How to get started with a truck camper
Hi all, I'm getting close to retirement and am looking forward to some years of fishing trips. Most of these will be on my own (the wife is losing interest in camping adventures). I've always sle...
Forum Discussion
I've had 2 different TCs on 3 different trucks. I would not get a compact truck nor a 1500 truck. I would go right for a 2500 minimum. Since you want a short bed then that will be easier to find in a 2500. I normally recommend that anyone interested in a TC go straight to a 3500.
I'm sure it may seem like overkill to some but the fact is camper are heavy and so are trucks. You already mentioned wanting 4wd; that adds weight. When you add in the weight of your camper, accessories, water, propane, gear, food, etc. you will likely overwhelm the majority of 1500 trucks. Even if the weight is technically within the specs of the truck the same camper on a 2500 or 3500 will handle, maneuver, and STOP much better.
Mostly I would echo the advice to pick out the camper you want and the options you want. Find the real weight (not what the brochure says). Add about 1,000 pounds for passengers, food, etc. Then find a truck with the actual capacity (again, not advertised payload) to haul it.
I'm sure it may seem like overkill to some but the fact is camper are heavy and so are trucks. You already mentioned wanting 4wd; that adds weight. When you add in the weight of your camper, accessories, water, propane, gear, food, etc. you will likely overwhelm the majority of 1500 trucks. Even if the weight is technically within the specs of the truck the same camper on a 2500 or 3500 will handle, maneuver, and STOP much better.
Mostly I would echo the advice to pick out the camper you want and the options you want. Find the real weight (not what the brochure says). Add about 1,000 pounds for passengers, food, etc. Then find a truck with the actual capacity (again, not advertised payload) to haul it.
