Ram vs. Chev vs Ford (3/4 ton)

[rlepperson]

Of the F250, Silverado 2500, and Ram 2500 (long beds) does one brand have a major advantages over another in carrying a hard sided truck camper weighing approximately 3000 lbs? In particular does one of these truck brands accommodate more camper types than another. I am guessing that the F250, which is probably more prolific than the other two, has more truck camper manufacturers interested in building to their specs? In addition, are there major advantages and disadvantages to each brand?

 

[Darwin]

Why get a truck and then overload it past its GVWR. You should be looking at 3500's.

Yes there is a difference between Ram, Chevy, and Ford.

 

[thethePete]

^ Even 3500s might be cutting it close, depending on how big you want to go with your camper, and if you need more than a 3500, that eliminates Chev as a viable option. Dodge and Ford are the only ones that make Class 4 and Class 5 trucks currently. I have delt with the headaches that come with someone trying to run a Lance 1165 on a Chev 3500, the truck is simply not big enough to carry that weight.

There are a few threads where this topic has been beaten to death. One is quite recent.

 

[toylandcruiser]

Ummm new 3500s have 7000 lb payload capacities. How is this overloading them?

 

[thethePete]

^ In base trim, short cab, gas engine. Knock 1000# off that for a diesel engine, another 1000# or so for an extended cab/crew, a few hundred more for options and suddenly you're down to 4000lbs or so real world capacity. Manufacturers don't advertise using payload capacities for fully trimmed models. A Chev 3500 is rated for 14,900lbs GVWR in CCLB DRW configuration, with the 6.6Duramax (I just checked, they're up slightly from 09). I have axle weights from an 09 in that configuration (09 is rated for 11,600), which put it at 16,000lbs wet with a large sized Okanagan camper. The Lance he replaced it with weighs even more. So unless they've trimmed a bunch of weight out of the truck, a large-sized slide in will put a 3500 over weight.

Any of the large-sized campers will put a 3500 over GVWR wet/trip-ready. Also: axle weight is often overlooked. Just because it can carry 7000# doesn't mean it can carry that all on the back axle. The truck I referenced was scarily over the rear axle weight.

Either way, the point remains, a 2500 series truck will be too small if he's already looking at HD model trucks to begin with. Most of the guys on here running 1/2-tons should be up a class anyway, this site is chronically over-GVWR.

 

[IdaSHO]

A 3000lb camper is easily doable with todays 1-tons.

Even some of the 3/4 tons will do it, while remaining under max GVWR.



FYI, here are the 2015 big 3 spec sheets for slide in campers...

But as always, payload ratings are ESTIMATED.

GVWR is stated, but to determine payload you need ACTUAL curb weight, truck to truck.

SUPER DUTY

GMC

RAM 3500 and 2500

 

[ripperj]

I'm a Ram guy, but the one thing besides more payload(typically) that the Fords have over the Ram that makes them better for a truck camper IMHO is the extended cab(or whatever Ford calls them) . Stills let's a small passenger ride long trips, or a dog or lots of food, but much shorter than a crew cab, and that's before Ram made the crew cabs even longer. The rear floor on my '10 Ram was 6"?? Shorter than the rear floor on my '12 2500 SB crew. I love the truck, but the long bed version is a bus.

Sent from my Passport

 

[thethePete]

OP I think you should have sufficient information to make an educated decision, good luck.

 

[JHa6av8r]

Don't know about RAM, but Chevy and Ford rate their HD truck for camper. For example I have a Chevy 3500 HD with a 4200 lb payload and it's rated by GM/Chevy to carry a 3,158 lb camper as long as the CG falls basically over the rear wheels. My truck has a sticker in the glove box stating this. Others have said it here, but if you're looking at a hardside camper, go straight to a 1 ton. You will end up adding mods to any 3/4 ton to make it sit and drive properly.

 

[chet6.7]

If you buy a 3/4T eventually you will wish you bought a 1T.

 

[Cascadian]

For what it's worth, we picked up a current gen Ram 3500 Crewcab DRW with a 6680lb payload. We wanted to go the flatbed with storage boxes under route anyway. With super single conversion we maintain most of that capacity without the big hips.

Fully loaded wet, with the whole family, ready for fun, we should be around 3000 and hopefully won't need any airbags or suspension mods and will have plenty of room left.

 

[ripperj]

Is that a chassis cab?, or has a bed?

Sent from my Passport

 

[Freebird]

If you are planning on a camper both heavy and, especially tall, the dually has significantly better side to side stability with the wider footprint. Both for side winds with trucks oncoming traveling 2 lane roads, and pavement that undulates/has "wows" in it. A few wives have been known to refuse to travel in a truck that sways its way down the road.
SRW are considered by most to be more than adequate with both a lighter and shorter (height) truck camper in the bed outfitted with good suspension.
Just remember most RV (and truck) sales people will tell you ANYTHING to get your signature on a contract. Unfortunately, safety frequently is ignored. It is on the consumer to look out for themselves.....in a lot of ways....

Edit/additional: Unfortunately, a LOT of today's sales people do NOT KNOW the information that you NEED to know during the purchase process.

 

[Mundo4x4Casa]

I'm thinking this site has come of age. I was expecting the classic turf-guarding Ford vs. Chevy vs. Ram shootout, but NOooo:.....awfully civil with actual facts as support. Congrats, boys, you have done your homework.
I still think my Ford 9" rear end will carry any camper made! 8<) NOT.
jefe

 

[IdaSHO]

If you are planning on a camper both heavy and, especially tall, the dually has significantly better side to side stability with the wider footprint. Both for side winds with trucks oncoming traveling 2 lane roads, and pavement that undulates/has "wows" in it. A few wives have been known to refuse to travel in a truck that sways its way down the road.
SRW are considered by most to be more than adequate with both a lighter and shorter (height) truck camper in the bed outfitted with good suspension.
Just remember most RV (and truck) sales people will tell you ANYTHING to get your signature on a contract. Unfortunately, safety frequently is ignored. It is on the consumer to look out for themselves.....in a lot of ways....

Edit/additional: Unfortunately, a LOT of today's sales people do NOT KNOW the information that you NEED to know during the purchase process.

Don't forget about WIDTH.

IMO one of the best benefits for a custom camper is keeping the width reasonable.

Today's traditional slide-ins are as wide or wider than some OEM mirrors, which is beyond the width of any SRW wheel/tire :Wow1:

The further out from the leaf pack the camper extends, the more leverage it has on the truck. Adds tremendously to the sway.