I want put a truck camper on my 2008 Ram 1500 plus pull my boat but am not sure it can handle the load. Here are the specs:
Truck is a 2008 Ram 1500 Crew Cab SLT Big Horn addition 5.7 L V8 - everything on it is standard factory
I want to put on a Palomino backpack edition SS-800 that weighs 1,447 lbs.
The boat weighs about 2,500 lbs fully loaded with all equipment and gas, etc.
My concerns are:
1. will the suspension handle the load
2. can the brakes stop the load
3. can the rear end take the load

I have looked at trading the truck for a 2500 but I just got this one paid off and would hate to have another truck payment!

Is it possible to just change things like the suspension, brakes, rear end? or is this more work than it's worth (and by changing these things I mean a real mechanic, not me!!)

thanks

 

Your truck is fine stock. No need to upgrade parts.

(Big *** link, sorry!)

http://www.dodge.com/towing/D/vehicl...E+Transmission


Edit - Thats a 2009 with the same specs as yours. I was unable to option out a 2008 crew cab option on the site. Odd.

 

yea you should have no problem with that set up, at most you may wanna throw a set of helper springs or air bags in the back

connor

 

sdwiggi,


There's a good chance you'll need to do something with the hitch to pull the boat with the camper on. The camper will most likely extend past the bed


Check out Torklift manufacturing. Also, there are some simple adders for the suspension that can make the driving with the camper much more enjoyable


I just got done outfitting my 1 ton dually for a 3200 lb dry artic fox 990. The palomino should be do-able for you. You may want to stay away from airbags for the back, until you're absolutely sure you really need them. You may also want to check into a helwig "bigwig" anti-sway (roll) bar for the rear end (sdtrucksprings.com) I believe.


Also. take a look at tweety's rv superstore, some of the best prices around, also google Torklift manufacturing

 

You are going to be 250lb from the GVWR with nothing in the camper and no passengers. You are going to add maybe 200lb with that boat so with passengers you will exceed your GVWR. All that weight will be on the rear axle so you will be close or over your rear axle rating.