Is this safe?

[jarnold60]

How many think this setup is safe or legal? This rig is a newer Ford F350 4x4 towing a large TT. Looks like the truck is already overloaded without the TT hooked up.

[prndl]

"Stupid is as stupid does" F. Gump

[mlh]

I don’t know exactly what is under the tarp. I suspect a 4’wheeler. I probably weigh 400 pounds plus. I don’t know what the hitch weight of the camper is but I would think that truck is within its rated capacity and perfectly legal.
Lynwood

[scottandanna]

It looks more like a 4x4 utility vehicle. I have no idea how heavy they are, but more than 400lbs.

[jarnold60]

It's a side by side UTV. I checked online and they weigh between 1200 and 2000 lbs. Plus the ramp must weigh at least 200 to 300 lbs. TT is at least 28', and not a "lite" model.

[Mtncrash1]

This is how I carried my 4 wheeler. F250 wheelie was 800lbs tongue weight of camper was about the same. All legal and safe. Looks like he has a side by side and they are a few hundred heavier. If it’s a f350 I’d say he’s good.

[steiny93]

Originally Posted by jarnold60

How many think this setup is safe or legal? This rig is a newer Ford F350 4x4 towing a large TT. Looks like the truck is already overloaded without the TT hooked up.

lets assume ND / other states may differ

first the legal part:
class D license is good for GVWR up to 26,000 lbs; so he is legal in ND

now the safe part:
no idea how he operates on the road, sitting still it looks pretty safe to me

[jarnold60]

I would be worried if an accident occurred that that 1500 lb UTV would be launched. Also looks like that's a lot of weight high up potentially changing the center of gravity of the TV.

[steiny93]

Originally Posted by jarnold60

I would be worried if an accident occurred that that 1500 lb UTV would be launched. Also looks like that's a lot of weight high up potentially changing the center of gravity of the TV.

one could argue the same of a pickup slide in camper; or goosenecks with the upper load deck

as long as they are tied down appropriately they should be golden

[jarnold60]

That is true, just looks scarey!

[AZ Traveler]

F350 is a capable truck - should be safe.

[jarnold60]

Yes I owned an F350 for the past 12 years and towed a 34' 5th wheel. They are a good truck.

[richfaa]

I would say it is a bit top heavy.

[jeffba]

If it is a 2020 it can weigh 12400 lbs. Until he hits the scales, it is all speculation.

[mlh]

The only thing I see that might be a problem is how strong is the four wheeler hauler. I think if someone built it they would make it strong enough to get the job done.
Lynwood

[mtlakejim]

One thing I think everyone is missing is how top heavy carrying all that weight that high makes a truck. If you ever had a slide in camper you know what I mean. That is going to change the center of gravity fairly significantly.


He may not be illegal, but safe??

[jarnold60]

That's my thought as well. A slide in camper has most of its weight lower, certainly below cab height. If it makes the truck more top heavy, is that instability magnified when towing the large travel trailer. I still think he is close to max with all his camping gear, the heavy side by side atv, the atv rack, the 2 adults a 2 kids for passengers and the travel trailer. May be legal but I don't want this thing out of control on the highway when I'm near him.

[Dam Worker]

One of the guys who worked for me had this setup on his 3/4 ton Chevy, says it works just fine. I would suspect that once you got the trailer hooked up with a weight distribution hitch the truck would actually become more level. As for actual weight compared to the door sticker that is probably a different story. Hey let’s start a ruckus and say he should have a 1 ton Dually. :-)

Tom Marty

[jarnold60]

It's about time to go down that path isn't it! Not sure how adding the weight of the trailer is going to level the truck. I'm not familiar with trailers, I've always had 5th wheels.

[DQDick]

I'm not concerned. I saw a Toyota pull the space shuttle on TV