Forum Discussion

Bachus's avatar
Bachus
Explorer
Jan 02, 2020

Weights. Am I missing something?

Hi All;

We are looking to purchase a truck camper after many years of having a fifth wheel. Enjoyed the FW, but want something that is smaller and more versatile where we can get into some of the great State and Provincial Parks. Here's the dilemma:
Truck- 2011 RAM 3500 SLT SRW, 6.7 CTD, 4WD, short box
GVWR 10100 lbs
CCC (as per door sticker) 2846 lbs
RAWR 6200 lbs
FAWR 5500 lbs
Centre of gravity 28 to 44 inches (based on RAM body builder guide)

Based on those numbers, I can only carry a very small (ie 1/2" ton) TC. That seems ridiculous given that the truck is such a beast. I like the Northern Lite 8-11SXE wet and the Lance 855S and 850, but fear they will exceed what the numbers say. And the Arctic Fox 811 looks goods until you factor in the "mandatory" option package that adds 595 lbs.

Will adding Timbrens get me where I need to be? Or is my one ton truck really only suitable for a 1/2 ton TC? Seems odd to me.

Any help from the wise is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Dean
  • hedgehopper wrote:
    Bachus wrote:
    Based on those numbers, I can only carry a very small (ie 1/2" ton) TC.
    How did you come up with a 1000 lb TC? And what does CCC stand for?


    1/2 ton as in a TC rated for a 1/2 ton truck.

    CCC = Cargo Carrying Capacity.
  • dwrat wrote:
    Look in your glove box, there should be a sticker in there that says the max camper weight for your truck.
    I personally think a short bed, single rear wheel truck is not what you want for a camper.
    Timberlens will help but I personally would say airbags (with separate zones) and a heavy-duty rear sway bar would be your best bet


    No sticker in the glove box. I just checked. And it's cold outside!
  • From your AWR numbers that is about right. Prior to 2013 or 14, the diesel and gas engine had the same GVWR. Now, they change Ram increases the GVWR by 1,000# when you get the diesel so the payload stays about the same.

    I'm surprised though as the diesel usually gave you a 6,200# front axle. The rear axle is limited by the tires as the axle should be the AAM 11.5 which has a 10,300# rating.

    With my 05 SRW diesel was rated at 9,900#, a 2004 Lance 815 put me right at my GVWR. The
  • Bachus wrote:
    Based on those numbers, I can only carry a very small (ie 1/2" ton) TC.
    How did you come up with a 1000 lb TC? And what does CCC stand for?
  • Look in your glove box, there should be a sticker in there that says the max camper weight for your truck.
    I personally think a short bed, single rear wheel truck is not what you want for a camper.
    Timberlens will help but I personally would say airbags (with separate zones) and a heavy-duty rear sway bar would be your best bet
  • Payload isn’t increased by any add-ons. As eTrailer says regarding Timbrens...”Do not exceed the vehicle's weight-carrying capacity.”