Community Forums

Axiomx · 05-30-2023, 09:36 AM

They sure don't make trucks like the use too. Can't imagine why his 11'+ triple slide TC with a rear mounted motorcycle would brake his frame when he launched into the air off a railroad crossing.

GuyG · 05-30-2023, 09:36 AM

Good info here for truck campers. Check out the archives for topics like "what's the best camper for you and your truck," etc.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#in...PWZfhzHgjqpxnM

Dave Pelletier · 05-30-2023, 10:12 AM

3/4 ton diesels are the worst for payload. My recommendation would be to keep the camper as light as possible - but you'll still be 1,000+ lbs over on payload if you care about that. There are ultra light campers that would fit within your ratings, but I doubt you'd be interested in them.

I had a Bigfoot 25C9.6 on my longbox 2500 CTD Ram and I was over by 1,100 lbs or so. I put on aftermarket heavy duty overload springs and Rancho RS9000 shocks and the truck did OK......eventually I replaced the truck with a 3500 DRW which was far more stable....as you'd expect.

2 cents,
Dave

ACountryMile · 05-30-2023, 11:19 AM

Thanks for all your advise.
I've come to the conclusion that, to get what I want in size and features, I'll need to either look for a different truck or go back to looking at small Class C or B+ motorhomes again.
I want to stay close to the cargo ratings of my vehicle for safety and insurance reasons. So unless there is a safe way to increase the cargo rating by 2K lbs or so I'll re-consider my options.
Our goal is to have a fully self-supporting unit we can take boondocking without towing. We loved our trailer and fully off-grid setup with solar, etc.
We simply want a more agile unit to tour the forests and parks now.

Thanks,
Charlie

Dave Pelletier · 05-30-2023, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACountryMile

Thanks for all your advise.
I've come to the conclusion that, to get what I want in size and features, I'll need to either look for a different truck or go back to looking at small Class C or B+ motorhomes again.
I want to stay close to the cargo ratings of my vehicle for safety and insurance reasons. So unless there is a safe way to increase the cargo rating by 2K lbs or so I'll re-consider my options.
Our goal is to have a fully self-supporting unit we can take boondocking without towing. We loved our trailer and fully off-grid setup with solar, etc.
We simply want a more agile unit to tour the forests and parks now.

Thanks,
Charlie

I think you are making a smart choice. There is no legal way to increase payload/GVWR. Like all things RV; it's all about compromises - we looked into a smaller 20 - 24' class C Mercedes/sprinter based unit and really liked them but the lack of tank capacity and no 4wd were negatives for us.

Cheers,
Dave

robertlipp · 06-04-2023, 05:42 PM

Years ago I had a Ford F-250 crew cab with an 8’ bed. 6100 # curb weight. I bought a Lance camper rated at 3500# dry weight. Put it on a scale and the combined weight was 11,500. [Moderator Edit]? Grossly over limit. Air bags worked well to level it but one day I was driving on the freeway and hit a hard bump and literally landed in the adjacent lane. Pretty damn scary. Added Rancho 9000 shocks and they worked amazingly well. Still top heavy, but handled much better. My message - the total weight might be much more than you expect.

CoWapiti · 06-07-2023, 09:46 PM

I have a 2005 Dodge with a 9900 GVWR. I was lucky enough to find a Lance Lite 815 in great shape. It has a wet bath and only weighs 1700 lbs. if you look around I know you’ll eventually be able to find one that was lightly used like I did. We usually use this rig on shorter trips to go explore a new area and then return at a later date with the bumper pull camper for an extended stay. I absolutely love this little truck camper and I don’t have to worry about being overloaded, at least not too much as I’ve never weighed the combination.