Some of these posts may be a little pessimistic. We carry a 9.5’ fiberglass single slide camper that’s pretty well equipped (A/C, micro, rear awning). It comes to about 4K wet and loaded to camp. The slide only adds 200 lbs so not a big adder. Ours rides on a stock (except shocks) 2005 SRW Chevy 3500 and it handled fine to me for the past 10 years. We also tow a ~2k lb cargo trailer most of the time on an 18” extension.
An 8.5’ model with slide should easily be under 4K. Skip heavy options like A/C, generator and microwave to lighten it even more. Run with the water tank less than full (240lbs on that Lance). You also may not need an extension to tow, particularly with a longer tongue on a boat trailer that also tend to have lighter tongue weight.
Do pay attention to the listed weights in brochures as they usually say “with standard features.” Options can add plenty of weight.
Would a dually be better...sure and I’ll recommend one but I’m not convinced it’s a requirement. A lot depends upon the camper, truck and driver’s comfort level.
