Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ 2016/17 Dodge Ram Mega Cab SRW 3500 Options Advice, Newbie needs advice on truck purchase

[cjweener1]

I'm looking at purchasing a new Ram 3500 Mega Cab SRW short box with the 6.4 HEMI. I'm planning on putting a Northstar Liberty on this truck. I can pretty much order anything at this stage. I'm a total greenhorn on this stuff so would appreciate some advice. What options would you recommend....axle ratio, tires, air ride suspension, etc

Anyone else have a similar set-up? Thanks!

[Freespool]

Welcome to the world of truck camping and the forum. I do have some advise and a question or too that I will post later when time permits, until then take a look at the other site I enjoy which is Truck Camper Adventures. Mike runs the site and has a 3500 crew cab, short bed, single rear wheel Dodge with a Northstar. Mikes site along with this one will teach you everything you need to know about TC'S. Mikes needs are very specific and feels his truck and camper combination work very well for his needs, hopefully your choice will do the same for you.

[towpro]

This Link shows about what this camper should weigh, which is around 2600 loaded.

if you look through This Link you see the mega cab 4x4 with that engine can carry around 3200 lbs max (you will find its the rear tires that make this number low) Looking at the crew cab with short bed, it actually seems to be rated lower as the megacab SRW could come in a higher GVW than the crew cab.
but this link is for 2016 trucks, I don't see numbers for 2017.
if you look in the glove box of new trucks on the dealers lot there should be a paper telling of what truck camper weights are allowed. (if you don't see it, ask to see if).
BUT with dodge, there is an option that triggers a paper to day "not recommenced for truck campers" I think its the snow plow package (which only adds a transfer case skid plate)

also the SRW 3500 don't have the upper helper spring that starts to work as the truck drops (at least not in 2015, last time I looked). but the do offer a rear suspension air system that auto levels the truck. Kind wish I had this but I bought what was on the lot.

next you will probably want to tow something? you sill have 500 lbs left for tong weight, that will tow a smaller boat but not a big box trailer full of ATV's.

[Freespool]

Basically cjweener1 there are only a few things you must know when choosing to build a truck camper combination. The two most important things are that you understand Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings, GVWR and Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Ratings, GCVWR. The first one is the total weight of the truck with everything and everybody in it. The second is the the additional weight of the trailer. What you described will look good but you will be able to over load it quite easily. I could ask so many questions but I will try to be brief. Make sure you are certain about how much space you will need since this model from Northstar is on the small side. Let me say at this time rather than writing 4 pages, if I were you, I would first make sure you want a truck camper over a trailer. Once this is done and your still wanting the truck camper I would look at everything made via the internet. Pick the unit that serves all your needs. Then learn all about the weight issue's and I mean really understand the big picture before you buy, then and only then you will be ready to pick a truck that is built for the weight of the camper and will be able to perform all you ask of it. Let us know if you have done this or not and then we can go on.

[cjweener1]

Basically cjweener1 there are only a few things you must know when choosing to build a truck camper combination.  The two most important things are that you understand Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings, GVWR and Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Ratings, GCVWR.  The first one is the total weight of the truck with everything and everybody in it.  The second is the the additional weight of the trailer.  What you described will look good but you will be able to over load it quite easily.  I could ask so many questions but I will try to be brief.  Make sure you are certain about how much space you will need since this model from Northstar is on the small side.  Let me say at this time rather than writing 4 pages, if I were you, I would first make sure you want a truck camper over a trailer.  Once this is done and your still wanting the truck camper I would look at everything made via the internet.  Pick the unit that serves all your needs.  Then learn all about the weight issue's and I mean really understand the big picture before you buy, then and only then you will be ready to pick a truck that is built for the weight of the camper and will be able to perform all you ask of it.  Let us know if you have done this or not and then we can go on.

[cjweener1]

Thanks Freespool and Towpro! Yeah, I hear ya. Big decision and I really need to get some more information in order to make a good one. I am going to Northstar in Iowa in January and will do a walk-thru of a couple of the truck campers. I don't plan on purchasing the truck until after I'm convinced the camper will work. I'm already shifting from the HEMI to a 1 ton diesel as I plan on traveling in the mountains quite a bit. I test drove the diesel and liked it.

I'll be sure and find out the payload for whatever I get serious about and will make sure the tires are rated for what I need. I know the bigger cab, 4x4 and diesel actually decrease my payload so I will heed your advice and be careful with the truck purchase. I'm trying to keep it as small a package as I can get by with and still having the basic comforts. I like the Northstar reputation and they are closest to where I live if I do need things tweaked or repaired. The only thing I didn't like about the Liberty is the fresh and gray water tank capacities but I think I can work around that as I usually tow a small enclosed trailer that can haul extra supplies.

I'm trying a couple of other trucks out this next week. I've always been a Chevy girl but I did like the Cummins diesel on the Ram. Keeping an open mind...

Hauling my toys (Can Am commander, motorcycle, kayaks) and a boat on occasion are my priorities and I much prefer the path less traveled. I've looked at trailers/toyhaulers of all kinds.....I like being a little more nimble with the truck camper even at the loss of space and some creature comforts.

Good advice on Mello Mike! I've already been reading quite a few of the stories on Truck Camper Adventures....love it! His Northstar Laredo is another possibility but I sure like the idea of the not having to have a stinger with the Liberty. Not much difference in price though so I may have to upsize if the Liberty is just too small. The Arrow is another nice unit but a tad wider...not a deal breaker.

Thanks again for your input! I greatly appreciate it!

[Jknight611]

[quote=cjweener1,Dec 18 2016, 07:44 PM]
Thanks Freespool and Towpro! Yeah, I hear ya. Big decision and I really need to get some more information in order to make a good one. I am going to Northstar in Iowa in January and will do a walk-thru of a couple of the truck campers. I don't plan on purchasing the truck until after I'm convinced the camper will work. I'm already shifting from the HEMI to a 1 ton diesel as I plan on traveling in the mountains quite a bit. I test drove the diesel and liked it.

I'll be sure and find out the payload for whatever I get serious about and will make sure the tires are rated for what I need. I know the bigger cab, 4x4 and diesel actually decrease my payload so I will heed your advice and be careful with the truck purchase. I'm trying to keep it as small a package as I can get by with and still having the basic comforts. I like the Northstar reputation and they are closest to where I live if I do need things tweaked or repaired. The only thing I didn't like about the Liberty is the fresh and gray water tank capacities but I think I can work around that as I usually tow a small enclosed trailer that can haul extra supplies.

I'm trying a couple of other trucks out this next week. I've always been a Chevy girl but I did like the Cummins diesel on the Ram. Keeping an open mind...

Hauling my toys (Can Am commander, motorcycle, kayaks) and a boat on occasion are my priorities and I much prefer the path less traveled. I've looked at trailers/toyhaulers of all kinds.....I like being a little more nimble with the truck camper even at the loss of space and some creature comforts.

Good advice on Mello Mike! I've already been reading quite a few of the stories on Truck Camper Adventures....love it! His Northstar Laredo is another possibility but I sure like the idea of the not having to have a stinger with the Liberty. Not much difference in price though so I may have to upsize if the Liberty is just too small. The Arrow is another n

[Jknight611]

We have a Northstar Adventurer 8.5, it is slightly lighter that the Laredo, and we prefer the floor plan. Always a compromise on room, weight, and aerodynamics, the Northstar meets our needs and is very comfortable for 2 (and 2 little dogs). In shopping we found the quality of the Northstar equal or exceeded any other campers we looked at. With the SWB you gain 2 little storage areas in the rear overhang, good for all sorts of light items. We really like the windows, with the blackout shades up it is totally dark if you are into some urban boondocking when enroute to the fun stuff.

[Freespool]

Glad to hear your switching motors, IMO the diesel belongs in the truck and the Hemi belongs in a muscle car, just look at where the torque is made. Now we have to convince you that a long bed is what you should have. The short bed looks cool but the long bed is better in every other respect. Rex, over at Northstar builds a nice old school camper but I think you need to compare it to the Northern Light. Both are non slide units and are very well built, but are very different, you need to see both. Bigfoot and Host also deserve your attention. Make sure you understand the down side with diesel trucks. There motors weigh more, a lot more. Extended cabs and 4x4 trucks also weigh more, bottom line, if the truck weighs more the ability to haul weight will be reduced. Take a look at the new GMC diesels, they gained a bunch of torque and horse power and they still have the Allison tranny. I know Dodge owns the car transport business, but for my money the GMC was the stand out truck. My advise, for what it is worth, make sure understand everything before you get excited and start writing checks. The advise from this board and others is free, mistakes will cost you thousands. Setting up your truck to haul or tow is much easier, all you need to know is go Torklift.