This RAM 3500 broke in two while towing a camper. Can all vehicles tow one?

We are used to seeing vehicles that look very strong and robust towing campers. Camperisation is becoming more and more popular, and it is very common even the lightest vehicles come in a camperised version. But care is needed, and it is important to remember that the manufacturer’s guidelines exist for a reason.

This means that not every vehicle can use every type of camper. We have found proof of this with this pick-up RAM 3500, which was fitted with an Eagle Cap Camper, but could not bear its weight and broke in half, presumably because of that weight.

According to the owner of the pick-up, everything was under control and everything stayed within the manufacturer’s specifications. The RAM 3500 has a maximum authorised weight of 3,538 kg, while the camper weighs about 2,267 kg. With its maximum load, the total weight could reach 2,948 kg. All apparently within normal limits.

But it turns out those figures apply to the regular cab, long bed variant, with front-wheel drive and a 6.4-litre V8 engine. In this case, which has a crew cab, 4×4 drive and a diesel engine, its maximum payload is set at 2,653 kg. Taking into account the weight of the camper, 2,267 kg, and the load that can be carried in it, the margin is very tight.

Excessive weight can cause unexpected stress on the pick-up’s structure and lead to what happened to this vehicle: it broke in two and can no longer be used. This puts at risk not only the occupants of the vehicle, but also is a danger to other road users. It can not only cause the chassis to break, but also lead to a loss of control of the vehicle.

For this driver, the joke will cost 17,000 dollars in repairs. He insists the load was correct, but the incident contradicts him and highlights that the weight added to a vehicle must be monitored very carefully, even when it may appear that the vehicle can handle the load being applied.