We are thinking about getting our first used TC.We do a lot of winter forest camping and think the TC is right for us.I own a full size 1/2 ton 4X4 truck with a 6.5 foot bed.What size TC can I put in this truck?I want to stay lite weight as possible.I found a Shadow Cruiser popup that weighs 980 pounds but I think it is too long for my truck bed?Is there a rule about how much hangs over the bed or tailgate?Any comments?mtnman

I think a pop up would be perfect for your truck. I always had the tail gate down with my TC and never had any problems.Good Luck!Josh

Weigh your truck and subtract that weight from the trucks payload.Your rear tires and wheels will be the limiting factor because you will carrying most of the weight on the rear.If the camper hangs over the rear you can damage the bottom of the camper if the tailgate is in place, just be careful if you do that. Damage to tailgate from stones kicking up as well . tailgate info

mtnman, same here... F-150 4x4 6 1/2 foot bed... I run an 8' Pastime camper that weighs 1400lbs dry as I recall. I'm definitely over GVW, but within Axle ratings, and GCVW when I tow. Do you know it weighs that 9xx lbs? or is that what the sticker says? If sticker, it's likely to be heavier than that.You'll have to pack sparely, which I do to keep things light. But putting a TC on a 1/2 ton isn't even remotely as impossible as some guys on these forums think it is.LaterC

putting a TC on a 1/2 ton isn't impossible That is what I am thinking, we actually live in the forest and just want something to drive about 5-20 miles on dirt forest roads to some favorites spots to stay overnight with. My truck is a F150 with the 5.4 engine. We have towed 3000 to 4000 pound TT out across country a few times and I do not like heave loads. We sold our travel trailer but We still have our Class A for long distance traveling.The 980 pounds is what the owner told me the Shadow Cruiser weighs. It is a 1993 model. I have not seen it yet but I wanted to be prepared to buy it once I make the trip.mtnman

I just have the 4.6 v8, but it worked well towing my 8' pastime with my ~2700lb sailboat/trailer over Blewitt Pass in Wa. I never felt like I didn't have enough power, nor too little brakes, nor too much sway. So far the only mods I've done are the Timbren's on the rear. I'll probably swap those out for springs that have a higher capacity though. I tow without the camper on, and they are just too rough in those circumstances.I mention the weight because most, if not all, campers weigh more than they claim. I think my Pastime is pretty close to advertised weight, but it still was a good 100 or so lbs more than it should have been when doing the math with their numbers. So i'd probably expect a 980 lb camper to really be more like 1100-1200 dry, then start adding in all the extra "crap" you want to take with you.You'll be over for sure... just depends how much. As I noted, a lot of people on here have no problem overloading an SD/3/4/1T truck, but shoot bricks at the thought of overloading a 1/2 ton by even 20 lbs. LaterC

Help! shopping for a TC | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

Tarkin75
Explorer
Oct 22, 2013
mtnman, same here... F-150 4x4 6 1/2 foot bed... I run an 8' Pastime camper that weighs 1400lbs dry as I recall. I'm definitely over GVW, but within Axle ratings, and GCVW when I tow.

Do you know it weighs that 9xx lbs? or is that what the sticker says? If sticker, it's likely to be heavier than that.

You'll have to pack sparely, which I do to keep things light. But putting a TC on a 1/2 ton isn't even remotely as impossible as some guys on these forums think it is.

Later
C
bobndot
Explorer III
Oct 22, 2013
Weigh your truck and subtract that weight from the trucks payload.
Your rear tires and wheels will be the limiting factor because you will carrying most of the weight on the rear.
If the camper hangs over the rear you can damage the bottom of the camper if the tailgate is in place, just be careful if you do that. Damage to tailgate from stones kicking up as well .

tailgate info
jtlingo123
Explorer
Oct 22, 2013
I think a pop up would be perfect for your truck. I always had the tail gate down with my TC and never had any problems.

Good Luck!

Josh

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Help! shopping for a TC

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