2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab 6 ft bed Payload question

[molblackburn88]

Hi All,

I found forums on here related to payload but not quite what I needed. I inherited a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 with 6 ft bed, crew cab and 4.7LV8 engine. I found the GVWR on the sticker and it states 6700lbs. Payload was not listed. I took the truck to the weigh station and it read 5880lbs with me, my husband and our toddler in the truck (we also have a large metal grill on the front that we plan to remove). The math states our payload is only 800lbs which seems extremely low. I called a random Dodge dealership and the sales person kindly looked up their 2007 brochure and stated our payload was likely 1280lbs. Questions:

1. Does 1280lbs seem correct for our payload?
2. What could we do to enhance our truck and suspension to be able to safely carry a 1400lb (dry weight) slide in camper? We are looking at a SCOUT Olympic. We already have load E tires and are thinking about doing a leaf spring kit for suspension.

All advice is welcome! Thank you!

 

[jawzs2]

The payload is usually on the tire information label like this - payload below is 1187 lbs

 

[dhay13]

1280 may well be your payload but looking up a 'generic' 2007 Ram won't give you the exact number. Every truck is different depending on options. Look for that yellow door sticker posted above. But if you already weighed it then you have your answer. Your truck cannot weigh over 6700lbs no matter what you do to it or have in it. It will be very difficult staying under that number with any slide in camper. Not saying the wheels will fall off if you do it, just telling you that you will exceed your payload. BTW-payload is an arbitrary number. Really means nothing on it's own. You take your GVWR (6700) and subtract your actual weight (5880) and that is what is left, which sounds like you already know.

 

[molblackburn88]

I understand. Any ideas on beefing up the truck to handle being over 6700lbs with camper on top? I know tires and suspension can be altered but looking for specifics. Thank you!!

 

[06 Dodge]

I understand. Any ideas on beefing up the truck to handle being over 6700lbs with camper on top? I know tires and suspension can be altered but looking for specifics. Thank you!!

Even if you add extra equipment like helper springs and or air bags, better shocks, install a HD rear-end to your truck you still will not be legally allowed to go over over the 6700 Lbs GVWR weight listed on the sticker in the door jamb.. Its never a good idea to exceed the GVWR listed its not safe, if you were to be involved in an accident the police & insurance company are going to look at your gross weight, if your over what's on that sticker your not going to like the results... BTW to legally carry more weight you would need to have all of the improvements certified and I have doubts anyone would be willing to do that...

 

[molblackburn88]

Hi All,

Thank you for this input. I found our payload on the sticker that jawzs2 suggested. Our payload is 1453 lbs! Higher than I thought. I'm very relieved. I will still modify the suspension and shed some weight on our truck (remove the tailgate and grill on the front) to stay within safe limits.

 

[OC455]

I understand. Any ideas on beefing up the truck to handle being over 6700lbs with camper on top? I know tires and suspension can be altered but looking for specifics. Thank you!!

No...you can beef up the suspension and get E rated tires, but you will still be over on the weight. The E rated tires will add weight, heavier beefier springs will add weight to the base weight of the truck. 1400lbs. slide in camper takes up all of your payload, plus gear, plus people, plus the heavy tires and heavier springs, you won't make up the difference. Plus the axles are not going to take that kind of weight either. 3/4 ton trucks aside from having a beefier suspension, also have bigger axles that can handle the weight.