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1320quick's avatar
1320quick
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013

2003 GMC 2500HD - Adventurer 910FBS???

Hi Guys, I've got 2003 GMC 2500HD, 8.1L, SRW, 2-wheel drive, Extended cab long bed truck. I've currently got a 1990 Viking SP095 hardside camper for it that I purchased brand new. The dry weight on the Viking is 1991lbs and the truck rides and handles perfect. The old girl has been used hard for a lot of years and I'm thinking about buying a new camper. I found a new 2012 Adventurer 910FBS at a local dealer that I really like. The dry weight on the Adventurer is 3046lbs. Will my truck handle the new camper?

GVWR is 9200lbs
GAWR rear is 6084lbs
GAWR front is 4500lbs
GCWR is 22,000lbs

I believe the curb weight on the truck is 5400lbs or so. I think that gives me 3800lbs or so before I reach GVWR. I don't have an issue adding air bags or extra springs if needed.

Also, any thoughts on the quality and construction of the Adventurer campers in general? Where do they fall in comparison to Lance, Host, Artic Fox and other brands????

Thanks for your input...
  • We have the 910 FBS and really do love it. I caution you...you need a dually. Fully loaded (wet), we are over 4300 lbs and that's a light pack. It weighs over 3600 dry. The DRW handles it beautifully without airbags or stable loads, and we tow a large boat.

    We had a SRW 3500 before this DRW and considered the AF 990, but without major mods to the truck, we would have been over 1000lbs GVWR. Way too much for my piece of mind. We chose to upgrade the truck, and found the 910 FBS and liked the floor plan much better.

    As far as where it falls into comparison with AF and Lance, I would say that it ranks probably mid-range. Ours is very well insulated, and has the same type of finishes as the other 2. There are exceptions to every brand. People make mistakes and there are lemons. We were lucky and have had some issues and the customer support was excellent. Most of our issues were not Adventurer's, they were Dometic (fridge) and the jacks (Happijac). All companies were very helpful and responded to our satisfaction.

    Think carefully about your truck. Either upgrade or find a smaller TC. You want to enjoy the haul, not be white-knuckled the whole time.

    If you have other questions, you can PM me. Good luck!
  • G'day,
    I have a 910fbs on a Ram 3500 DRW lb, but it was on a 2011 Chev 25004x4 long bed Supercab.
    It worked fine, but I would suggest Super Spring upgrade, with Helliwig Big Wig Sway bar.
    Really nice Truck Camper.
    Will be pushing your Truck to the limit though.
    Look at the Adventurer 86 or 89 models, lighter & very nice.
    But, stick with 910 if that's what you want.
    Further upgrade on your truck could be Rickson Wheels?
    Good Luck.
  • I agree with everyone above. wheels and tire upgrade. Buts it still a 6k+ truck and a 4k+ camper. The truck will do it but its not going to feel like the one that's on there, expect to feel a difference.



    I would try to a wheel find like this that fits your truck. Im not sure about your bolt pattern on an 03 4x2. But i would look for a hub centric OEM wheel to carry that weight.
    http://www.hubcaphaven.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HC&Product_Code=2198&Category_Code=2569
  • I agree with the prior two replies.
    You should upgrade wheels and tires at minimum, -
    - but you're still pushing it, IMO.
    5400 sounds pretty light to me. Get a real weight to be sure.
    My 06 duramax weighs very close to 7000, and the diesel is not 1600 lbs more than a 8.1.
  • Your rear GAWR is determined by the tires (3042# x 2)

    Your rear axle itself can carry MUCH more.

    Look at some tires that are rated for more (Nitto is what we have- 3970# each- but your narrower rims may limit you)

    Plus some Stable Lifts and you should be good.

    BTW, you have a really great engine in your GMC.
  • You are going to be pushing it. My 2500HD with my Lance weighs 10,600lbs with 26575R16 tires. Their load rating is 3410. The lance weighs about 2700 dry.