Maximum Truck Camper Weight for 2016 Ram Big Horn and Recommend Suspension Enhancement

Question:

What weight of Camper can my truck safely carry and should I invest in an air suspension to support it?

asked by: Michael

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to determine how heavy of a truck camper your 2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn can support you will need to calculate its payload capacity. The most accurate method for doing this is to locate the truck's GVWR that should be printed on a sticker affixed to the driver's side door jamb. Then take your truck up to a local commercial weight station. If possible take any passengers that would normally come along on trips and any cargo items that you would be carrying in the truck.

Subtracting the number you get on the scale from the truck's GVWR will give you how much extra weight the truck can handle, thus the most a truck bed camper could weigh.

There are many variables that go into a specific truck's GVWR including its drivetrain, axle ratio, bed size, etc so it's not a number I would be able to pin down for your particular Big Horn.

Now regardless of the weight of your camper I definitely do recommend adding suspension enhancement to the truck for this application. This is going to help reduce any rear sag on the truck with the camper installed, provide you with increased stability and control during travel, and will work to prolong the lifespan of the factory suspension.

For your Ram I specifically recommend the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Springs # AL88365 that feature a 5,000 pound load-leveling capacity, and integrated jounce springs for increased support. You can also add a compressor system like # AL74000 for the ability to adjust the springs from the comfort of your cab.

expert reply by: Chris R