mightymike
Adventurer
Just a bit of daydreaming...As we get a little closer to retirement and having the opportunity to take longer trips, I am thinking about changing from our current set up: 2018 Ram 3500, CRD, 4x4 short bed and a Lance 865 camper, to a 5500/550 chassis model with a flatbed, or possibly a F450, so we can carry a larger truck camper with a slide(s). I do not want to have a discussion about payload-my personal choice is to stay well within the manufacturers listed payload capacity when fully loaded for camping. Some of the campers I have thought about are 4,500-5,000 lbs. wet (Host Cascade and Lance 1172). After having a truck camper for 4 years we feel truck campers are the perfect choice for us.
My concern with the larger trucks is the 19.5" tires-specifically that it does not seem wise to air them down. We camp on the beach at Cape Lookout several times a year and those are some of our favorite trips. I do not want to give that up.
It looks like there are a limited number of aftermarket 20" wheels for 10-lug trucks that have the appropriate weight ratings. There are also several 37" AT tires for 20" wheels that have 3,750 lbs. payload per tire, so 15,000 lb. capacity on the rear axle. Theoretically, it looks like I could put the appropriate 20" wheels and tires on 450/550-5500 trucks and not give up any payload. The 225/70R19.5 tires these trucks typically come with from the factory have similar payload ratings. I
I was able to use the AEV pro-cal tool to recalibrate the speedometer on my current truck for 35" tires. Can the speedometers on the 450/550/5500 trucks be recalibrated? Can the TPMS/TPIS system be retained? I believe I have read on some of the 5500 build threads that both of these things can be done.
I do not want to go to a super single set up. I think a 350 or 3500 might give me the capacity I need, but I prefer to be well below maximum payload.
What am I missing here? Your thoughts are appreciated.
My concern with the larger trucks is the 19.5" tires-specifically that it does not seem wise to air them down. We camp on the beach at Cape Lookout several times a year and those are some of our favorite trips. I do not want to give that up.
It looks like there are a limited number of aftermarket 20" wheels for 10-lug trucks that have the appropriate weight ratings. There are also several 37" AT tires for 20" wheels that have 3,750 lbs. payload per tire, so 15,000 lb. capacity on the rear axle. Theoretically, it looks like I could put the appropriate 20" wheels and tires on 450/550-5500 trucks and not give up any payload. The 225/70R19.5 tires these trucks typically come with from the factory have similar payload ratings. I
I was able to use the AEV pro-cal tool to recalibrate the speedometer on my current truck for 35" tires. Can the speedometers on the 450/550/5500 trucks be recalibrated? Can the TPMS/TPIS system be retained? I believe I have read on some of the 5500 build threads that both of these things can be done.
I do not want to go to a super single set up. I think a 350 or 3500 might give me the capacity I need, but I prefer to be well below maximum payload.
What am I missing here? Your thoughts are appreciated.
