Looking at Truck Camper for Retirement
Hey everyone, would appreciate your opinions. We are considering replacing our TT with a TC for retirement. We've had 2 TC's over the years and enjoyed them. I'm getting a little tired of towing, s...
Forum Discussion
Add tie-downs and a wiring harness to your truck and then get the camper and evaluate the ride before making changes.
With a Ford I would definitely want a heavy duty rear anti-sway bar added. With a Ram truck it may not be needed.
Plan on new shocks (Rancho 9000 or Bilsteins) and possibly new tires. Most E rate tires have a load capacity of 3200 lbs. or 6400 for the pair at the rear axle where 90% of the camper load will be supported.
Subtracting 3,000 lbs. for the weight of the truck that leaves 3400 lbs. of payload capacity - in theory.
A 2800 lb. dry weight camper probably will weigh closer to 3100 lbs. when you get it from the dealer with any "extras". Add your travel gear and food and water and the weight will be over 3500 lbs. and the reserve capacity of the tires disappears.
There are Nitto, BFG, and Toyo E tires rated at 3750 and greater load capacity that may fit on your truck's existing rims if they are 7.5" wide or wider.
When I upgraded my tires there was less sidewall flex and it noticeably improved the handling of my truck with its 3800 lb. camper load.
With a Ford I would definitely want a heavy duty rear anti-sway bar added. With a Ram truck it may not be needed.
Plan on new shocks (Rancho 9000 or Bilsteins) and possibly new tires. Most E rate tires have a load capacity of 3200 lbs. or 6400 for the pair at the rear axle where 90% of the camper load will be supported.
Subtracting 3,000 lbs. for the weight of the truck that leaves 3400 lbs. of payload capacity - in theory.
A 2800 lb. dry weight camper probably will weigh closer to 3100 lbs. when you get it from the dealer with any "extras". Add your travel gear and food and water and the weight will be over 3500 lbs. and the reserve capacity of the tires disappears.
There are Nitto, BFG, and Toyo E tires rated at 3750 and greater load capacity that may fit on your truck's existing rims if they are 7.5" wide or wider.
When I upgraded my tires there was less sidewall flex and it noticeably improved the handling of my truck with its 3800 lb. camper load.
