1/2 ton Chevy

Tom_Anderson wrote:
You will be overloaded with the 825. There are things you can do (helper springs, airbags, tire upgrades, etc.) to minimize the effects of the overloading, but it doesn't change the basic facts.

Now, what you choose to do with that information is up to you. Many, many truck camper rigs are over their GVWR and manage to operate safely day after day. In case of an accident, though, the responsibility is yours.

Thanks for the honest info. I don't have enough experience to mess around with overloading, in my opinion. Plus I'm as far away from "handy" as possible so I really don't want to break anything !!

MudChucker wrote:
What does your door pillar sticker say your payload is?

I'm no so quick to give any advice after seeing an f150 with near a 3000 pound payload capacity...

My max payload is only 1620LBS

I REALLY appreciate all the replies, you guys are great !! I'm guessing my owners manual will have my front and rear axle weight rating ? The door sticker says max payload is 1620LBS. I never thought about options and their effect on payload capacity (crew cab vs reg cab, 6.5 ft bed vs 8 ft, etc). I can't say I'm very impressed with pop-ups as I would use this for archery and rifle hunting and would like something to keep me warm (well insulated). I've got SOOO much to learn about this whole deal, maybe it's better to just wait and start fresh with my next truck purchase. I knew the Lance 650 would be close weight-wise, but thought with timbrens installed maybe.......Also I was curious how long a tank of propane lasts you guys out in the cold (for running the heater) ?

I looked and it looks like 1950 is your max payload. If you find the rear axle max weight you might have more. Just don't go way past your max axle weight. I don't go past 200lb past mine. I have not troubles with my 1/2 ton.You may have to get air bags but they aren't to bad on the wallet or to install.

mkirsch wrote:
To stay within the factory ratings on a 1500 pickup, there are NO options out there unless you camp naked, cold, and hungry.

Is this one of those wild generalizations? ;) Seriously though, lots of people have been camping with 1/2 tons for decades and staying warm although some may have been naked at times ... I can't say for sure. :D

Sure, you can't haul even a "normal" weight camper or a relatively heavy one like I have, but there are options. Four Wheel Campers makes a lot of lightweight models that can even go on tiny trucks, for example. http://www.fourwh.com/popup-truck-camper-customer-testimonials/

Here's a tiny one.

You'll see a lot of wild generalizations thrown about on both sides of the discussion.

To stay within the factory ratings on a 1500 pickup, there are NO options out there unless you camp naked, cold, and hungry. Most of us like to bring along clothing, food, water, fuel, and most importantly, GEAR for the activity we enjoy while camping.

You can install suspension helpers on your truck to help with the weight, heavier tires, stronger wheels, etc.. It might cause some excess wear and tear on suspension and axle parts over the long haul, but that depends on how often you use it. Most don't use their RVs more than a few times a year, so if that's you, you will probably trade trucks long before you notice any undue strain.

The biggest risk here is financial. There is a good chance that you won't be comfortable with driving it. There is a good chance you won't like everything you have to do to the truck to get it to carry the load. There is a good chance that even after you do make all the changes, you won't like how it drives. This, after spending how much money? How many tens of thousands of dollars did you put into the rig, and how many more will it take before you're happy with it?

It's a huge financial risk, and your only way out will be to take a loss. Either sell the camper at a huge loss, or trade trucks at a huge loss. This is why starting out right makes more sense...

The wife just bought a '16 1500 4x4 It has a 7100 GVWR but its weak spot for carrying payloads is the small 4000 RAWR which includes rear axle/rear suspension/wheels and P tires.
We can upgrade to higher rated springs/wheels and LT tire but not much help for the small size semi float axle.

You didn't say what your GVWR/FAWR/RAWR is. GM does have a NHT package with around 7600 GVWR and a 4600 RAWR.
This package would be good for around 2000-2200 lb payload.

We have 1/2 ton truck out here with 8200-8600 GVWR and full floater 6000 RAWR E tires and wheels with 3k+ lb payloads. These trucks were popular in the '00-'08 era.

Can't be done, they say. I've been doing it since 2004. Safe, yes. Do your homework.

I have no desire to start a p***ing match here. PM me if you want details.

What does your door pillar sticker say your payload is?

I'm no so quick to give any advice after seeing an f150 with near a 3000 pound payload capacity...

Tires and axle will be your limiting factor. Do anything you want to the suspension thinking you are upgrading, go flying down the road, hit a big dip in the road. Double the load on that rear axle...Bang!

I've yet to find any 1/2 ton PU that can carry any TC once fully loaded with people, batteries, gear, water and fuel.....Lots of 3/4 ton PU are greatly overloaded with mid size TCs.

Even 1 ton dually PUs are quite easily overloaded with todays 4500# campers....and gear, passengers, fuel, water, etc...