Center of Gravity
Because CA often does not let you remove the camper from the truck and I like to go into nature, I thought I needed to look into a pop-up. But then I noticed that some hardsides have the same or simi...
Forum Discussion
diver110 wrote:
That does help. I was trying to think through the physics of this. As you say, the center of mass is key. It seems to me there is not that much weight up high on a hardside. That is probably not that significant when comparing a hardside to a popup. But hardsides are bigger overall with more stuff in them, likely moving the center of mass higher. It seems to me possible on a hardside to move the center of mass down if intelligently designed and loaded.
All of this is true...now you are thinking things through. Unless you get a very small bare bones popup (no bath, etc) there is little difference in mass between hardside/popup.
As far as intellegent design...yes..pay attention to where the tanks are, the propane, the appliance...all this will determine the "balance point" and how your truck will handle the load. Keep in mind the difference of how the truck will handle with full tanks versus empty tanks. If the tanks are forward of the rear axle...you may handle better with full tanks! If they are toward the rear...this may negatively effect your handling.
We just moved form a ~3000# camper to a ~ 4000#...the "balance point" is more favorable on the heavier camper and the whole package handles better despite the weight gain.
As you are learning...many details to consider with TC's...but once you get a grip on it all...you can't beat 'em.
Bill
Edit; p.s. jeffe...you are frikin crazy...love it! You (and whazoo) really raise the bar!
