Truck Camper and TT Combo
Not sure where to ask this, so I'm starting here. Thanks in advanced. We have a 2014 RAM 3500 Cummins SRW with about 4,300lb payload. Our current travel trailer is 4,300 empty, 6,000lb GVWR. We...
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mrgrim007 wrote:Kayteg1 wrote:mrgrim007 wrote:Kayteg1 wrote:
The above numbers have no use with TC as camper weight in +-100% go on rear axle.
So starting point should be reading RAWR and putting the axle on scales.
The rear GAWR is 7,000 lbs. Haven't been to the scales. Would I get it weighed empty to find my starting point?
Steel beds usually put about 3500lb on rear axle, so you can put about 3500lb TC on it.
Now 750lb tongue weight will put over 1000 lb on rear axle and you need to substract that number from TC weight you can put on this truck.
Long story short, you need dually.
I was afraid someone would say that. We just got this truck in July and really like the SRW. Didn't realize a truck bed would add that much weight. Thanks for the help.
OP, you’ve heard all the numbers now and didn’t understand basic weights of what you were carrying and given that lack of understanding, I wouldn’t feel comfortable recommending you hooking up your proposed load and hitting the road....
However, real world, not vehicle mfg ratings (IE the Ram 7klb rawr is 3000lbs shy of what the axle mfg rates it at), it’s doable and can be safe if you set your truck up right, and know how to drive vehicles at their max capacity.
We’ve been hauling basically the same weight camper on a short bed Ram 2500 for years, including a 6000lb boat on a 2’ hitch extension. On OEM wheels and 3750lb tires.
Yes I was dipping in to the factors of safety of components but it was a reliable setup for years.
If you want to do this, I say you still have the right truck, but for the best reliability and safety, I’d slap some 19.5s on it or at least some Method NVHD wheels and some 4000lb or greater rated tires.
Springs, can hold what you need with air bags and a big sway bar, but the best setup would be to either add some 2500lb helper springs or upgrade the leaf pack to 6000# springs.
8’ bed, 10’ camper, hopefully you can get away with a 2’ hitch extension. If so, the OE hitch with simple extension will hold a 600lb tongue weight.
Towing? You basically won’t know the trailer is there with the TC on the back. Power, fuel mileage and drive ability will be largely the same (provided your TT doesn’t tow like c rap currently).
