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Need to increase weight capacity of my 1500

AdamG

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AdamG Enthusiast

AdamG

Posted
Posted

How do I increase the in bed weight capacity of my truck?

I understand that it can handle 1100lbs, I need to to handle 1700lbs.

 

Any ideas?

asilverblazer Senior Enthusiast

asilverblazer

Posted
Posted

To start with check capacity of your tires, then your springs, then your shocks, then axel. One of those will be the "weakest link". If I were you I would look into a heavy duty set of air bags and a massive sway bar. Some heavy duty shocks and load range "D" or better tires as well. After all that I think you should be OK. Be sure to check the center of gravity. Make sure its with in the zone stated in the owners manual.

 

Out of curiosity (because I want one) what model camper did you get, and how long is it? Also are you planning on towing with it as well? The reason I ask is because I want a truck camper for sleeping quarters and still need to be able to pull a trailer, and I don't want one of those extend-a-hitches. :seeya:

 

A tranny cooler would be good too, due the additional air drag.

pm26 Senior Enthusiast

pm26

Posted
Posted

Forget it. Truck campers are made for 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. 1/2 tons simply do not have sufficient load carrying capacity for one. Many places that sell campers will not install a camper into a 1/2 ton truck bed, unless it is some kind of ultra light camper specifically made for a 1/2 ton truck and meeting the paylod requirements for that truck.

asilverblazer Senior Enthusiast

asilverblazer

Posted
Posted

The truck will be able to pull and stop it the only thing in question here is it's ability to carry the weight, when executed properly it should be OK.

 

Shocks, I would go adjustable such as Rach 9000 (I think).

 

I think Helwig has a sway bar for the rear.

 

I'm not sure of the air bags, but I would get one with on board compressor and controller in the cab.

 

Those things should keep the rear end up, but won't compensate for YOUR judgement, I would try to test fit/haul one before buying.

chuck16 Enthusiast

chuck16

Posted
Posted

I would go with the Rancho 9000s as well with a compressor and get your springs re-arc'd and an extra leaf put in. Then I would either go with Airbags or Timbren Load helpers. When I get some cash I'm going to put some Timbren's on my truck.

 

I've been told on a couple of different forums not to overload your 1/2 tonne too much because of the Hydroformed frame. It doesn't have the same load capacity as a 3/4 tonne or 1 tonne. One of the guys I work with has a 3/4 and I have a 1/2 and if you compare the frames the 3/4 is a much beefer frame.

 

I agree though that perhaps local testing might be a good idea before you just go and purchase one....

 

Let us know how and what route you go.

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