childofthewind
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Re: New Ram 3500 SRW with 3500 pound camper
Redsky wrote: Don't do anything to the suspension until you have a chance to driver the truck with the camper on board. I would check the load capacity for the tires. If it is the usual 3200 lbs. then the rear two will handle 6400 in total less the 3000 lb. weight of the truck leaving 3400 max for the camper which is cutting it very close. these tires are rated 3640 lbs, and RAWR is 7000 lb, a big increase from where I am at now. I intend to test it stock 1st, that way I can tell if any modification has helped or hurt.854Views0likes0CommentsRe: New Ram 3500 SRW with 3500 pound camper
Mello Mike wrote: The rear of the Ram 3500 is raised up around 2-3 inches but when the camper is mounted it's basically level in the rear. The truck rides beautifully with lots of power. I'm lovin' the Cummins 6.7L, though the mileage isn't what I hoped for (I'm getting 12 MPGs with the camper) but the engine is still new and breaking in. I love the small turning radius of the Ram 3500. I've used it on more than one occasion on my current trip to get me out of tight spots. The only suspension mod I installed is a Hellwig rear sway bar. A front sway bar comes standard. The truck rides level with very little sway now. Thanks, very helpful info. Have you had "porpoising" (front to back rocking on uneven pavement) with that set up?854Views0likes0CommentsRe: 2013 Ram 3500 and 2011 Wolf Creek 850 Weigh-in
Mello Mike wrote: wintersun wrote: The important calculation that was ignored was the load capacity for the two rear tires. With a drive axle total load of 6900 lbs. that works out to 3450 lb. per tire. I would bet that your factory tires are rated at 3195@80 PSI and so you are most likely overloaded where it counts the most. Overloaded tires are going to have more sidewall flex and run hotter and are much more likely to fail catastrophically - i.e. a blowout. They're rated for 3,500 lbs each. Don't see a need to upgrade at this point. The Transforece LT 275/70 R18 is rated at 3640 lbs per tirerack. Curious if the OEM version is different than that.603Views0likes0CommentsRe: New TC loading- rails in truck bed issue
I don't have a 5ver, but needed to raise my TC to clear the truck cab. When I picked up the TC I told the dealer I calculated a 1-1.5" raise needed. The dealer said they knew it would fit fine without anything. So as it was getting loaded for the 1st time, we had to stop because there wasn't clearance between the cab and TC. Then the dealer put in 2x layers of 2" foam. I don't know why, but that is what I started with. I puller out one later of 2" and later changed to 1" XPS (extruded polystyrene) I got the high density 25 psi version vs the more common 15 psi. I am still using the same sheet of XPS 8 years and 60k+ miles later. With the change from the 4" to 2" and to 1" height, I could notice a difference in the amount of body roll (sway). Not huge amounts, but it's there.211Views0likes0CommentsRe: New Ram 3500 SRW with 3500 pound camper
ah64id wrote: Dodge dropped the upper overloads from huge 3500 SRW in 2010. I can only guess, based on my 3500 SRW, that they where not needed with OEM tires. I found on mine that they did not engage until the rear axle was at tire capacity, that doesn't do much good. The spring pack used on 4th gens in 7% stiffer than the spring pack used on 3rd gen SRW trucks, it's the same main pack that 3rd gen DRW and 4th gen DRW trucks use. If you are shopping for a new truck the air suspension option should be available soon. Interesting. I was excited about the air suspension when I first heard about it, then found out I couldn't get it yet. Now I have become a bit nervous about it, with the airbags supporting most of the load and located inboard of the leafs, I think sway (body roll) with the high center of gravity of the camper could be a problem. I would love to find out the air suspension works great, but don't think I will wait for it.854Views0likes0CommentsRe: New Ram 3500 SRW with 3500 pound camper
GpnAZ wrote: childofthewind wrote: Thanks, good information. What wheelbase do you have? So is your rear squat a little above or below level? I measured an empty 3500 on the dealer lot with about 2.75" difference in the height of wheel openings. I assume that when those heights are equal it is level. I have a crewcab shortbed, not sure of wheelbase, maybe 153" The rear squat puts the camper a little above level, but truck looks a little below level, if that makes sense. For clarification, above level to me means front is higher than rear. Hope this helps. Got it. Thanks854Views0likes0CommentsRe: New Ram 3500 SRW with 3500 pound camper
GpnAZ wrote: I have the 2014 Ram 3500 srw with a Lance 865 on it which weighs approximately 2,600 lb, wet and lightly loaded. It squatted my rear 2- 2.5 inches and it is running almost level. My suspension is stock, but I will tell you that it handles like their is nothing in the back of it. I am very impressed with the power and handling of my new Ram. I would wait for Mello Mike to chime in as his camper is a little closer in weight to you than I am. I still might do something to my suspension to raise it 1-2 inches when my camper is on it. Thanks, good information. What wheelbase do you have? So is your rear squat a little above or below level? I measured an empty 3500 on the dealer lot with about 2.75" difference in the height of wheel openings. I assume that when those heights are equal it is level.855Views0likes0CommentsRe: New Ram 3500 SRW with 3500 pound camper
TCINTN wrote: I have a NL 811 on my 2006 3500 Mega Cab SRW CDI 4X4. I do have air bags.The truck handles the load extremely well. been all over the country with it. I have weighed my 811 with it fully loaded and it did not come close to 3500 lb. Thanks. I weighed my 8.11 empty and dry at 2500 lb. So my 500-1000 lb of gear includes what's in the truck cab as well as the camper. Have you had "porpoising" front to back rocking with that set up? I have a moderate amount with my '05 quad cab when driving on uneven roads. Improved it with a thick rubber mat under the front of the camper and rancho 9000 shock adjustments, but still annoying. Maybe the longer wheelbase will change that. Did you notice differences in sway (body roll) when you added air bags?854Views0likes0CommentsNew Ram 3500 SRW with 3500 pound camper
I am planning to upgrade to a new Ram 3500 SRW 4x4 crewcab 6.4' box, and use it with my Northern Lite 8.11. The camper runs 3000-3500 lbs loaded. I was just looking for comments for those that have TC's loaded in a similar truck, how the Ram 3500 handles their camper, and if they have needed upgrades to the suspension. I notice that the 3500 SRW does not have overload springs now so I wonder that my result in rear sag or sway issues when heavily loaded.7.5KViews0likes21CommentsRe: 2013 Ram 3500 and 2011 Wolf Creek 850 Weigh-in
Mello Mike wrote: Well, after getting on the scales here are the results: Front Axle: 5,020 lbs; Rear Axle: 6,900 lbs; Gross Weight: 11,920 lbs. So based on these figures, I'm 220 lbs overweight with a fully loaded one-ton truck. Oh, and for the record. The diesel tank was pretty close to full, while the camper was loaded to the hilt with food, clothing, and a full tank of fresh water. Interesting. Do you have the Aisin transmission? That takes ~160 lbs off the payload. I am also wondering if you have added any suspension upgrades to the Ram. Or do you feel the stock suspension is good for your camper? I am about to order a 2014 Ram 3500 SRW 4x4 crew shortbox. Have a ~3200 lb camper.603Views0likes0Comments
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