thats what i meant to say.

doesnt welding on the frame still make a weak spot?

 

I used to be a welder and metal fabricator many years ago. Yes, welding on the frame is generally a bad idea. It's best to avoid welding on your frame if at all possible.

I know guys who buy one of those POS 110-volt wirefeed welders, and then they want to weld everything with it! It's like the old saying, "If your only tool is a hammer, all your problems begin to look like nails."

 

so would it be better to bolt or weld to the frame? I dont have a welder, but I know some guys who can weld pretty well...

 

You hear both sides, some guys say never drill a hole in the frame, others say never weld onto the frame. I've never known anyone to have a problem with either when the projects were small like this one would be. We are not talking huge holes or a large weld area here.
Personally, I've got a 220v Mig and 70,000 lb./sq. inch weld strength is good enough for me, but for this type of job, a 110v would do just fine, the bracket thickness is well within the capability of a small home welder, but don't by any means be afraid to drill and bolt, either...

 

personal preference. i prefer to burn rod. bolts sheer and break easier than a mediocre weld.

 

Isn't 1200 lbs putting you pretty damn near the capacity of the 1500's anyway? I think they are around 1450 lb capacity, including passengers, so add yourself and you are probably right at capacity. Then add all the extra stuff you'll be bringing and anyone else in the truck, plus the tongue weight of the trailer and you'll be over.

 

I think this is why hammer brought up the idea of airbags.

I would most likely be over on weight. IF I do get the camper, I will just have to see how the truck handles it, if its too much, I will get some bags.

 

Well the problem isn't just the sagging, which the airbags will help with, but that you could be over your GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). If you are caught like that, it could mean fines. If you get in an accident like that, the insurance company can say "Too bad, you were over weight. You're not covered, and your policy is canceled."

It's a shame because these trucks COULD handle a lot of weight, but they put low ratings on them for safety.

 

I hauled 3,000 pounds of sod over the weekend, never even hit the stops going over bumps. These Rams can take a lot of punishment

 

Well put my friend. Just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD.

I was once riding in a Ram with easily 4,000 or 5,000 lbs in the bed... on the Capital Beltway, at 60 mph, just sitting in the passenger seat waiting for the catastrophic accident. Luckily, the Ram handled it okay really. We felt the stops on every bump, but we made it. After that day I learned to ASK what we were up to on days I rode with that guy.