parts/tools/additional water tanks and tongue weight of loaded trailer.
Sure, it's under the 9K mark there, but I'd still want a bit of extra cushion room, just in case.
Otherwise, I may just be better off forgoing the bigger truck idea, get an older 1 ton flatbed, and continue towing the 4x4s on the trailer...perhaps just getting a bigger deck/heavier duty trailer big enough for two rigs if need be.
EDIT: Gah! Found a 1990 F350 dually w/460 and 5 speed trans on Craigslist just to use as an example, and from what I'm reading on different forums about towing capacities, this thing is rated lower than my '05 1/2 Dodge! I found some posts about people talking about the truck struggling to pull a 9,000lb load...which says to me that I'm going to be right back in a similar boat as I find myself with my current truck.
