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Hi folks,
I’m a old “newbie” and am looking to buy a pop-up (my first TC) for my truck. I think I’m probably over-maxed relative to my current truck and the TC I’m looking to get. As a result, I’ve been considering upgrading my truck, however, I want to get some insight from other, more experienced TC’ers (hello Mello Mike??) before I make that hard investment.
My current truck is a 2014 Ram 1500, 2WD BigHorn quad-cab with the 5.7L Hemi (gas). The pop-up I’ve distilled down to is a Palomino Backpack SS-1251. Here are the particulars for each:
Ram GVWR: 6800 lbs.
Ram payload1: 1488 lbs. (from vehicle and tire stickers on door and door jamb)
Ram payload2: 1700 lbs. (from Owner’s Manual (..go figure!))
Ram Curb Weight: 5312, or 5100 (depending on which payload figure you use)
Ram tires: GY Wrangler SR-A P275/60R20 (max load = 2601 lbs.)
SS-1251 Dry Weight: 1795 (base “spec weight” from manufacturer)
SS-1251 Wet Weight: 2500 (approximated by me)If I’m doing this right, even if I use the heavier payload component (e.g., lighter vehicle), the wet SS-1251 appears to be too heavy for my current truck / tire configuration by 800 lbs. <1700-2500 = (800)>.
In the event that I need to get a different truck, it would likely be a 2019 Ram 2500 4WD BigHorn crew-cab with the 6.4L Hemi (gas) .. of course, this is the empty-wallet approach!
So, here’s my question: Would I be “safe” simply by upgrading my tires to a good quality Light Truck version with an E load-rating (a 10-ply or thereabouts), or is that just a ridiculous scenario and I need to slave-away for a while longer to get a 3/4-ton truck?
Many thanks!
John
John,
I don’t think you need to space away. Although, from my experience, You’ll always add more weight with gear, people, clothes, etc. so, I’ve learned to just err on the side of caution and get the 350 or 3500 for piece of mind. But, there’s still hope for your current truck; think about the cheaper option, instead of buying a new truck, think about some upgrades. You’re not too far out of your payload. Look at installing airbags, which are a HUGE help. I will never run without them again. Also, familiarize yourself with forklift.com… look at their “stable loads”. The just preemptively engage your overload springs already without anything in the box. They help tremendously with sway as well. You can do other things like shocks and sway bars, but if start with the airbags and stableloads for now. You’re on the right track with the E rated tires, just pull the trigger on them. Nothing scarier than a tire blow out going down the road. I’m quite a bit over payload (too embarrassed to say) but with the upgrades I mentioned, my rig is sound as a pound. Hope this helps!2015 GMC DENALI 3500HD
2000 Arctic Fox 990S
Torklift Tiedowns /Torklift Fast guns
Firestone AirbagsHey Alex – Thanks for the quick reply and info! If I opt to try and make it work with my 1500, I know I’d need to upgrade my tires, for sure. I’ve read a little about airbags, but need to find out more. I was planning to use the Torklift mounting system .. I’ll look around their site for anything else that might help.
As much as I’d like to upgrade my truck, my wallet is telling me to research a bit more to make sure that my 1500 would definitely be a no-go first.
Thanks, again, Alex!
Hey John,
No problem! I remember navigating these waters with not a great deal of experience, and every bit of advice helps, because let’s face it; the margin for error is slim out there in the open road. If you don’t upgrade your truck, or even if you do for that matter, I would absolutely add airbags to your shopping list. I have firestone bags with an air compressor from airlift that has a wireless remote. Super nice to adjust air during crosswinds Going down the road, or make adjustments if one side is heavier than the other. You’ll save $500 if you opt out of the compressor, and I’ve done it. They wire in the air ports down by your back bumper (which was kind of a pain to fill) and you don’t know if you’ve lost air or really where you’re at in your truck. The air compressor is worth the $500 extra. Also, the torklift company is known for their hitch assemblies, but I’m referring to the stableloads that engage your springs. Best two pieces of equipment I have for my camper. I’ll attach the link to the video so you have an idea. You’ll be good to go with those, bags and E rated tires. Happy camping friend!
2015 GMC DENALI 3500HD
2000 Arctic Fox 990S
Torklift Tiedowns /Torklift Fast guns
Firestone AirbagsHmm .. well, my truck has progressive coil springs in the rear, which is what makes the it so well-mannered on the road when there isn’t that much stuff in the back (that’s also the main reason it has something of a “lightweight” load capacity to begin with). Those Torklift Stableoads look great, Alex, but I couldn’t use them unless the rear suspension was changed to leaf-springs. If I don’t put leaf-springs on, I think my only option is either beefier coil springs and / or airbags. Of course, beefier springs mean a pretty bouncy ride if the camper isn’t in the bed and I’d still have a roll issue, anyway. Without an upgrade to leaf-springs, the airbags may be a good choice. I need to keep diggin…
Any other thoughts out there??
Another option is to install Tembrens… Only engage when loaded, fairly inexpensive, easy to install, lifetime warranty:
Be advised that I had good luck with the basic tembrens on my previous CC, LB 2500 Ram that carried a 3,500# hard-side camper.
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