Forum Discussion

mgrady619's avatar
mgrady619
Explorer
Oct 09, 2019

Immobile truck camper

I've read all of the "can a 1/2 ton carry a camper" conversations, no desire to poke that with a stick. I have a twist on the question:
Assume I get the camper into location, either empty and within weight rating, or renting a 3/4-full ton to get it there, then move into it as the increasingly common Silicone Valley streetside apartment, can I load it down at that point? Do the stilts, or whatever the proper lingo is, provide enough support to take the load off the axles? Obviously braking/handling are no longer a concern, but how about suspension, tires, axle?

Thanks in advance
Truck Campers
  • twodownzero's avatar
    twodownzero
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2019
    The camper I used to have, even though it was supposed to be "light" would probably have pushed virtually any 1/2 ton truck to the bumpstops when fully loaded for a trip. I doubt it'd be dangerous but you'd definitely recognize that it was loaded like that. I wouldn't want to use the legs with the chains attached to the truck for fear of stressing the eye bolts, but if you did, you could raise it.
  • jaycocreek's avatar
    jaycocreek
    Explorer II
    Oct 09, 2019
    I've read all of the "can a 1/2 ton carry a camper" conversations, no desire to poke that with a stick


    I must of missed them..I have carried overhead truck campers on 1/2 ton trucks before,and it works just fine if you don't go to big..I had a brand new 1976 Chevy Scottsdale 1500 4X4 with a brand new Security 8ft overhead truck camper(Non-slide) that road and drove as good as any 3/4 ton with something like an AF-811 ever would...And my only addon was 2500# coil axle mount springs....About $15 back then...

    Just one example of three, which was my favorite 1/2 ton with TC..
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Oct 09, 2019
    Assuming you have a 1/2 ton and it's legal to live there.

    Yes, you could slide the truck under it to take up a big percentage of the weight with the legs holding the rest, so that it looks like the truck is holding it. Most can even be used with just the legs and no truck (that's you you typically see them shown at RV shows).
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Oct 09, 2019
    The linked article talks about street parking, what is Police jurisdiction and whole California has a law forbidding street parking for longer than 72 hr.
    Parking on driveway or yard is Building Department jurisdiction and different laws apply.
    Some areas will apply 72 hr law to RV, (or boat) visible from the street, some will let you get away with it. The life truth is that BD will never send inspector unless neighbour complains.
  • mgrady619's avatar
    mgrady619
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2019
    Oh, they tailored it down after the original proposal failed, so I would still be good:

    https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2019/09/24/mountain-view-leaders-pass-rv-ban-on-streets-despite-plea-from-residents/

    I should also mention, I will be using external bathroom facilities, so wastewater is a non issue. I would just do a standard shell but I have an offer on a free slide in camper from a wealthy relative.
  • mgrady619's avatar
    mgrady619
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2019
    I ammend that, looks like they did just pass such an ordinance, will be curious to see if they start sweeping the streets in the area I had in mind. There are no residences so perhaps it will be on a by-complaint-only basis and stay under the radar. Still curious about the original question as parking it in a driveway or similar remains an option. Plus, SCIENCE!!!!
  • mgrady619's avatar
    mgrady619
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2019
    Good point, recently Mountain View tried to pass an ordinance banning it and it was shot down because of recognition that housing costs are absurd. There are several streets in the area that are defacto RV parks. But certainly good advice for anyone in other areas. This is a 6-12 month stint so if they get around to pushing a similar ordinance through I should hopefully be back home by then.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Oct 09, 2019
    Before you get into technical data, call the city in question and check for ordinance forbidding not only living in RV, but even parking it.
    Knowing the area, probably the closest city that would allow it would be east of Modesto.
    I did live in camper for few months in Rio Vista if that would be of your interest.
    The Bay Area still has lot of RV parks, where people live in TT or motorhomes, but even those have restrictions and the waiting list used to be 2 years.
    Not current on present situation.
    Good luck

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