96 F-250 diesel, campers under 2300?
First time poster. I grew up camping out of a truck camper. Back then my parents hauled a camper and 3 kids on a 1970s F-150!! Knowing what I know now, they were way overloaded, and so are probably ha...
Forum Discussion
Hello,
There are numerous options for you to consider depending on how you want to use your camper. In other words, options, supplies, and how you want to travel. Each of these can add weight very quickly.
My situation was similar to yours when I was camper shopping. I have a 1996 Dodge 2500 6B Cummins, 2wd, with a manual transmission. I bought this truck new and have performed all minor and major service myself. It’s it great shape to this day.
However, a 3/4 ton truck has limitations. My GVWR is 8800 lbs with the front axle at 4400 lbs and the rear axle at 6084 lbs. My truck weighs 6453 lbs full of fuel with me in it on the landfill scale. Wife says I can’t weigh with her in it!
I bought a brand new Northstar 8.5 Adventurer in 2012 very nicely optioned. On the same landfill scale the truck/camper combination weighs 8789 lbs. This weight includes two full 20 lb propane bottles, full cassette flush tank, two group 27 Lifeline batteries, tie downs, etc. However, my 20 gallon water tank, grey water tank, black tank for the cassette, and hot water tank were completely empty. And, I had no supplies or food on board.
My point is I’m barely below my GVWR but that works for me because I travel very light. It might not work for anyone else. But I can use the bathroom and sleep while traveling. I add water and food when I get where I’m going,
I bought my Northstar because of their reputation and capability. It is a “lighter weight” camper that met all my requirements. Are there fancier campers than mine? Absolutely, but none I could carry or afford. I can’t say enough good things about Rex Willett. He was very helpful helping me chose my camper and options. My camper has really performed well and beyond my expectations. Quality people making a quality product.
I hope this helps.
Dave
There are numerous options for you to consider depending on how you want to use your camper. In other words, options, supplies, and how you want to travel. Each of these can add weight very quickly.
My situation was similar to yours when I was camper shopping. I have a 1996 Dodge 2500 6B Cummins, 2wd, with a manual transmission. I bought this truck new and have performed all minor and major service myself. It’s it great shape to this day.
However, a 3/4 ton truck has limitations. My GVWR is 8800 lbs with the front axle at 4400 lbs and the rear axle at 6084 lbs. My truck weighs 6453 lbs full of fuel with me in it on the landfill scale. Wife says I can’t weigh with her in it!
I bought a brand new Northstar 8.5 Adventurer in 2012 very nicely optioned. On the same landfill scale the truck/camper combination weighs 8789 lbs. This weight includes two full 20 lb propane bottles, full cassette flush tank, two group 27 Lifeline batteries, tie downs, etc. However, my 20 gallon water tank, grey water tank, black tank for the cassette, and hot water tank were completely empty. And, I had no supplies or food on board.
My point is I’m barely below my GVWR but that works for me because I travel very light. It might not work for anyone else. But I can use the bathroom and sleep while traveling. I add water and food when I get where I’m going,
I bought my Northstar because of their reputation and capability. It is a “lighter weight” camper that met all my requirements. Are there fancier campers than mine? Absolutely, but none I could carry or afford. I can’t say enough good things about Rex Willett. He was very helpful helping me chose my camper and options. My camper has really performed well and beyond my expectations. Quality people making a quality product.
I hope this helps.
Dave
