Can Our F350 Carry a Lance 1191 Safely?
I am hoping that some of you with experience with truck campers can assist us in determining if our truck can handle the truck camper we are looking at. We have been assured by the dealer and the man...
Forum Discussion
Thanks for all the information. It has helped us to understand what is going on. For example now we understand about the axle ratings and also why we hear such different opinions from different people.
I think the tires are ok but we will check the actual load weights. You were right that we only checked the letter rating.
Based on all your input, I did call the spring company and they indicated that they first check the tires and if they can handle the extra weight, they will weigh the truck with the camper on it to determine what suspension upgrades are needed. Once completed, they then provide a FL Dept of Transportation approved sticker that effectively increases the legal cargo capacity of the vehicle. They did say they are the only company authorized to do this in the state of Florida. I am not sure how to check this out further so if anyone has any ideas that would be great.
As far as my calculations of the weight, I did use the wet weight (4500)provided by Truck Camper Magazine. We travel with a less than full water tank so I backed off half the water. Additionally when we camp we travel light and most of our STUFF will be in the utility trailer so I also backed off half the Stuff. I also added in the weight of the options from the Lance website which seems to match the actual weight listed on the camper I saw at the RV show today. So I THINK my numbers are right except that I am missing the tongue weight of the trailer and the weight of the new springs and tie down gear (which I forgot about until now). Does it sound like I am doing this right?
So anyway, we very much appreciate all your input. Before we go too far we will sit down and think this all through, considering all the points you have all made because it is all very valuable input for us. We started the day in the dark and now we are a lot smarter thanks to all of you.
All the best....
I think the tires are ok but we will check the actual load weights. You were right that we only checked the letter rating.
Based on all your input, I did call the spring company and they indicated that they first check the tires and if they can handle the extra weight, they will weigh the truck with the camper on it to determine what suspension upgrades are needed. Once completed, they then provide a FL Dept of Transportation approved sticker that effectively increases the legal cargo capacity of the vehicle. They did say they are the only company authorized to do this in the state of Florida. I am not sure how to check this out further so if anyone has any ideas that would be great.
As far as my calculations of the weight, I did use the wet weight (4500)provided by Truck Camper Magazine. We travel with a less than full water tank so I backed off half the water. Additionally when we camp we travel light and most of our STUFF will be in the utility trailer so I also backed off half the Stuff. I also added in the weight of the options from the Lance website which seems to match the actual weight listed on the camper I saw at the RV show today. So I THINK my numbers are right except that I am missing the tongue weight of the trailer and the weight of the new springs and tie down gear (which I forgot about until now). Does it sound like I am doing this right?
So anyway, we very much appreciate all your input. Before we go too far we will sit down and think this all through, considering all the points you have all made because it is all very valuable input for us. We started the day in the dark and now we are a lot smarter thanks to all of you.
All the best....
