Fully loaded and just under Payload.

[Jobofly]

So I started thinking about payload last night. I was doing some math and if I was to tow my camper with my family and leave behind the kayaks and racks and have nothing in the truck while towing I would be about 150lbs over payload. What are the dangers of that? I’m thinking of adding max tow rear springs to improve how it handles. I know that there is no way to increase actual payload. Just curious on everyone thoughts.

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[ShadowsPapa]

So I started thinking about payload last night. I was doing some math and if I was to tow my camper with my family and leave behind the kayaks and racks and have nothing in the truck while towing I would be about 150lbs over payload. What are the dangers of that? I’m thinking of adding max tow rear springs to improve how it handles. I know that there is no way to increase actual payload. Just curious on everyone thoughts.

The springs will firm up a non-max tow and slow down the butt sagging.
Good shocks will be a big help - shocks matter and help prevent the rocking boat bit.
I'm impressed - you are wanting to help handling and understand it won't increase payload - you must be the first person I've seen "get that".

Frankly, if all else was under control, I mean the suspension and steering in good shape, tires properly inflated for the load (I air up when towing or hauling heavy stuff, then back down to normal when not towing) good shocks, a good weight distributing hitch, the trailer properly loaded with things down low (don't fill the high cupboards, load campers with the weight down low to help prevent sway and instability - the higher the weight, the more troubles)
Anyway, i'd not be really concerned about 150.
And if you drive safely - keeping the speed down (ignore those who claim you must drive fast to keep up with traffic - no trooper is going to take that as an excuse for driving too fast while loaded) Drive a safe speed - I don't go over 65 when towing. If others have a problem with that, then it's their problem to own, not mine.
Looks like your head is in the right place.

 

[Jobofly]

The springs will firm up a non-max tow and slow down the butt sagging.
Good shocks will be a big help - shocks matter and help prevent the rocking boat bit.
I'm impressed - you are wanting to help handling and understand it won't increase payload - you must be the first person I've seen "get that".

Frankly, if all else was under control, I mean the suspension and steering in good shape, tires properly inflated for the load (I air up when towing or hauling heavy stuff, then back down to normal when not towing) good shocks, a good weight distributing hitch, the trailer properly loaded with things down low (don't fill the high cupboards, load campers with the weight down low to help prevent sway and instability - the higher the weight, the more troubles)
Anyway, i'd not be really concerned about 150.
And if you drive safely - keeping the speed down (ignore those who claim you must drive fast to keep up with traffic - no trooper is going to take that as an excuse for driving too fast while loaded) Drive a safe speed - I don't go over 65 when towing. If others have a problem with that, then it's their problem to own, not mine.
Looks like your head is in the right place.

That’s what I was thinking too. Just wanted to get smarter peoples opinions. I only have 13,000 miles on my Mojave so everything should be in great shape. I never go over 65 and with this load out I will probably keep it at 60. I may look into air bags instead of max tow springs. I love how my Mojave rides now and really do not want to change it.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That’s what I was thinking too. Just wanted to get smarter peoples opinions. I only have 13,000 miles on my Mojave so everything should be in great shape. I never go over 65 and with this load out I will probably keep it at 60. I may look into air bags instead of max tow springs. I love how my Mojave rides now and really do not want to change it.

Forgot you have Mojave - absolutely then skip the max tow springs. Don't mess with the ride.
I find airbags let me keep the nice daily driver ride but air up when I need less sag and more control.

 

[Gren71]

@ShadowsPapa hit it on the head. I wouldn’t swap springs unless you want to mess with rear spacers to get back to the same ride height since mojaves are taller than a max tow.

air bags would be a good consideration, especially if you plan to run close to or over payload. Just to help improve the handling and keep the truck more level under load.

 

[Jobofly]

@ShadowsPapa hit it on the head. I wouldn’t swap springs unless you want to mess with rear spacers to get back to the same ride height since mojaves are taller than a max tow.

air bags would be a good consideration, especially if you plan to run close to or over payload. Just to help improve the handling and keep the truck more level under load.

Agreed. I ordered the airlift 1000 and will be installing them on Monday.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

 

[audibahn]

Nice setup! Which Apex camper is that? I have the 208BHS and the Apex are notorious for heavy tongue weight.

 

[Jobofly]

245 BHS. We love this camper.

 

[bleda2002]

So I started thinking about payload last night. I was doing some math and if I was to tow my camper with my family and leave behind the kayaks and racks and have nothing in the truck while towing I would be about 150lbs over payload. What are the dangers of that? I’m thinking of adding max tow rear springs to improve how it handles. I know that there is no way to increase actual payload. Just curious on everyone thoughts.

150 pounds in the middle of the vehicle, I wouldnt even second guess it. Would be different if you told me another 150 pounds of tongue weight all the way in the back (and would probably still have no problem sending it), but centered up so you get more or less equal squat front and back wont be noticeable.

 

[audibahn]

245 BHS. We love this camper.

The double bunks and big front window are nice for sure.

 

[Labswine]

245 BHS. We love this camper.

You're gonna love that outdoor kitchen. I have one on my Venture Sonic SN220VRB and LOVE it. Can cook burgers or other greasy things like bacon and eggs and the interior of your camper won't have that greasy cooking smell for a day or two. I have a two burner stove on my outdoor kitchen and bought a griddle that fits perfectly on it.

The thing I noticed is that yours has like a 585 lb tongue weight and mine (also a 27') has only a 420 lb tongue weight. Wondering why there's such a difference also when yours is like 3-400 lbs lighter overall.

 

[Jobofly]

You're gonna love that outdoor kitchen. I have one on my Venture Sonic SN220VRB and LOVE it. Can cook burgers or other greasy things like bacon and eggs and the interior of your camper won't have that greasy cooking smell for a day or two. I have a two burner stove on my outdoor kitchen and bought a griddle that fits perfectly on it.

The thing I noticed is that yours has like a 585 lb tongue weight and mine (also a 27') has only a 420 lb tongue weight. Wondering why there's such a difference also when yours is like 3-400 lbs lighter overall.

Thats a great question! Yes i bought a 17 inch Blackstone to use in place of the grill that came in the outdoor kitchen. Fits like a glove! I use it all the time for most meals. We don't use the burners in the camper, just the oven and microwave.

 

[Jobofly]

The double bunks and big front window are nice for sure.

One added bonus of the front window is that it doubles as a mirror so when i am towing and have the kayaks loaded on the bed rack I can keep an eye on them.

 

[Jobofly]

Finally got them installed. Put in 20lbs to leak test and it is good to go.

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