My '96 CTD 2500 was meant to have a GVW of 8800#. With big tires I weigh 7000# empty. I weigh 9500# with my camper on and go to 10,200# when I hook the boat up. My rear axle (Dana 70) is rated at 6200#. I believe the same axle with a different pumpkin (Dana hybrid 80) is rated considerably higher when DRWs are used. I have added overload (5 leaf) springs but still wonder what my weak link is and I suspect it is the tires. I use 285-75-16 BF Goodrichs with a 3400# capacity each. I am thinking about going to a 285-75-16 Toyo, on the rear, that is 10 ply and will bear around 3800# each. My question is, am I looking at this right? Are the tires the weakest link? Thanks for any insights. My camper is a cab over and a lot of the weight is on the front axle. I am right at 6200# on the rear axle now with camper and boat.

 

You are looking at it right, but keep in mind that the tires need to be short and stiff to eliminate sway. With stiff enough tires you will have the same ride as a dually, springs and axles compared. If you want to not worry about the tires at all, find some 14 ply rating tires that carry 110 pounds. They can do it all. I would keep down in the 235 size area though. 245/75 is just a tad smaller than 235/85 but in the same area. Most of the work tires in heavy weight are 235/85-16 and will fit your truck and wheel just fine. Use a brass stem for the higher pressures over 80 pounds. The high pressure is what eliminates sway.