Newbie with a ? on 1/2 ton Chevy

Stevej · 08-28-2006, 06:31 AM

I have a 2000 C1500 ext-cab SB 1/2 ton Chevy and wondering about a slide-in camper for my truck, yes I know I need a bigger truck but am unable to afford at this time. Have to have is a john and A/C. Wondering about mods I would need on my truck and which campers would fit my needs. My wife and I have had campers before as well as a Fleetwood truck campers about 15 years ago when I had a 3/4 ton truck so I'm not a complete novice. We live in MS and would like to make a few trips out west before the LORD calls us home. Have a son in NM and a daughter in VA and we take 2 days road time to visit both. Retired so funds are limited.

Stevej · 08-28-2006, 06:31 AM

I have a 2000 C1500 ext-cab SB 1/2 ton Chevy and wondering about a slide-in camper for my truck, yes I know I need a bigger truck but am unable to afford at this time. Have to have is a john and A/C. Wondering about mods I would need on my truck and which campers would fit my needs. My wife and I have had campers before as well as a Fleetwood truck campers about 15 years ago when I had a 3/4 ton truck so I'm not a complete novice. We live in MS and would like to make a few trips out west before the LORD calls us home. Have a son in NM and a daughter in VA and we take 2 days road time to visit both. Retired so funds are limited.

Don and Sarah · 08-28-2006, 06:40 AM

I would look at pop up type campers. With a short bed truck it might be tuff to find one with a bathroom you may have to go the porta-poty route for that. I have seen alot of these on 1/2 tons. Brands Like starcraft, hallmark, Fourwheeler.

TXiceman · 08-28-2006, 10:45 AM

A 1/2 ton truck is really limited on slide in campers it can haul. Look at the pop top type.

Just noticed you are a new member. Glad to have you here. Some more of the TC folks will be around soon.

Ken

Harald · 08-29-2006, 09:18 AM

Welcome Stevej.
I agree you should look at a pop-up camper to keep the weight down. You should try to find one made for a short bed truck also because even though you can drop a long bed camper onto a short bed truck with the tailgate down, it'll put the weight behind the rear axle. Trucks don't steer very well if the front wheels are bouncing off the ground.

Because you'll likely be overloading your truck, you should make sure you have good E rated Light Truck tires on the truck and keep them well inflated. Check www.trucktires.com for a tire inflation table. If the back end of the truck sags too much with the camper loaded, you'll want to add overload springs or helper springs or Timbren springs or the best choice - airbags. Airbags are great because you can adjust the ride height.