Towing and hauling

[H8ROADS]

All, I've scoured the internets and can't find a consistent or good answer on how to figure out a safe max weight for a truck camper for my 2017 2500 CTD long bed while hauling a 6000# Jeep Wrangler on a car hauler. Can someone help point me to a good resource on how I can best calculate or figure this out?

Truck campers vary in weight so I want to get something comfortable but not overweight.

 

[MADDOG]

What you'll have to do is figure what your payload and Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) is.

I found a good towing calculator online.

 

[392DevilDog]

Look at your driver door jamb

You will see two stickers.

One lists your axle amd vehicle ratings.

One will list your payload.

A 2500 has a gross vehicle rating of 10000 lbs.

Your gross axle rating will be listed there as well.

Take your payload rating from your other sticker and subtract it from your GVWR to fet base weight

For instance my truck has a payload of 2998.

My base weight would be 7002.

Your Cummins will be about 900 pounds more than my truck.

So as you can see...you dont have much payload for a truck camper.

But, I always hear people talking about how you can ignore GVWR on a 2500 and just go with gross axle rating. (This isnt always right, but isnt wrong) My rear axle is 6500lbs.

Look at the chart to get your base weight for configuration. Just remember the numbers they give are for a base tradesman.

Or even easier. Go to a CAT scale and weigh it. Then you will know for sure.

The 6000 lb trailer is well under the tow rating...but the camper will probably leave you with no payload for the tongue weight.

Note: sorry, was gonna post the chart but my phone isnt letting me access my sd card.

Just search for 2017 RAM 2500 payload and towing chart then download it.

 

[tron67j]

There are a lot of calculations that go into determining proper loads and load placement in the truck. This link may help. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAQegQIAhAB&usg=AOvVaw3c-HTwl1Qxp8wMfufdTk7b

Watch all the weights, but where you might have most difficulty is rear axle weight. Best thing is put camper on and weigh at both axles. While GCWR may not be exceeded, like one post said you may be over for any tongue weight for trailer. Good luck and have fun.

 

[BossHogg]

All, I've scoured the internets and can't find a consistent or good answer on how to figure out a safe max weight for a truck camper for my 2017 2500 CTD long bed while hauling a 6000# Jeep Wrangler on a car hauler.

The jeep plus the car hauler trailer should come out to a GVW of around 8,300 pounds. Using the 10% rule for bumper pulls, that would take 830 pounds off your payload. Your truck's payload is on the placard in the driver's door jam, it is the same placard that lists tire pressures.

Take the payload, subtract the 830 pounds for the car hauler, subtract the weight of passengers and other cargo, what is left can be assigned to a bed camper.

You may want to look at a 3500 dually.

The major issue I came across when thinking about a bed camper was the camper's over-hang off the back of the truck. Most campers hang off better than 18 inches and on up. Now think about access to the hitch receiver. Now you have to add a hitch extended that adds additional stresses and issues. All I wanted to do was take 2 and 3-day fishing road trips pulling my boat (19 foot) and have a place to sleep. It got too complicated so I abandoned the project.

 

[Tumbleweed]

I wouldn't even consider it unless you have a Dually. Even then you want to keep everything as light as possible.
Torklift will be your best friend for all things Truck Camper.

 

[68PowerWagon]

What is that scale ticket from? That can't be your truck.

 

[Tumbleweed]

What is that scale ticket from? That can't be your truck.

Just the Jeep, loaded for the Rubicon.
This is the scale ticket enroute to Moab. Tools, parts, spare tires, ATV & Jeep in trailer.

 

[H8ROADS]

Thank you all, lots of really useful info here. Gotta do some calculations now and start figuring out my options.

I can totally see how it’s easier to abandon project or get a dually, makes a lot of sense and I cam share that sentiment. I have a plan B but dually may be an option down the road. Deal was just too good to pass on for this 2500 long bed.

I need to do the same scale run for my jeep, but I bet it won’t be far off yours. Thanks for the info all!!

 

[H8ROADS]

After thought: what about flat towing like an RV? May be an option I could consider?

 

[Tumbleweed]

My camper was all aluminum, frame and interior. No wood at all.
I weighed the dually before and after I picked up the camper. It is a 10' camper.

 

[Tumbleweed]

Flat towing would be a good option. I've never done it but lots of Motorhome folks have.

Keep us informed and up to date.
Best of luck.

 

[Stacey Power]

My last truck was a 2004 ram 2500 ctd 4x4 long bed. I carried an 11' lance (1055) camper on the back, I think it was about 3200lbs. I put air bags and rancho adjustable shocks on the truck. I also towed a 20' trailer with my 1993 yj jeep and many other items on it.
My truck never knew it was hauling anything! It handled fine. I used a torklift extended hitch rated for 10k lbs. Never had an issue, a breakdown, nothing! Oh I also upgraded my tires to handle the weight.
Good luck and happy trails!