More info on the RAM 3500 with camper that broke its frame in Baja

[John E Davies]

https://www.thedrive.com/news/broken-ram-3500-dually-shows-a-camper-can-still-overload-a-big-truck

Idiot..   

John Davies

Spokane WA

[Frank C]

Thanks for posting the follow up article.   It’s pretty clear that the truck was overloaded, even though the owner thinks otherwise.   The owner was using the wrong payload numbers for his specific truck.   He was going by the absolute max payload number advertised (regular cab, gas engine 2 wheel drive, base model) and not using his actual payload number for his crew cab diesel 4x4.    I’m glad the article pointed that out, but that owner still seems either unable or unwilling to accept the math.   I’d love to see the owner post a picture of his door jamb payload label on his truck.  That one simple picture would speak volumes.  This also makes it pretty clear that the manufacturers don’t use a huge safety factor multiplier in designing for their payload ratings. The limit is the limit!   

[Ollie-Haus]

1 hour ago, Frank C said:

Thanks for posting the follow up article.   It’s pretty clear that the truck was overloaded, even though the owner thinks otherwise.   The owner was using the wrong payload numbers for his specific truck.   He was going by the absolute max payload number advertised (regular cab, gas engine 2 wheel drive, base model) and not using his actual payload number for his crew cab diesel 4x4.    I’m glad the article pointed that out, but that owner still seems either unable or unwilling to accept the math.   I’d love to see the owner post a picture of his door jamb payload label on his truck.  That one simple picture would speak volumes.  This also makes it pretty clear that the manufacturers don’t use a huge safety factor multiplier in designing for their payload ratings. The limit is the limit!   

And to add to what you stated above, If the owner would have taken his loaded truck including the motorcycle hanging on the back to a scale, he would have discovered his rear axil was grossly overloaded. With that much weight hanging aft the rear axil and the diesel engine in the front end with that extra long frame, it broke the frame at exactly the point that one would expect in those conditions. 

[CnC]

2 hours ago, John E Davies said:

Idiot..

Yup!  And the front tiedowns assisted in the constant flexing of the frame during all those miles in which there was "no problem."

Charlie.

[Ollie-Haus]

Moral of the story - never take the word or advice of a salesman trying to sell you a truck or RV as to its true capacities or capabilities. Know your equipment. Educate yourself to what you will need in the real world conditions you plan to use the equipment. And most of all, always build in a margin of safety. It's never worth trying to find the breaking point of your equipment.