811 vs 855S

I've corrected that issue by putting a 1" x 6" board in the rear of the bed. I might put one in the front of the bed also but it does now ride level with just the one board in the rear.

Have you run in to problems due to the fact that the floor of the 2015+ GM truck bed has a crown to it?

Thanks to everyone for your help and support. I will update my signature when I actually get the camper but as for pics, well I'm not sure I know how to do that.

Jim&Carolyn,
Congratulations on your new AF811 and GMC 3500. I bet you're getting anxious for the big day to arrive! Please post pics when you get it loaded up.

We're running an 855S on a F350, with no additional mods at this time. The truck handles the load amazingly. It is extremely stable, doesn't flinch when passing, or being passed by, large truck or buses. However, we will likely add some sort of suspension enhancement in the future to reduce the squat. I haven't been too inspired since it handles so well, but would like to get the headlights in a better position when loaded.

Anyway, I would agree to postpone any changes to your new truck until you get some miles with the camper loaded.

SugarHillCTD wrote:

billtex wrote:

Slick Rick wrote:
I don't wanna be over GVWR!

Forget hauling a TC then...

Keep in mind that USA lawyers are heavily involved in ratings.

Why are towing and cargo capacities higher in Europe than here- for the same vehicle.

Insurance and state laws.

For instance, the 2001 F250 is almost identical to a 2001 F350. The reason for the down rate is because in CA, all pickups pay a weight fee, forever, no mater how old. Yes, I'm still paying over $300 a year for plates, on a 2001 vehicle. The F250 is about $100/year cheaper to own. Because it's rated at 8800lbs, instead of the 9800lbs (which also keeps it under 10klbs, which in CA moves it to a different classification..), the insurance is cheaper also.. I know, it does not make sense.

CHP and the weight scales are only interested in axle weights, tires, rims and licensed GVW, not factory GVW.

I've been told I'll get ticketed/sued if I ever get in accident for being grossly overweight.. but I am still waiting for some to actually post a valid overweight ticket or court case for that.

My insurance company also knows the truck is overweight for it's factory GVW, and yet they continue to gladly accept my money (think drunk driver - they pay until something goes wrong, the insurance company pays out, and then drops you.)

billtex wrote:

Slick Rick wrote:
I don't wanna be over GVWR!

Forget hauling a TC then...

Keep in mind that USA lawyers are heavily involved in ratings.

Why are towing and cargo capacities higher in Europe than here- for the same vehicle.

With the 3500, you should be within your tire capacities unless you collect a lot of rocks on journeys or tow a heavy tongue weight trailer. The suspension will be up for the task, but will need something to help the sag. When addressing sag, I suggest upper StableLoad pads. If addressing sway, I suggest lower StableLoad wedges, heavier stabilizer bars or heavier dampening shocks.

Jim, sounds like a nice setup...all top shelf. You have the right idea to use it a bit first and see how it goes.
Do be sure to weigh both axles and check that you are not overloading tires/wheels...the rest of the "upgrades" can wait.
You may be all set with a 1 ton...

Update your sig line...and post a pic!

Bill

After spending this much money on the rig (truck and camper), I'm not afraid to spend a little more to make it right so if I have to put other stuff on it, then I will. But, I want to see how it looks, handles and rides before I put anything else on it.

From what I see on the Stableloads, it looks like they just raise the springs up. If that's the case, I could see how that would help level up the rear end, especially if I'm carrying my Hitch Haul.

Since I'm new at the Truck Camper thing - I don't really know what I'll need yet but I've been following this forum for several years trying to pick up what I could. I could tell you almost anything you would want to know about Class B's, but almost nothing about Truck Campers. So, if anyone wants to suggest anything, please do so.

As for moving around the camper with the slide in, I don't know why I would ever want to do that. Since the slide is on the passenger side, I would probably put the slide out even if we had to pull to the side of the road to use the bathroom.

If your waistline is 40" or larger, you will have trouble squeezing by the dinette table in an AF811. I still don't understand the aversion to use the slide - It takes only seconds and you do not need to deploy fully to gain easy access.

* Slide deployment dependent on waistline will likely never be found in any brochure or manual.