acorne...go to a Dodge dealer and see if they can give you the correct numbers on your truck. Personally, I would play it safe. Someone mentioned a pop up camper (tent trailer). We have owned a couple. It's not a bad choice for you starting out. Yes setting up or taking it down in the rain will not be all that pleasant. You just have to watch the weather and pick the best time to do it. But with a tent trailer, you will get more room inside it than an 18' TT. You won't have a bathroom, but you more than likely will be staying places where they have them. I would recommend one that is in the 2000-2500lb range. No older than your truck. That will give you some room for the weight in the truck for all of you and some gear. That TT only has a 15 gallon gray tank and an 9 gallon black tank. Those two will fill up really quick. You will probably find yourself using campground facilities more than you think. You got to remember that they add weight if there is anything in the tank as well. Water weighs over 8lbs a gallon and can quickly add up. Your truck may run like a top. If it were newer, I would say you might could push the weight a little. But with it's age and especially no tow package, I would definitely go with something lighter. You can find a very nice used pop up in the $2000-5000 range.
BTW, what part of NC are y'all in?
