Before I shave 200#,s off...
I'm right at about 220#'s overweight on my rig. Some of you would laugh at such a small amount, but I have a small 7' coachmen on a Ford Ranger. Add to the fact that I'm new at running a TC makes me e...
Forum Discussion
Removing the rear folding seats reduced weight a tiny amount for us, but also allowed us space to carry a spare wheel in the cab. This was actually for a 2nd spare wheel for use when travelling to more remote locations, but the same could apply to moving the spare wheel from its usual location forward if you find yourself heavy on the rear axle but light on the front axle like we do:
I agree about removing that stove - I bet there are a few pounds there - the freed up space will probably be more useful and a small camping stove with light weight gas cylinders will probably save a load of weight.
Yes, ditch the Aircon if you don't really need it. As others have said that is a load of weight in just the wrong place.
Also decide if you need that TV. We hardly bother watching TV when camping and instead use a TV card / antenna that plugs into the netbook computer that I carry in the camper anyway, so much lighter than a full sized TV. Also, that TV is right at the back of the camper - the other place you don't want extra weight.
Interesting point about not carrying a spare wheel at all - my last 2 cars didn't come with one, but instead came with a sealant / compressor kit. Car manufacturers are doing anything they can to save weight for better fuel mileage and a spare wheel and tyre are a lot of weight. I bet someone figured out that the majority of drivers probably can't change a wheel anyway and would call road service, and if the problem is anything more than can be fixed with sealant or tyre plugger gun - e.g. a blow-out, then you are probably looking at vehicle damage and a tow truck anyway. So if you are sticking to regular highways and the mainland US then I guess you could consider that what is good enough for regular car drivers is good enough for you - and leave the spare wheel at home.
PS - don't forget to post up some pictures of you taking your rig camping. Especially interesting for people to see because it is tough trying to find a camper that works on a truck with a low payload weight these days. You appear to be taking the right minimalist approach and thinking about every thing you carry, not just the numbers posted on the camper's weight sticker.
Steve.
I agree about removing that stove - I bet there are a few pounds there - the freed up space will probably be more useful and a small camping stove with light weight gas cylinders will probably save a load of weight.
Yes, ditch the Aircon if you don't really need it. As others have said that is a load of weight in just the wrong place.
Also decide if you need that TV. We hardly bother watching TV when camping and instead use a TV card / antenna that plugs into the netbook computer that I carry in the camper anyway, so much lighter than a full sized TV. Also, that TV is right at the back of the camper - the other place you don't want extra weight.
Interesting point about not carrying a spare wheel at all - my last 2 cars didn't come with one, but instead came with a sealant / compressor kit. Car manufacturers are doing anything they can to save weight for better fuel mileage and a spare wheel and tyre are a lot of weight. I bet someone figured out that the majority of drivers probably can't change a wheel anyway and would call road service, and if the problem is anything more than can be fixed with sealant or tyre plugger gun - e.g. a blow-out, then you are probably looking at vehicle damage and a tow truck anyway. So if you are sticking to regular highways and the mainland US then I guess you could consider that what is good enough for regular car drivers is good enough for you - and leave the spare wheel at home.
PS - don't forget to post up some pictures of you taking your rig camping. Especially interesting for people to see because it is tough trying to find a camper that works on a truck with a low payload weight these days. You appear to be taking the right minimalist approach and thinking about every thing you carry, not just the numbers posted on the camper's weight sticker.
Steve.
