ajablaja wrote:
I think I'm going to go with the Air so I don't have to worry so much about the payload. I'll just pack lighter. Im sure I'll be happier in the long run. Thanks folks!
Different opinion and not advocating you to do this, but from someone who's been using and abusing most every flavor of pickup truck for the better part of 30 years now, I wouldn't have any issue putting 2000-2500 lbs on the back of a newer half ton with at least the 6.5' bed, as long as your C of G of the load( camper) wasn't grossly behind the center of rear axle.
Empty rear axle weight will be around 2500lbs on your truck. Adding another 2500lbs is right there with most rawr for 1/2 tons. The rest of the truck will have Zero issues with hauling a ton or so in the bed.
Yes you'll want good D or E load tires. Something in the 3000lb capacity range. And suspension enhancements. Personally I'd opt for timbrens or add a leafs over airbags for 2 reasons.
1. Both are cheaper to purchase than bags.
2. Both will help with reducing body roll with the camper on, whereas air bags contribute to more body roll, imo and then need a sway bar to counter act that.
I'll qualify this with, yes a 3/4 ton would be better and it's also about duty cycle. If you're going to run the camper on the truck 24/7 for the next say 50,000-100,000 miles then it's likely to put a lot more wear n tear on the rear axle than if it's a few trips a year.
