AKDream, you left out some important information.
Need to know whether gas or diesel, regular cab extend cab, or crew cab.
BTW please add me to your RV net buddy list. Tried to send you a private message, but your settings don't allow any one not on your buddy list to send you private messages.
2002 Silverado 3500 4X4 8.1 liter. Soon 2005 Cedar Creek 37RDQS Custom
Back in my younger more foolish days I had the big fully equipped Lance first on my '91 Dodge 2500 CTD. I had air bags. In those days I didn't know a thing about GVWR's etc. so I used the truck. In hindsight, handling and braking was poor, it swayed a bunch, and probably wasn't a great choice.
When we moved North I had the Lance on the '95 Dodge 2500 CTD. Myself, three kids, mother-in-law (large), and the Saint Bernard. Attached to a special hitch I had made was a 20' utility trailer and about 6,000 lbs of HHG's loaded on the trailer. I loaded too much in front so the tongue weight was probably around 1,500 lbs. Dumb, dumb, dumb. I figure the truck weighed 10,500 lbs and the trailer over 8,000 lbs. I'm not sure what the GVWR was on the truck, but I'm thinking about 8,500. The GCVWR was 16,000 with the auto transmission.
We made the 800 mile trip without incident, but in hindsight we were way beyond even a reasonable weight. Just goes to show what can be done, but what shouldn't be done. Never again.
Because of the top heavy nature of the camper I would strongly suggest the dually.
Bes safe.
H.R. Next Level 37CK Toy Box Fiver
'05 Dodge 3500 Dually CTD 350 HP Chipped
Any one out there who has not decided whether to go with a diesel and anything bigger than a regular cab, this should help make the decision a little easier.
The GVWR doesn't change whether its gas or diesel engines in GM trucks. Sheetmetal, glass, and the added weight of diesel components add up fast. If you want a big slide-in you can't afford to give up 1500+ lbs in payload. No aftermarket add-on is going to change it.
Now the diesel guys will all chime in that they get better mileage, and I'll definately agree. However, its more important to me to drive a safe and well handling rig within GVWR over saving a few bucks (20%) at fuel stops. Besides, the diesel powered truck is over $3,500 more expensive than the big block gas model any way. $3,500 buys a lot of gasoline even with todays fuel prices.
Diesels trucks are great in many, many respects. However in the pickup market they lose the payload battle every single time.
I have the truck set up to handle the load. I don't drive like an idiot and travel lite.I figure the more storage space the more people think they have to pack.
Michigan Rod
Thanks for the info.......my 2001 GMC 3500, is an extended cab, gas, towing package, long bed...loaded.
The camper is a 2004 Lance 1161, all options except solar, air bags, cabover struts, happijac tiedowns.. Hope that will help. Heading to TN next week to pick it up. Can't wait.
Thanks for any update on weight.
AKDream
Well TCW, I'll defer to your numbers. I know my Dodge dually diesel by its' lonesome is about 7600 lbs. The diesel adds about 900 lbs above and beyond the gas engine. Mine is a quad cab and 4x4 so that adds some weight too.
The only way to know for sure is to take your truck and get it weighed.
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