Forum Discussion

Leemom3's avatar
Leemom3
Explorer
Sep 22, 2014

Another truck and camper match question...

Let's start with...I am a professional worrier, so reading about others' experiences doesn't really help to reassure me with my own concerns. And,unfortunately, all the literature on matching trucks and campers is just plain confusing.

The present concern? After decades (literally) of thinking and dreaming about what RV to get as we neared retirement (my husband is semi-retired and I am just a few years from semi) we bought a new leftover 2013 "loaded" (I point that out only b/c there is little weight left to add in options) Lance 825 at an amazing price. We are truly excited! The dealer is storing the camper at no extra cost for up to 2 months while we do a truck search. We are very active, enjoying hiking and mountain biking, and we wanted something that would get us where we want to go (slightly off the beaten path) for some shorter trips but also occasional longer ones.

Our 825 has a dry weight of 1818 (per the dealer). We are looking to match it with the right truck. Lance says Chev/GMC 2500HD or Ford F-250 (4wd, off road packages by our choice) are a good match. Ram would also work mechanically, but they are a bit out of financial reach. We want the extend/super cab configuration of whatever truck we purchase.

Is it necessary to try to talk my husband into larger truck (3500 or 350)? It is just the two of us. Also, quite seriously, we are not large individuals. Together, we probably weigh just over 250 pounds. And the Lance we bought really has every option we could want with the exception of possibly solar panels and/or a portable generator.

Thanks!
Lee-Ann
Truck Campers
  • mkirsch's avatar
    mkirsch
    Nomad II
    Sep 22, 2014
    Yup, don't forget that you will be carrying more than just the 1825lbs of camper, and it all counts.

    Most 25-series (i.e. 3/4 ton) pickups these days barely have 1825lbs of available payload capacity let alone extra for everything you will eat, wear, and do while camping.

    As you're a professional worrier, I would recommend that you stay away from the "numbers games" that some people play to carry heavier campers on lesser trucks. Numbers games such as ignoring GVWR and using only individual axle ratings to determine how much weight they can carry.
  • jmtandem's avatar
    jmtandem
    Explorer II
    Sep 22, 2014
    Let's start with...I am a professional worrier, so reading about others' experiences doesn't really help to reassure me with my own concerns. And,unfortunately, all the literature on matching trucks and campers is just plain confusing.


    You just answered your question. As others have stated, go bigger. Get the one ton. You will not regret it for hauling a cabover camper.
    If interested in a Ram, now they are available with a 6.4L Hemi gas engine that is less expensive than the diesel and weighs about 500 pounds less. In a one ton dually you should have more than enough power, payload and camper capacity.
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2014
    We started our camper quest a little differently by buying the truck first. Not wanting to be told we couldn't have the camper we wanted or risk being lied to by the camper salesman, we bought the biggest truck we could afford. I will never regret having more truck than I need as the smooth ride and peace of mind is priceless.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Sep 22, 2014
    The 3/4t and 1t trucks are very similar to each other. If you are looking to save on vehicle registration by buying the 3/4t, you can upgrade it to the 1t capacity. If this is not a concern, start with the 1t truck instead of having modifying something you just bought.

    With that last sentence typed, I will advise you that even a SRW 1t may need some suspension aids to handle the top heavy truck camper. If you are adverse to making modifications or changes to your truck, you need to be looking at DRW trucks and avoid the SRW class of trucks.

    I safely haul a heavier camper than you selected plus tow a heavy trailer behind my 3/4t truck, but I was willing to spend $3000 in suspension and wheel upgrades to get the stability I wanted.
  • Wagonqueen_Truc's avatar
    Wagonqueen_Truc
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2014
    Agreed with everyone posting so far... Go with the larger truck. The piece of mind is "priceless"

    I carry a rig that is 2700 (dry) with a Ford 350 Dually and I still gripe at hubby about upgrading the suspension and such. He just rolls his eyes and tell me to relax and read a book.
  • lap527's avatar
    lap527
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2014
    Go with the bigger truck...you will not regret it. In the long run you will save lots of money. We are experienced at making mistakes and losing money on campers and trucks. Lol!
  • tuna_fisher's avatar
    tuna_fisher
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2014
    I have to agree with the above. For the price difference go with the bigger truck.
  • 1mtnman's avatar
    1mtnman
    Explorer II
    Sep 22, 2014
    You will be at a loaded weight of close to 3000 lbs by the time you ready to travel especially with bikes and such.
    Any 2500 series pickup is going to require some suspension mods regardless of what make it is. I would recommend a 3500 series and if you do decide to go to a larger camper you won't be sorry.
  • jerryleejr's avatar
    jerryleejr
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2014
    Honestly the price difference between a similarly optioned 250 vs 350 is negligible. You will get increased payload and towing in the 350 series and with your 825 should see "wet" weights well within SRW capacity. And with any rv more is better peace of mind regarding the truck. Just my thoughts....enjoy your new rig :)

    JJ

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