axel weight limits

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Jan 13, 2005 | 04:27 PM

boarder

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From: vancouver

axel weight limits

I've searched through past posts and didn't find anything too concrete. Can anyone tell me what the max weight is for the back axel.
This is for a '99, ext cab, xlt, 4x4, auto, v6, 4.0L,no mods
As well has anyone weighed there truck and found out it is quite different then the curb weight indicated.
I can't find the curb weight on my vehicle but i know the max GVWR is 5120# and the max payload is 1520# so I'm assuming that my curb weight is 3800#
I'm looking at getting a small camper and want to know how heavy I can go.

Thanks

Jan 13, 2005 | 07:38 PM

ranger pat

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From: Elk River, MN

Your front and rear gross axle weight ratings are listed inside the drivers door opening. I would guess your rating would read something like RGAWR 2800 lb and FGAWR 2700 lb. The total will be way over your vehicle weight rating of 5150 lb. A guess at the corner weights of your vehicle would be 1100 pounds on each front tire and 800 pounds on each rear tire = 3800 pound curb weight. (Mine weighed closer to 4000 pounds at curb). Add a driver and passenger at 150 pounds each and your curb weight is 4100 pounds. Subtract that from the 5150 lb GCW and your true pay load is more like 1050 pounds. That is way the owners manual says slide in campers are not recommended for Rangers. Try to get an actual weight on your vehicle at a scale and get a front and a rear weight. Those numbers are the most meaningful.

Jan 13, 2005 | 08:15 PM

boarder

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From: vancouver

Thanks ranger pat. I know i need to go to the scale but I thought I'd toss it out there and see what other people have found with their trucks. Just to give me an idea what I'm looking at. Thanks for your info that's really helpful. I've seen some campers in the 600-800# range. without major water storage or any real heavy camping equipment I think I may be able to swing it.

Jan 16, 2005 | 04:11 PM

stan_02ranger

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From: Clemson, South Carolina

I took my Ranger to the dump and had it weighed. I have an '02 extended cab, 4x4, auto and 4.0 engine. No modifications have been done to it. With the usual junk in the cab (some tie downs, coat, tool bag, and a few other things), a full tank of gas, and me (I'm 200 lbs), it came to right at 4300 lbs. The guy at the dump said their scale was accurate to within +/- 20 lbs, and they had just had it calibrated.

My legal payload is something closer to 800 lbs, but I have had twenty 80 lb bags of sakrete in the back, and I knew it was back there. Be careful not to overload your truck, at least for extended periods. If you want a slide in type camper, you might be able to do just as well with a turtle shell on the back of your truck. You could probably also find a pop up type camper if you don't mind towing. You can tow a lot more than you can haul. Hope I've helped.

Stan

Jan 16, 2005 | 09:46 PM

98xlt4x4

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From: Hillsboro, OR

Rear axle weight rating is probably 2600-2800. A 31 spline on an explorer is 3200#. It's most likely low due to the factory leaf springs. If the truck is properly equipped it will handle a camper fine. I've met (in person) a few people with Ranger 4x4's with full height campers on their truck and do just fine with airbags in the back. If it was me, I would do a few things to handle the weight. Add a bigger anti-sway bar in the rear, add-a-leaf spring and airbags, heavy duty shocks (bilstiens or similar), and good tires. I've carried lots of weight in the back of my Ranger, and been overweight with it a few times and it does fine if you use common sense.
Having said that much, you'd be best off with a pop-up style camper, to keep the center of gravity and drag down. User RiverRat at offroadrangers.com has a pop-up camper on a lifted 4x4 Ranger, and has been happy with it, might want to look him up for some advice.

Jan 17, 2005 | 12:52 PM

boarder

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From: vancouver

thanks guys, I have seen some full size campers on rangers before. So I know it can be done. I need to find something light and I think if i don't load it with water and a lot of heavy gear I should be OK. I will add airbags and an extra helper leaf to the springs. Good idea about the sway bar I guess I'll upgrade that as well. I would like to get a pop up as i think it will cause less wind drag and save on some gas but they are hard to find unless i want to buy new. (which I can't afford) Good thoughts about center of gravity. I guess I'll keep looking and see what i can find. thanks everyone.

Jan 18, 2005 | 12:25 AM

98xlt4x4

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From: Hillsboro, OR

Are you in Vancouver, Wa? I'll keep an eye out for you. They are hard to find for small trucks, I know, I looked for a long time. I don't want to buy new either. Most of what I found was older six-pac campers. I finally gave up on looking and spending the money, so I lifted my truck instead. (I'd still rather have a camper)
Give the guys at http://www.apachecamping.com/ a call, they sell pastime campers that will fit your truck, and often have used ones. When I looked about a year ago they had some old campers that would fit a Ranger.

Last edited by 98xlt4x4; Jan 18, 2005 at 12:37 AM.