Bigfoot 2500 series on a short box

Agreed with the person above me. I am a novice on this issue but when doing my research, before buying both components to my TC rig, I concluded the same thing. It's not about CVWR.. it's about the Center of Gravity. Even if the truck can handle the weight, it's going to throw it off it's not properly centered/evenly distributed.

If you already have the truck, don't mess around.. get a short box camper. If you already have the camper, get the right truck.

And don't assume everyone is overloaded. That's dangerous no matter what you do to upgrade suspension, etc... Nothing you do will up the CVWR. Those mods just help with the feel of the drive and how the camper sits on the truck. Good luck! Bigfoots are the best!

Unless I missed it, it seems like the most obvious and most concerning issue at hand hasn't even been addressed... Center of Gravity! The weight concern could potentially be addressed through modifications but you can't change the center of gravity on a camper very easily. On my F350 Dually long bed the center of gravity of my Bigfoot 2500 25C106E is nearly centered over the rear axles. On a short bed your center of gravity marker is going to be behind the rear axle which isn't safe as your unloading your front wheels.

As you can see from my profile I have enhanced my suspension. The airbags get me close to level. The torqlifts keep my overloads engaged to keep me from wallowing. The Hellwig Big Wig sway bar just keeps everything tight and strong. My tires are E rated at 3700lbs. It rides like a dream. I can drive it with one hand compared to white knuckles on my F-250. Make sure your air bags are single source filed, and you don't overfill them.

2001 BF tub dimensions which were changed in 2002 to accommodate truck mfg changes to truck bed design



Moderators I kept the photo large because the print is very hard to read when reduced

I run my bigfoot listed below. Was on a 2500* dodge before I got my 3500* megacab. Both trucks have done well. The 2500* had super springs and handled the camper well. I upgraded to the megacab for kid room in the back. Handles fine, added airbags, upper stableloads and a sway bar. Its a heavy camper though - you'll probably flirt with close to 4000lbs. I had Nitto 126LI tires on both trucks, made a big difference.

* I despise these terms. They're 1 spring difference in the older makes of Rams. You'll find some readings here that there is really no difference between the two and you can make a 2500 into a 3500 if you don't mind being "overloaded" according to GVWR.

jimh425 wrote:
No reason to go to all caps. :) Bigfoots are heavy. You'll likely be over GVWR. It's up to you whether that's doable for you or not. For sure, people have carried heavier campers.

The biggest concern is the tire capacity. After that, you will probably need something to level the ride. That could be Stableloads, air bags, timbrens, or Supersprings or other spring changes.

There is very little difference between most 2500/250 and their 3500/350 other than weight rating. It does depend on the brand.

LOL!!!

one of the" real world " problems that MAY? cause u problems is the locations of the bump outs on the Bigfoot basement tub in relation to the trucks wheel well tub ? note a BF 9.4 sb has a overall floor length of 16-6 ,a Bf 9.4 lb has the same and so does a 9.6
SO why will one work but not the others ?????? they all use the same base tub length !!!!!!!! And years of my research has revealed no discernable difference to explain the reasoning for different classifications ?????????????

Thank you d3500ram, good advice

Thank you GeoBoy... this is what I have gathered. What I want and what I need make the difference. I've noticed an awful lot of truck campers being installed that are over their payload and modifying their trucks to make it work. It is answers like yours that need to be shared with folks who are looking for guidance. you answered my question, thank you

KevinHatfield wrote:
... E-rated 17" tires, ...

I have researched the heck out of 17" wheels and tire because that is what I have on mine. Basically from what I have learned is that there is very little for high payload capacities. Forget the "letter" ratings when it comes to weight carry abilities... not all "E" tires are the same. You need to go by Load Index(LI). Most stock 265/70/17 are LI 121 (about 3200 lbs). I have stepped up to a 285/17 with a 126 LI giving me a little over #3700

Wheels are another matter. I do not believe anyone here has been able to determine a wight capacity for them. A safe assumption is that factory wheels are rated no less than the tires that wrap them.

You have a decent truck, but even if you go to a better LI, most likely the wheels will be the weakest link.