ronanddi
las vegas
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I have a 1/2 ton pickup that has a listed payload is 1700 pounds. I do not want to buy a larger pickup, as I have owned this truck since new and am happy with it.
I have talked to a few salesmen, who would like to sell me campers withn dry weights in the 1800 - 2000 lb range. Am I missing something? It seems to me after you add a couple passengers, food, gear, etc, my truck will be grossly overweight. I have even seen some manufacturers websites recommend campers that I would consider to be too heavy.
Are there any campers that would work for me? Any personal experiences as to campers and what modifications to the truck I would have to make would be appreciated.
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Peg Leg
Anderson, IN
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Have you looked at popup truck campers? We used one for trip to Alaska last year. Quite functional, lighter weight and low wind resistance.
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Eycom
32043
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Check the Four Wheel Campers website. You'll find a selection of campers that are within the weight limits you are looking for.
RVn Full-time
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camperpaul
Wherever I park my travel trailer
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Try Palomino Truck Campers
They have a "soft-side" model @1086 lbs.
Paul
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donn0128
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A "dry" weight camper is going to put you into the 2500 pound minimum range when loaded ready to camp. They are trying to sell you something your truck is NOT capable of handling, simply because they want your money. If you do not want more truck, then you need to limit yourself to a camper that has a GVWR of around 1400 pounds. Because as you said, once you load the truck up with people etc, that 1700 load carrying capacity will disappear in a big hurry. IMHO it is just not practical to consider a truck camper on a 1/2 ton. Just not enough available payload capacity after the truck is loaded with gas, tools and people.
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halibutman214
Oregon
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If you do a search it will take you all day to read posts on this subject.
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Truck campers on 1/2 ton is a controversial subject. There are two main camps:
1. Exceeding the rated payload capacity by several hundred pounds works just fine.
2. Exceeding the rated payload capacity at all is a bad idea.
You're going to get responses at both extremes.
There are guys who put LT-rated tires, airbags, and helper springs on their 1/2 ton trucks and haul campers with total payloads in excess of 2000lbs. They claim they have no problems and it works fine for them.
I do own a 1/2 ton truck in addition to the 1 ton DRW in my signature. I've owned it for 9 years now and before the DRW, I hauled a lot of heavy stuff with it, and I know what it's capable of.
I've had it loaded with up to 1200lbs of materials for the short ride from Home Depot back to the house. IMHO, I would not want to travel long distances with 1200lbs in the bed of the truck. Overall, it makes the truck mushy, even with LT-rated tires.
Ultimately, it's your decision. The truck SHOULD be able to handle 1700lbs, but it will change the handling drastically. You have to determine if you like driving it with 1700lbs on board.
2002 Chevy 3500 DRW 8.1L/Allison
2000 Palomino B1500
...and the reason why I need a DRW to haul a Palomino:
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billtex
RI
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Welcome...no controversy...just match the truck/camper.
It can be done with a 1/2 ton if you have the right expectation; think small and light.
Don't be thinking about hard side, full bath, with all the amenities and you will be fine.
Start by weighing your truck; total and both axles, tell us what you have for tires, and look at the door sticker. After you have done this report back here and we can guide you in the next step of the process; picking an appropriate camper.
As noted...try the 'search' function...you will find many dead horses...
Have fun!
Bill
2006 Chevy D/A CC
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Quote:Are there any campers that would work for me? Any personal experiences as to campers and what modifications to the truck I would have to make would be appreciated.
You can't change the payload of your truck by any practical or legal means. You could buy a smaller, lighter camper or do what many do and overload the truck.
I had a 2,000 lb. camper on a 1968 F100 and didn't die from the experience but I wouldn't advise it or do it today. Just didn't know any better then and was lucky nothing ever broke.
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -
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bill harr
California
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1/2 Ton is fine with a pop up camper with some additions. E rated tires, air bags or added springs and a sway bar. All depends on how you want to use your camper. Four Wheel and ATC make great units for off road. There are several others with wood frames that will work well on road.
I like my 2005 Tundra and 4WC Hawk works well for me and the wife.
video off road.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJeADuBSP54
Report of our 7,500 mile trip in the Hawk.
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/index.php?/topic/5387/page__p__60107__fromsearch__1&#entry60107
Bill in Stockton.
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