Ram 3500 vs Ram 3500 Chassis Cab / Comparing trucks and loading our Truck camper on a flatbed
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- In our quest for the perfect truck for our truck camper, we've started looking at flatbeds. In this video we compare our current 2018 RAM 3500 to a 2019 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis. Other than the obvious dually bed vs. flatbed we discuss some of the other differences.
We hope you find the video useful and informative!
If you have questions about anything in our videos, you can reach us at runawayrosesadventure@gmail.com
Thanks for watching!
The Runaway Roses
#runawayroses #BigfootTruckCamper #BigfootRV #TruckCamperLife #RAM3500 #ETrailer
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►►►►►►LIST OF OUR CAMPERS (PRESENT AND PAST)◄◄◄◄◄◄
►2020 Bigfoot 10.4 Truck Camper - We got our 2020 Bigfoot 10.4 Truck Camper in October 2021. We were contacted by a couple of subscribers (now good friends) who had theirs up for sale in Upstate New York so we headed out on an adventure. We sold our 2014 Bigfoot 10.4 within one day of listing it online.
►2014 Bigfoot 10.4 Truck Camper - We got our 2014 Bigfoot 10.4 in August 2021 from RVOne near Charlotte, NC. Todd was headed to buy a brand new Bigfoot 10.4 just before we got the Lance 975 but when he got to Southland RV, it was sold. That's when we decided to go to the Lance 975. We knew at some point in the future we'd have a Bigfoot again and here it is.
►2021 Lance 975 - We got our new 2021 Lance 975 from Chattanooga Fish n Fun in Hixson, TN in August 2020. After looking at several models, we decided on the Lance 975 (Check out Brad's channel from Chattanooga Fish n Fun, he gives great, thorough overviews of some really nice boats and campers.) We sold the Lance 975 in August 2021.
►2019 Northern Lite 10-2 Truck Camper - Bought and delivered from Mountain Motors in Troy, MO on 12/2019 and sold it in 01/2020.
►2005 Northern Lite 10-2 Truck Camper - Picked up on 8/10/2019 we did major repairs, maintenance and renovations to this one and sold it in 12/2019.
2008 Bigfoot 21RB - Sold 12/2019, we went across country to purchase from a dealer in Pueblo Colorado.
►2006 Casita Spirit Deluxe - Sold 07/2018 when we bought our Bigfoot.
►2002 A-liner - Sold 05/2017 when bought our 2006 Casita Spirit Deluxe.
I’m running a 2020 ram 3500 cab chassis with a flat bed and a lance truck camper and it’s perfect. Tool boxes add much extra storage needed and on the sides between the flat bed and camper we put are ice chest, generator, extra camping gear and we secure it with side rails that go up to the camper so there’s no way for someone to take something. The spacing between the cab and the front of the camper I have the spare tire on driver side and on the passenger side we carry folding table and extra solar panels. Safe travel enjoy
After looking at the chassis-cab for 10 minutes that dually looked so sleek and shiny.
Watching for the second time, if I were going to change I think I would go ahead and step up to the 4500 cab chassis or possibly even 5500.
I've seen tool boxes mounted on top of the flat bed to fill in the vertical gap between the camper and bed... It looks finished and adds storage... You may have mentioned it, but my Warden was busy ordering me around... Lol, I may have missed a couple of of your comments...
Hi Tony Spicer, Tool boxes could be a really good option to fill the gap. I've seen similar idea's like that and they look good and are functional. Very cool! Try not to let the Warden work you too hard. :) Thanks for watching!
I would buy it !! Looks nicer and more options! Will be better truck when not camping!!!! Buy it!!! 😄👍
I think you guys are a great couple. A great team. Like all your points. I have a 2014 RAM cab ad chassis single axle. I lived in my camper for two years whilst I built a beach cottage in Morro Bay Ca-from Oregon. I also put on air bags-even though-the leaf package is similar. Now I am attempting to SELL my Ram and maybe buy a new 2022 ordered from RAM . I will not purchase until my older 2014 sells. Love the cab and chassis with your camper on it. It is a SUPER DUPER camper. Also your "Bigfoot" is amazing on the flatbed.
I like this but if you use your truck bud for things when you are not traveling it may be an issue but I like it better.
That's a good point a pickup bed is better for that. If I go the flatbed route I would probably build some rails for the sides to hold stuff in. Thanks for watching!
Realize this was posted a year ago but I just came across it because I too am thinking about a chassis cab. Do have a few comments on things you missed. The Aux switch is available on any 3500, just usually not standard. Main reason for detuning the truck is to meet noise requirements, not engine longevity. Without the bed, they lost a good bit of noise reduction. With the fuel tank in the rear your lose the spare tire. I believe if you custom order it, you can order with a mid 50 gallon tank which moves the weight forward and leaves room for a spare tire. And speaking of weight, the higher payload capacity is again because of the removal of the bed. But you lose everything you gain because you must subtract the weight of the flat bed from the payload which means you actually have a lower payload capacity since the flat bed weighs more. This last about the payload differences is crucial.
Sorry Todd, but you'll need a bigger truck.
450 has about the same payload capacity as a 350. I do like your videos 🙂 have a great day
Stable camper has teamed up with CM Truck Beds and has Boxes that go below the wings of the camper for even more storage and has built in tie down points. It is a kit.
Hey Todd, Yeah I've looked at that but they are super expensive but very nice. Thanks for watching!
Get some air bags on that puppy and your all set! The colors look great!
Build a platform for underneath just enough so the back end clears the bed that way you can move it all the way forward and your center off gravity would be good .
Hi Vincewon, Building a platform would be a good option to clear the bed. Good idea, Thanks for watching!
Thank You .Love the tips and info.
Dont compromise.. get the wide track 4500/5500. The height difference is the 19.5" wheels. Easy wheel swap will fix that.
Our son has a flatbed just like that one, he has mounted a fifth wheel hitch on his plus he has a Jobox behind the headache rack & has plenty of room all the way around it, tows his fifth wheel RV every where. I know that it’s not the same as your needs. Put your ole fashion thinking cap on, you can make it work.
Hi James Kennedy, I'm not sure what we're going to do about the truck but we're certainly thinking about getting a flatbed. It's got it's pluses and minuses. Thanks for watching!
Your Center of Gravity mark is for the unloaded camper, so with your stuff added it will move around.
We have a 28 foot trailer plenty of room for 2 people who are retired we haven't had any problems with camping or travel, I tow with a 2001dodge 2500 4x4 5.9
I have a tag a long, 29 foot box which is actually 32 feet long. I am thinking about stepping up from my 2500 to a 3500 flat bed for both more storage and towing compacity. Long term plan, I will be eventually stepping up to a load pack similar to yours for more boondocking and off grid, as this is not as restrictive as mine is. Also, your set up more of a National Park friendly set up too. I am glad that I found your channel,,,,, nice!!!
Good video y’all yep you could purchase Diamond plate black tool boxes that would probably set right on there RKI makes quality ones
The problem you have there is the chassis cab with that CM flatbed is the weight is being approximately 1400 to 1500 lbs. I dont believe your truck bed isnt that much. Also those cab chassis have a much more truck feel comparef to your pickup. Something to think about when youre thinking about adding a configuration like that. All those type of beds have a built in gooseneck hitch. So thats a idea too. Most of these cab chassis are using an aluminum bed now. So payload is much better.
Thanks, you two. IMO, I would stay with what you have. Take care. Happy New Year and be safe.
With only a thousand pound additional payload, you may find yourself in the same boat with weight by the time you add storage boxes added and loaded with who knows what. Seems to me, you were already a 160lbs overweight, add food, clothing, tools, etc. you will totally use the 1000 extra lbs. and that's before to add all the boxes to the flatbed, you'll exceed that weight limit also. Maybe I'm figuring it wrong. Good luck with the decision you make. (You probably already have)
Watch those 19 and 20 fuel pumps. I know there's a fix for them now. But still watch for that issues.
We loaded a 2016 Eagle Cap 1200 on our 22 Ram 3500 Friday(Great end to 21). Drive home 685 miles was not bad. Other then the 25+ wind gusts hitting the side at times. Factory truck with air assist felt good. Looking forward to lots of miles and nights in it this year.
Hi Pete k, Congrats on the new truck that sounds nice. I’m trying to stay away from looking at ram 19 & 20s because of their CP4 fuel pumps. Thanks for the tip though. I hope you enjoy your new truck in Eagle Cap. Safe travels and thanks for watching!
@@RunawayRoses They just put a recall out on them, no official fix yet, but hope its a CP3 replacement since they started putting them on the 2021s, etc. Still may not want to purchase one only to have it in the shop for who knows how long to have the recall performed, but at least there's a fleet wide fix now.
@@Johnobee1 Thanks for the tip. I've been looking a bit at trucks buy I'm aware of the CP4 problem so I'm trying to stay away from the 19's and 20's. Hopefully the get the recall fix out for everyone soon. Thanks for watching! ~ Todd
Also-I have customized Hiway Products under my camper setup-and I store tons of stuff and things in them.
You will like the 3:73 for daily driving or highway. I have 4:10 now and it's almost to low. For 70-75..
Go with a 550 if you make use of all that new storage capacity you will be overweight. Plus the 550 will give you greater stopping ability.
Todd, you said payload was 6200 ish, what is the gvwr? I have 2020 ram 3500 DRW and my gvwr is 14k and I’m over that and thinking of doing the same, just didn’t want to go to 45/5500. Love the videos!
Thanks, Kelly
Hi Kelly, The payload of the cab chassis truck in the video was 6300 lbs. It has the same 14k gvwr as my truck because that’s what all the newer 3500’s are rated Including the cab chassis trucks. I think the only way to get around that is to get a heavier duty truck with a higher gvwr. I don’t want to do that but I might have to. Thanks for watching!
Doesn't hurt to talk to them to see what they will offer. Market is hot right now. Might as well take advantage.
Hi Bert, Your right the market is hot right now. If been offered 10k over what I paid for my truck. It’s tempting but the price of all of them are up.
I love 3-73 better fuel mileage 2000 rpm at 70 and the 4-10 turns a lot more rpm which means more fuel.
Great sbs; thanks!
Hey Todd, does the larger payload capacity on the CC truck include the weight of the bed?
Hi Randy, No the payload of the CC does not include the bed weight. But at least it is a higher payload to account for the additional bed weight. I am also thinking about putting a flatbed on mine but that would reduce the payload even more. We'll see, good question! Thanks for watching! ~ Todd
There’s only 2 differences. 1 the dual wheels sit inside like a srw. The frame rails are straight. The length and width of the flatbed can be built to your dimensions
I’ve hauled 2 draft horses on a flatbed. The sway bars come on either truck. Just because his doesn’t have it. That’s an option.
Hi Edgemon site works LLC, That's true the rear sway bar is an option for the Rams but they typically don't come standard on them like a they do on a F350 or F450. I should have pointed that out that it's an option but didn't think about it at the time. The cab to axle length is longer (60" or 84") on the cab chassis than it is on the standard 3500 but I forgot to point that out as well. Thanks for watching!
@@RunawayRoses again. That’s an option. You can order them so that a short bed camper canbe used. Anything to do with behind the cab is an option.
I’ve owned duallies both flat bed and pickup style since 1980.
I noticed the cab chassis rear differential does not have the aluminum cover. I’m wondering if the Cab Chassis does not have the Aisen Transmission. Is there a difference in wheelbase on the two trucks Great video
Hi Code 4 For Life, The truck in the video actually does have an Aisin transmission. I noticed that too as well as other trucks with Aisin transmissions. I think they may have stopped putting those aluminum diff covers on. Yes there is a difference in wheelbase between the two trucks. I should have gone over that but forgot. The cab chassis trucks come in 60" and 84" cab to axle measurements while the standard crew cab dually is 56" in cab to axle from what I understand. So the overall wheelbase would be different as well. Thanks for watching!
You could fabricate the flatbed to accept the notch in your camper, at the back, there by moving it forward towards the cab and keeping the center of gravity. I would think that would be the easiest and most efficient change. Then just add the airbags,band enjoy the ventilated seats of the Laramie.
Hi Randy Lester, You got a good idea to notch the flatbed but that could get into a lot of work I don't think I'm willing to tackle. Thanks for watching!
Hey…… but your truck is more convertible specially when you are travelling thanks 🙏 keep it up 👍
I have basically have the same truck other than mine is a tradesman model with the 4:10 gears , pretty much the same cm bed but my camper is a eagle cap 1165 with 3slides it weighs 5,200 lbs empty and firs thing I done was put airbags on it to level it out but it works good. I’m looking into putting on side boxes like u guys was talking about but I believe u will be happy if u guys get that truck and also from the front of camper to front head is 7 1/4 “ on mine can’t move it any further forward due to the generator box lip is about 1/2” from hitting back of bed but I say go for it if u can get a better price on truck
Stopped at 7:50 to ask,,,, The bed looks slanted forward, I assume that is just me and the bed is very level.. i.e. if you were parked on a level surface the bed would not be slanted towards the cab?????
Hi Steve Woods, My driveway is not perfectly level but mainly the truck has a rake to it so when you put weight on it it will level out. Most all of the stock Ram trucks are like that. Thanks for watching!
@@RunawayRoses Thanks, if you were using it to carry "bricks" for example you would not want to put all of the weight at the front of the bed then.
Todd, have you compared your truck with a RAM 5500? I've heard they have less HP and a wider front end, would love to know the particulars though. You put together a nice video, would love to see you do a comparison like you did with the Chassis Cab vs standard.
I did the 5500. 197" wb, 84" CA
Is the weight that you can haul higher or the same just minus the factory bed ?
Did you try to get it out the door or measure.? The AC unit looked like it might catch the door.
No we didn't but if we decide to get one I'll definitely make sure it fits out the door. I'm sure it will but it will be tight.
Hey Todd, good vid as always. I was wondering, did you look at the overloads when you got the camper on it? I bet it was close and if you factor in the side to side sway it will have you might be decked on the overloads. Just a thought. Hope you guys had a great Christmas. Be happy this new year my friend. Ron and Cindy :>) Oh i forgot to mention one other thing, you might want to see how it drives with that on there before you jump in. I bet it is going to be night and day different in the handling department. I am a big believer in the air bag system you have.
Hey Ron, I didn't look at the overload springs but I'm pretty sure they were touching. Installing some airbags would sure help a lot. We had a good Christmas and I hope you and Cindy did as well. Happy New Year and Thanks again for watching! ~ Todd
Your truck is nicer. I'd put a flat bed on it instead. You've already got the air suspension too.?
Hi Todd and Carla! First and foremost I would like to thank both of you for the great videos you guys are producing, very informative.
I would like to ask for your advise, I am looking to buy a new Ram 3500 mega cab dually to haul a Northern Lite 8-11 Dry Bath, which is made for the short bed truck. I am planning to get HO engine and max tow capacity on the Ram. I will appreciate your thoughts on my project. Thank you again.
Hi Enrique Camacho, Thanks for the nice comments. Sounds like you're looking at a nice truck and camper set up. The main thing is you want to pay attention to the payload capacity of the truck and the weight of the camper. I'm not sure but I think the Ram mega cab have less payload because they have a heavier body. You should be more concerned about the payload than the towing capacity when it comes to hauling a truck camper. Good Luck and Safe Travels. Thanks for watching!
… and don’t forget CG. The mega cab pushes the load so far aft, I would say it’s not safe. Your front axle load will be lighter with with the camper on, than when empty
@@RunawayRoses Thank you Todd, you just got me thinking, I would have to do do a bit more research. It is just than the mega cab looks so much better in my opinion. But Terry McNeilly has a very interesting point on the CG.
@@terrymcneilly2222 Hmmm, I didn't think about that, you might be right. good point. Thank you.
I have a Ram 2021 flatbed. I looked at your bigfoot before you bought it from Glen. I pasted for that same reason. You cannot put it far enough forward with the rear side drops.
Hi Bob Iveson, Glen told us someone with a flatbed looked at it and passed because it wouldn't fit. I can understand why you passed. It's a great camper though we've loved it so far. Thanks for watching!
Where did you get the rubber mat that was on the flat bed or what brand is it?
We use a standard truck bed mat however we have also used a horse stall mat which is thicker. Thanks for watching!
What transmission is in the cab and chassis. I heard that the aisin is better than the 68rfe.
Hi Bob S, The one in the video has a Aisin transmission. All of the cab chassis models I have looked at have a Aisin transmission. Yes the Aisin is stronger transmission than the 68RFE. Thanks for watching!
@@RunawayRoses I'm not a psychic but I see a flatbed in your future.
any company that makes flatbeds will custom build one for a camper that will fit perfectly and have whatever extra storage you want.
if you can swing it, a 5500 would be best for a truck camper. plently of payload and the benefit of being commercial. you can find parts anywhere and everywhere, and there are dozens upon dozens of after-market products and options for damn near anything.
Happy New 2022 Year
Thanks, Happy New Year!
Thanks for this video! I'm currently looking at purchasing a ram 3500 to haul an arctic fox 1140. I didnt know there was a difference in the frames. That being said I'm very curious what the factory bed height is with your air suspension compared to the bed height with the cab and chassis flatbed. I was looking at putting a flatbed on a regular ram 3500 hopefully with the additional frame "humps" it wont add a ton of extra height.
You would probably want to get at least a 4500 for that big of a camper. Wet weight of the 1140 is 5236 lbs. Add on a flatbed (minimum 500-700 lbs for aluminum), all your gear and groceries (500-700 lbs), yourself and a spouse (300-500 lbs) and you're going to be really taxing the capacity of a 3500. I wish I would've had the foresight to go bigger, as I am basically maxed out with only a northern lite 9-6QLE when it's dry on my SRW ram 3500. (4321 payload, 12,400 GVWR weighed in at 12,200 dry with all my gear)
Good luck to you and have a good day!
If you're going to purchase a truck camper , have them weight it with full propane and water and at least 200 lbs of extras in it and don't forget about any extras you add on the camper like air, generator, TV's. You'll find out that your over weight on the truck. Learn from other people's mistakes and it won't cost as much.
I’d say just. Purchase the 5500, why cut yourself short in the land of plenty, the price is right there about the same
Isn't the cab and chassis derated in the horsepower and torque? I'm not finished with video yet....maybe you discuss it further in.
Hi Danclapper626, Yes the cab and chassis trucks are de-tuned in horsepower and torque. This is done because most of these heavier duty trucks are used for commercial use so it's done for longevity. I don't really notice much of a difference. Plenty of power to pull or haul anything I would want to. Thanks for watching!
Check out the Sherp Tek modular truck beds.
Don’t put anything flammable in the passenger side back tool box . The exhaust is right there.
Is that bed steel or aluminum?
That one was steel, thanks for watching!
stopped at 8:43, wouldnt you want deisel????
It was a diesel with the 6.7L Cummins and the Aisin transmission.
@@RunawayRoses Thank You I am learning, I thought you said gas tank or something.
I may have said gas out of habit, I guess I should’ve said fuel tank.
I may have said gas out of habit, I should’ve said fuel tank.
$85,000!!! That dealer must be on crack! Hell to the no!
You must not be pricing heavy trucks in this Covid era
@@texasproud3332 i know the pricing is ridiculous right now. I just think its BS that the prices on used vehicles are what they are. Just saying there's no way in hell i'd pay that for a used truck.
Your truck is way prettier then the flatbed. If it were me I'd keep the truck and downsize that beutiful bigfoot for a smaller bigfoot problems solved and money saved.
The chassis cab is more of a 5th wheel truck.
Stay away from the 2019 and 2020 diesels that have not had the new injection pump.
Eliminate the def.
Cab and chasis have derated engines.
Yes that’s correct, I mentioned that in the video. Thanks for watching!
@@RunawayRoses sorry I missed that part. Guess my wife is right.i never listen.lol