S&S 8.5 Camper on Ram 2500: Measured weights; advice.

[trackmagic]

Hello everyone!

I have a 2021 Ram 2500 Cummins short box and a S&S 8.5 camper.

Camper states Dry Weight of 2200. I have it loaded and have taken 6 trips in it and with airbags on truck it drives and handles completely fine.

Took to scales today: No water in tanks, no dogs/passenger in truck, not fully loaded with gear. Relatively empty.

With camper:
Steer Axle: 4980
Drive Axle: 5760
Gross: 10740

Post Camper:
Steer: 4900
Drive: 3100
Gross: 8000

So total camper weight before water/gear, but with battery, two propane, most everything that stays in camper between uses = 2740lbs

I still need to go re-weigh with camper dropped, but think it is at least 1k heavier than the "dry weight of 2.2k" even without water/gear, etc.


Truck specs from door sticker: GVWR 10,000. Front 6k Rear 6,040.
I have the nicer 18k wheels and nice well rated tires, so they aren't the limiting factor.

Loaded with gear I think I will be closer to 11k.

I am interested in peoples thoughts. The truck drives and handles just fine, so not concerned about that. Just got back from ski trip on lots of twisty roads and the body roll is minimal. Braking seems just fine especially combined with diesel exhaust break.

It appears I am below axle weights, but over on gross.


I got a killer deal on truck (was just using for towing at that point) and then practically got this pristine camper given to me. I could not afford a newer/lighter weight 20k+ camper right now. I see my options as either keeping going for awhile with this setup. Trying to sell my current truck and buying an older 1-ton.

Thanks everyone.

[Grit_dog]

JimK-NY wrote:
I would suggest doing a bit more research. I suspect the GVWR of 10000# is more related to registration costs than to the actual load rating. States charge registration fees based on the GVWR and over 10000# can increase the charges.
.

You suspect this is the case? As in there’s a possibility that the OP got a special, less capable 2500 than the rest of them? Lol
PS, the registration costs are a state specific after effect. The actual reason is DOT regs.

OP I didn’t see where you actually asked for advice, but somehow you felt like getting it off your chest. Based on what you posted, there are no inherent weight issues with your setup.

[JimK-NY]

I would suggest doing a bit more research. I suspect the GVWR of 10000# is more related to registration costs than to the actual load rating. States charge registration fees based on the GVWR and over 10000# can increase the charges.

Tires and wheels are typically what limits the safe load capacity and it seems there is no problem with them. The other issue is the rear coil springs. I would have avoided that and bought a truck with a standard spring pack that could be easily upgraded by a spring shop or with something like Timbrens.

[kohldad]

My 1,800# Lance 815 with only a 70# A/C option comes in near 3,900# loaded for a long trip with two adults. Empty with just propane and battery, the camper weighs closer to 2,300# than 1,870#.

With the coils of the 2500, I am surprised you aren't having sway issues.

Biggest concern is you are under your axle and tire limits. IF you are when loaded for a trip with everyone onboard along with a comfortable/controllable ride, then I wouldn't have a problem with it. Braking is the same between a 2500 and 3500 so you wouldn't gain anything in that department.

[trackmagic]

notsobigjoe wrote:
If your 740 lbs over that would not bother me and many other truck campers on this forum and the rest of the truck camper forum universe. Then again the weight police would consider you massively over and in need of shaving off some additional weight. Where ever you fall in the middle of these two very different worlds is something your going to have to work out yourself. I'm not being snarky at all please don't think I'm being sarcastic. I'm usually over about 1500 pounds as well as a boat in tow and I could care less. If your comfortable with your rig then I say go with it, if your not then upgrade to the one ton. If I could give you some advice skip the 1 ton non dually and just get the dually. You'll be within every weight limit possible and you'll have the best ride out there. I hope this helps. Joe

I appreciate your response and agree there seem to be two groups with most things. Since mine has been seeming to work so far and feels very safe to drive I will go ahead and just roll with this for now.

Perhaps a dually is in future, but seeing as this truck is my daily driver, would prefer to stay SRW for time being.

Thanks again!

[notsobigjoe]

If your 740 lbs over that would not bother me and many other truck campers on this forum and the rest of the truck camper forum universe. Then again the weight police would consider you massively over and in need of shaving off some additional weight. Where ever you fall in the middle of these two very different worlds is something your going to have to work out yourself. I'm not being snarky at all please don't think I'm being sarcastic. I'm usually over about 1500 pounds as well as a boat in tow and I could care less. If your comfortable with your rig then I say go with it, if your not then upgrade to the one ton. If I could give you some advice skip the 1 ton non dually and just get the dually. You'll be within every weight limit possible and you'll have the best ride out there. I hope this helps. Joe

[trackmagic]

JimK-NY wrote:
You are happy with your rig and have used it several times. What concerns do you have? What advice are you asking for?

It seems that weight is the issue. If so, I can add that my TC is supposed to be 2300 lbs empty and setup for travel it weighs in well over 4000 lbs. I take extended trips and carry backup foods, a generator, 2 solar panels, 2 heavy AGM batteries and 3 seasons of clothing. Your use seems very different and you are likely not too much over the specs for your truck. I would check on ratings for your tires. Those are probably limiting you to roughly 3000 lbs per tire. You might be able to upgrade to improve the safety margin.

Each tire load for my BF Goodrich AT's is 3640lb.

You know, I guess I'm not really asking for specific advice.. The truck camper stuff is all new to me since I'm used to towing. So I guess I was just posting to either look for some gentle reassurance vs DON"T EVEN DRIVE THAT TRUCK ANOTHER MILE. And if the latter... I guess I would tuck my tail and think really hard about selling my new truck for a 1 ton.

[JimK-NY]

You are happy with your rig and have used it several times. What concerns do you have? What advice are you asking for?

It seems that weight is the issue. If so, I can add that my TC is supposed to be 2300 lbs empty and setup for travel it weighs in well over 4000 lbs. I take extended trips and carry backup foods, a generator, 2 solar panels, 2 heavy AGM batteries and 3 seasons of clothing. Your use seems very different and you are likely not too much over the specs for your truck. I would check on ratings for your tires. Those are probably limiting you to roughly 3000 lbs per tire. You might be able to upgrade to improve the safety margin.