Two choices - help me decide

[breeves2245]

First - I'm very, very conservative with payload capacity. Would prefer to have a 1,400lb truck camper on a one ton dually, you get the picture.

I have an Escape 5.0 fifth wheel. Want to add a truck camper to the arsenal.

My 2022 Ram 1500 Ext Cab 6.4 bed has a payload of 1,884 lbs, not bad for a 1/2 ton. After hitting the cat scales with my truck full of gas and a few things in the back seat I would be taking camping, I got 1,580 lbs of payload left. Truck liner, fifth wheel hitch, etc taking away from total payload.

Works fine with the fifth wheel at about 4,500 lbs gross weight and about 700 lbs pin weight.

I don't want to go the truck topper camper route like a Four Wheel Project M type of camper.

So that leaves me with a slide-in. Other than a Scout Tuktut hardshell, there isn't much to choose from keeping the wet weight under 1,200 lbs or so.

Even a FWC Hawk will come in around 1,400 lbs wet.

So I'm thinking I got two choices:

1) Get over the capacity anxiety and beef up the Ram with E rated tires, shocks/airbags, etc. to make the truck handle the load better. I realize this does not increase my payload capacity.

2) Since a 3/4 or one ton is not an option (had them and will not return to them as a daily driver), I'm thinking trading in the Ram for a single cab Ram, Ford or Chevy and get a payload north of 2,400 lbs or so. Already confirmed they do have this much payload and more.

I'd appreciate any feedback on other ideas or helpful advice.

[OldCoastG]

You will hate a camper on a 1/2 ton...Been there and I have the T-shirt. No amount of air bags, overload srings or HD tires will help.

[breeves2245]

Or keep it where I like the payload capacity with something like this.

https://scoutcampers.com/hard-wall/tuktut/

[wpg_f250]

Originally Posted by breeves2245

First - I'm very, very conservative with payload capacity. Would prefer to have a 1,400lb truck camper on a one ton dually, you get the picture.

I have an Escape 5.0 fifth wheel. Want to add a truck camper to the arsenal.

My 2022 Ram 1500 Ext Cab 6.4 bed has a payload of 1,884 lbs, not bad for a 1/2 ton. After hitting the cat scales with my truck full of gas and a few things in the back seat I would be taking camping, I got 1,580 lbs of payload left. Truck liner, fifth wheel hitch, etc taking away from total payload.

Works fine with the fifth wheel at about 4,500 lbs gross weight and about 700 lbs pin weight.

I don't want to go the truck topper camper route like a Four Wheel Project M type of camper.

So that leaves me with a slide-in. Other than a Scout Tuktut hardshell, there isn't much to choose from keeping the wet weight under 1,200 lbs or so.

Even a FWC Hawk will come in around 1,400 lbs wet.

So I'm thinking I got two choices:

1) Get over the capacity anxiety and beef up the Ram with E rated tires, shocks/airbags, etc. to make the truck handle the load better. I realize this does not increase my payload capacity.

2) Since a 3/4 or one ton is not an option (had them and will not return to them as a daily driver), I'm thinking trading in the Ram for a single cab Ram, Ford or Chevy and get a payload north of 2,400 lbs or so. Already confirmed they do have this much payload and more.

I'd appreciate any feedback on other ideas or helpful advice.

Build your own!


https://youtu.be/5nq8ACz_YTs?si=smzBP5v4KPlf_oHj


I was going to completely reno my 97 Citation 8.10 this spring/summer as it has water damage, but I've now concluded it will be easier and less expensive to just build my own from scratch using reclaimed materials and build it to be extremely insulated, light weight and with an open concept giving a LOT of room. PLUS I can put in all new electrical that's beefier than actually needed just to be safe.


Not everyone is hands on, but if that kid can build that TC in 2 weeks I'm sure most fellas can figure something out as well lol

[breeves2245]

The older I get the quicker I pull out my checkbook!

I can't make the coffee strong enough to even dream about tacking that job. Plus it would look like a 5 year old built it.

[MORSNO]

You will be super limited with a 1500 truck to only the smallest of truck campers. If you are ok with that, start your search as it will take time to find one within your spec.

[breeves2245]

I'm fully versed in all things truck camper and payload. I'm a frequent visitor to the Cat Scales.

This one should be okay payload wise.

https://scoutcampers.com/hard-wall/tuktut/

[Dave Pelletier]

Originally Posted by OldCoastG

You will hate a camper on a 1/2 ton...Been there and I have the T-shirt. No amount of air bags, overload srings or HD tires will help.

Yep, this. Basically, unless you are talking pop-ups or some very light (both in weight and amenities) expedition type campers like the Scout, you really need a 3/4 ton truck and usually a 350/3500.....and the larger hard sided campers and almost all with slides really are better on a dually.

Dave

[GS4]

If I was single, that Scout wood be great.
I was looking at the pop-up's as well but did not want any "set up" time requirements.
I just want to get in my camper if its raining or night time arrival.

With a camper, there is not much room for your hobby gear.
So I did a Rear Seat Delete in my truck which helped a lot with that extra stuff.
Prospecting/metal detecting gear, MTB gear, tools and recovery gear, camp chairs and pop up awning, Jackery solar genni.......
It ADDS UP QUICK TOO!!

If you are willing and able, trade your Burro in for a larger Mule or Ox to start.
Everything will be easier and open up your options too.

2 cents.

[yeloduster]

Originally Posted by breeves2245

2) Since a 3/4 or one ton is not an option (had them and will not return to them as a daily driver), I'm thinking trading in the Ram for a single cab Ram, Ford or Chevy and get a payload north of 2,400 lbs or so. Already confirmed they do have this much payload and more.

Funny you should say that a 3/4 or 1 ton truck is not an option. I had a 1/2 ton truck once and swore I would never have another. I think 1/2 ton trucks are basically cars with a box on the back.

When I need a truck I need one that has some REAL capacity!

Of course, its your puzzle to figure out!

[KD4UPL]

A TC on a 1500 isn't going to work for most people. If you buy a special payliad package, get a very flimsy light camper with no options, and pack VERY light you might just get by.
I had a pop-up 8' TC on a Dodge 1500 once. Removed the spare tire and I was over GVWR by 600 pounds with nothing and nobody in the truck or camper.
What in the world have you got against 2500/3500 trucks? That's all I've bought for the last 22 years. They're great for truck stuff like hauli g a truck camper.

[breeves2245]

3/4 and 1 ton trucks are great for payload and towing, but for me I'd rather jump off my porch on my pocketknife than drive one on a daily basis. I've had both, a 2020 Ford 1 Ton and Ram 2021 3/4 ton.

Hate is not a strong enough word to describe how I felt about driving them around town. I could care less about ride comfort but needing a parachute to get out of them and a step ladder to clean the windshield is just a couple for starters on a long list of features I prefer not to deal with on a regular basis. And I'm 6' and still pretty athletic for my age at 66.

[MORSNO]

Then I would say a truck camper is not for you either unless you would happy with a minimalist camper. A travel trailer is easier to deal with if you plan on staying with a 1500 series truck.

[breeves2245]

A minimalist truck camper is exactly what I want. Hit a few fishing lakes within an hour or two from my house. Two night stay at the most. The Scout Yoho fills the bill.

My traveling RV is a 2024 Escape 5.0 fifth wheel. Tows real nice at around 4,600 lbs loaded.