6.7L Cummins Forum

Good point, Squid. However, since I have added the springs and the existing brakes are the same ones used on the 3500, I think I am okay from that perspective. I know many people make changes to their vehicles but I understand most mfg. won't change the GVWR once they have built the vehicle. I am aware of one person who converted his truck from a SWR to a dually by replacing the axle. Others upgrade the wheels to the 19.5's and then install commercial tires. Of course, others just go overloaded. If I had to do my buying over again, I would look for a 4500 or two ton just to be on the safe side. The way things are going, I'll be lucky if I get out two or three times this year. I am hoping to get away in September or October. I'm always open to ideas. On the NATCOA forum, one of the members suggested I acquire two rims and install the larger tires on them. Run with my regular tires, which are at 8/32", until I plan to load the camper. Then switch them for the heavier tires. This seems to be a pretty reasonable way to handle the load (the new tires would be 285/70-17E, rated at 3748#). What do you all think?

I think you're good to go. I also think you're safe doing it.


I see 1/2 ton pickups pulling some of the biggest 5th wheels now adays that it's almost comical.

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2007.5 Dodge Ram 3500 HD,QC, 6.7L Cummins, 6speed Auto, 4X4, Bighorn Edition.
Click for installs: Carr Steps PML Diff Cover Edge Juice with Attitude Volant Intake Hankook ATM RF10

I checked with the manager at our local Discount tire. He did not recommend running different size tires on the rear. He said it would cause problems with the 4x4 transfer case and the transmission. So, I will rethink this whole plan. I do know when my current tires wear out, I will replace them with larger tires that have a greater capacity. Since I am retired now, I won't have any pay raises or bonuses to aid me in my endeavors. I think I over-bought when I bought the TC. Oh well, now I just need to decide if I want to sell it or sell the truck and go back into more debt.

I have some experience hauling large campers. There is no way any 3/4 ton can haul a mid-large size camper and stay legal.
With your new camper, I would say that if you are not in trouble now, trouble is coming down the road.
While most people who have campers are a little over weight, you way over weight.Campers are heavy and have a high center of gravity, most 3/4 tons don't come with over load springs or sway bars, both are necessary.
What ever you do make sure your rear axle weight doesn't exeed the max weight your tires will carry. Most E rated tires are rated at 3400lbs or less, so if your rear axle weight is close to 7000lbs, you will be in trouble.
A lot of people in your situation will go to 19.5" F,G or H rated tires, but that will cost $2k or more.
I see that in another thread you were considering a 1 ton, that will inrease you load carrying capacity, but you will still have to watch your tires, with a DRW, you have no tire problems.
A DRW will be much more stable, most of the weight of a camper is on the rear axle. DRW's usually come with a sway bar which really helps with stability.
Regardless of which truck you use, suspension upgrades are necessary.
Tork Lift Stable Loads and air bags are a good start.
Stable loads are large bump stops that go on the overloads, this engages the overloads sooner. Air bags will help level the load and you adjust the air pressure so that the Stable Loads are just kissing the over loads.
I have one the largest(if not the largest) campers made. I have air bags and Stable loads and am right at my 13,300lb GVWR. My camper is a 11.5', tripple slide Host, that weighs nearly 5000lbs.
With my boat behind me I am at,
Front axle 4550lbs- lots room to spare
Rear axle 9000lbs- right at max.
Total with boat 18,200lbs.
If I were to travel with my fresh water full(70 gallons), I would be 600lbs over.
You mentioned that you are having a hard time keeping you camper from shifting. What type of bed liner do you have? Slide in platic liners are the worse, followed by nothing at all.
Something like Linex is good, and Linex with a rubber mat is the best, that is what I use and the camper is solid.
What are you using for tie downs? Tork Lift Fast Guns with frame mounted brackets are the best. I use these also and I travel mostly on 2 lane steep moutain roads and the camper never shifts.
Here are a couple of pictures of my house on wheels. With the slide out I am 24' long and the interior width is 12'.

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2011, F-350.DRW,6.7, CC,LWB,4X4,Lariat
2008 Dodge 3500,SRW, 4WD,CC,SB
1995 Dodge 3500, 12 Valve 5.9, 4WD,RC,SRW,LWB,140k miles
1995,F-350,XL,RC,SRW,4WD,LWB,460,70kMiles
1995,F-350,XL,RC,SRW,4WD,LWB,7.3, 75k Miles
1985,Toyota,RC,SB,4WD,2.4l,48k miles

That's a nice looking rig Sky!

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2007.5 Dodge Ram 3500 HD,QC, 6.7L Cummins, 6speed Auto, 4X4, Bighorn Edition.
Click for installs: Carr Steps PML Diff Cover Edge Juice with Attitude Volant Intake Hankook ATM RF10

I looked at the comments here and read Sky's thoughts; I also looked at some information on the NATCOA web site. Since the cost of upgrading is prohibitive, my wife and I have decided to sell the Snowriver. Once its sold, then I will look for a replacement TC which is no more than 2200# completely loaded. This will make my wife happier and I won't have to worry about the pucker factor kicking in when the wind picks up. I will also try to find a unit no taller than 9' when loaded. The 12' height of the Snowriver contributes to a lot of the sway on the highway.
BTW, I do not have any bedliner in the truck right now. I removed the plastic one which came with the truck and am planning to get a sprayed line installed. However, the cost of $450 is not in my budget right now, so I have to wait till I hit the lottery. A Tractor Supply Store opened recently & they have nice 3/8" mats for $40, however these are only 4' wide by 6.5' long; these mats are designed for horse trailers. I may splurge and buy two of them, then glue them together unless they can get an 8' mat.
Thanks for all the thoughts and comments. I hate it when I think I have my act together and then find out I goofed.
Oh, well. Now if I can get my money back for the camper.
Sky, your rig is great! I hope you are enjoying it as much as I have enjoyed mine -even though its been parked, I have slept in it a few times.
Very, very comfortable.

I have one the mats you mentioned in my old Dodge. It is 8' long and would work very well with a camper. The mat will cut down on the wear if the camper shifts on the Linex.
On my Ford I have Linex and a Ford rubber mat which was $100 when I bought the truck.
Host would not install he camper on a truck without the Linex and the mat.
With your height and weight restrictions, it looks like you may want to look into a pop up camper.

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2011, F-350.DRW,6.7, CC,LWB,4X4,Lariat
2008 Dodge 3500,SRW, 4WD,CC,SB
1995 Dodge 3500, 12 Valve 5.9, 4WD,RC,SRW,LWB,140k miles
1995,F-350,XL,RC,SRW,4WD,LWB,460,70kMiles
1995,F-350,XL,RC,SRW,4WD,LWB,7.3, 75k Miles
1985,Toyota,RC,SB,4WD,2.4l,48k miles