JimK-NY
NY
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Joined: 05/12/2010
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I would look for some options. Perhaps you can find a reasonably priced and safe place to store the camper until you have a suitable truck. Another option would be to pay to have it transported.
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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I’m not the weight cops but you will need something added to the suspension just to get home.
Just looking at 1 pic of that model camper and knowing it’s in the 8-9’ long range, it’ll be about 2000lbs.
The biggest issue with a half ton isn’t the suspension or tires as you can upgrade all that easily. Within reason. But moreso the axle capacity.
Sucks but your plan needs to include a 3/4 ton truck right outta the gates I think.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold
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notsobigjoe
southeast
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d3500ram wrote:ColoradoCorbo wrote: ~... Any suggestions or insight that I've overlooked at this point would be greatly appreciated. ...~
Take the tailgate off and leave it at home before you head out to pick up the camper.
Pop the backseat out, that will give you about 60 LBS.
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mbloof
Beaverton, OR
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Ok, sure your just looking to get the EMPTY camper home or some place to store it while you sort out getting a more capable truck.
I've seen folks use the Brophies or even two rachet-straps to hold a camper on the bed before. After all - how many miles of paved road are we talking about here?
My only REAL concern is what does your current truck have for rear tires?
Generally %100 of the campers weight is going to be on the rear tires so making sure they are rated well enough and inflated properly (usually 80PSI) to carry the camper would be my #1 concern.
BTW: 1/2T trucks don't usually come with very high rated tires.
- Mark0.
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notsobigjoe
southeast
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mbloof wrote:Ok, sure your just looking to get the EMPTY camper home or some place to store it while you sort out getting a more capable truck.
I've seen folks use the Brophies or even two rachet-straps to hold a camper on the bed before. After all - how many miles of paved road are we talking about here?
My only REAL concern is what does your current truck have for rear tires?
Generally %100 of the campers weight is going to be on the rear tires so making sure they are rated well enough and inflated properly (usually 80PSI) to carry the camper would be my #1 concern.
BTW: 1/2T trucks don't usually come with very high rated tires.
- Mark0.
Would he need load "e" with a 1500 pound camper? I know eventually he will. I do not know...
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mbloof
Beaverton, OR
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notsobigjoe wrote:
Would he need load "e" with a 1500 pound camper? I know eventually he will. I do not know...
As many of us know "E" rated tires are not created equal however I believe that tires sold in the US are required to have their maximum load ratings on the side of the tire near the rim.
As anyone with a loaded truck ought to do is check the rating/air pressure on the tire to see if they can be adequate for the truck+load they are planning on hauling.
- Mark0.
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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It wouldn't be the first, and won't be the last, that someone loaded a too-heavy camper on a too-light truck and hit the road. I would wager that most of them got home without incident, and few if any experienced more than a flat tire.
Your truck will squat. As long as the tires aren't worn or rotten, and don't squash too badly, it's not the end of the world. Will you want to travel like that? Probably not. Will one trip cause permanent damage to the truck? Depends on how old and beat the truck is, but probably not. There is risk in everything.
Putting 10-ply tires on half ton trucks since aught-four.
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Killingsworth
Northern CA
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I hauled my 1997 Lance 165 on my f250 short bed for long time using the happy jack tie downs, with no problems at all. I felt safe using them. I know years ago lots of campers used the Brophies with out problems. I moved to the frame mounted type when I got my new to me camper. This camper is much heavier and i felt more comfortable with the frame mounted tie downs. The weight of the camper on your 1500, discussion is an important one. CAT makes weighing really easy with their app and you can weigh a second time for something like $3.00. Just knowing the weight was a bit plus for me. I will say adding bags, sway bars and all the other add ons, will help with handling, but no add on was a fix for being over weight.
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Fisherman
Angus, Ontario, Canada
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Why not rent an open cargo trailer capable of carrying 3000lbs, put the camper on that, properly balanced and tow it with the truck. A lot less headache for the moment.
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Fisherman wrote:Why not rent an open cargo trailer capable of carrying 3000lbs, put the camper on that, properly balanced and tow it with the truck. A lot less headache for the moment.
Good idea until you think about some of the challenges and techniques involved. Not a good off the cuff recommendation for someone who is not at all saavy in this department.
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