My possible first Truck Camper! What do you guys think?

You might be able to make it handle. I'm not sure about hate Elkhorn.

lots of campers to look at. Just two much wt for a 250.

I would look at it from another point of view. Regardless of which camper is too big for your truck, which is too big for yor life? If I were driving that much and looking for something to take into the woods for hunting, I would want the smallest camper that would serve my needs. I would think that a 9.5 with a wet bath would be a good choice. It would have a table, some storage, a kitchen, holding tanks, heater, etc.

A smaller unit would be easier to carry, more fuel efficient, easier to park, and easier to handle in the woods.

Just my two cents worth.

I have a 1994 Lance 480 extended cab 9'6" about 2700 lbs. I have a 2002 Chevy 2500 crew cab HD Extended Cab with Rancho Shocks Rear Hellwig anti Sway and Hellwig Air Bag and mine feels heavy.... Unless you have a 3500 dually I say you will stain your shorts if you put it on your truck and try to drive with it.... I am glad I did not go any bigger.... I am about at my max.... and without the mods I'd really be in hot water Plus I bought 10 Ply Tires HT....

Mike C.

Us?

2012 Chevy 2500HD crewcab 4x4 shortbed

Added:

-tires rated at 3970# each
-airbags
-"Big Wig" swaybar

2012 Lance 855S

Loaded- right around 3500#+/-

I would take this combo across the country tomorrow. We are planning to go to Newfoundland or California in 2 years.

Handles great.(10 years ago I had one combo that was a white knuckle ride, so I know what bad is)

beel82 wrote:
I have a 2000 F250 SRW Ext cab long bed. Im currently looking at a 2002 Elkhorn 11x. Now research has led me to understand this is a big camper for this pickup (weighs in at 3165 with all fluids full). My main concern is STABILITY because I will be making long 3000+ mile trips and I want to ride comfortably. I know a Dually would be better, but Im afraid that is not an option. My F250 has Air Bags on it, but thats it. It has the factory rear sway bar, but no overload spring.

I had the same truck in a short box version and tried it with a 9' camper. You're trying what I did with a truck 16" longer and 2' more TC. Too much camper for your truck. More springs, air bags and/or overloads still won't make up the difference. You said you wanted "STABILITY" for 3000 mile trips. This isn't it. I'm wondering why you need so big a camper if it's only you. There are may 8-9' campers that would work well for you. The Elkhorn will be near 4000#'s by the time you're loaded up. That's a killer on 3/4 tons and their tires. Either buy a DRW and haul the camper or find a smaller camper. I had that choice and kept the camper and bought a dually because STABILITY really means something to me.

Take a look at what I did to my 250 to carry a 9' TC and decide if you're willing to spend the money and effort to do the same or whether you would rather find a smaller TC.

https://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/memberprofile/mid/26133723

It is a never ending argument as to what is or is not too big of a camper for a given truck. Folks even get to the point of citing nonexistent laws. I usually do not respond to weight/TC caring capacity threads. There will be those that will argue with this post, but I will not argue it, I will simply post it and others can make of it what they will. If someone states a law on the subject, I will ask for a source.

Can a 2500 truck carry a 4000 pound camper comfortably and safely, is not at a simply question to answer. There are so many variables. I will comment on my personal 30 plus years experience on the subject. First, it should be noted each of us have different comfort levels with our trucks/TCs. We have different driving skills. As with most things in life, one size does not fit everyone..

In my opinion, the tires and maybe wheels are the weakest link, and most important. Due to expense the last change people make. Load capacity and especially sidewall flex can make for a very uncomfortable driving vehicle.

Several things can influence sway. Gusty side winds are the worst, probably followed by passing big rigs, and driving in hilly country which block and unblock side winds. In my opinion, Airbags do very little in helping with this. An anti-sway bar is the best solution. Shocks may help, but in my experience not much.

It is very common for a truck to squat 3" to 4" when a TC is loaded. The only problem with that is the headlights will go in the trees. Airbags correct that. I will also point out if your truck does not squat without airbags, your truck suspension will be very stiff with an empty truck. Your truck has to drop in the rear before the overloads will contact. That drop is typically 3" to 4". There are other uses for the airbags, but returning the truck to its normal height is their main benefit.

My experience also includes brakes. This does take a bit of study. Simply stated, do not have your brakes done at some "Brakes-r-Us" shop. It is not difficult to install a higher quality pads/shoes. Some brakes are better suited for our trucks with TCs.

I have hauled TCs on 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton DRW. I would hesitate to make a blanket statement that the DRW is better. It can be, but if setup properly, for me the SRW does just fine, and offers advantages over the DRW. Actually, I am OK with either. My 2500 SRW truck and it's 4200 pound TC rides as well as my cars. It does not stop as fast, nor does it maneuver as well. I do not expect it to. I seldom remove my TC, traveled over 200,000 miles, from California to Nebraska up to Canada, across Canada and down the pacific coast. Also have gone to Yellowstone, and Moab. Most of this is flat towing my Samurai.

So what do I think about what you posted? I can't/will not say if you should or should not go with it. For me, I would/have hauled a 4,000 pound TC on my 2500 SRW truck. You have to go with your comfort level and driving skills. I think most SRW trucks with a 9.5 foot or larger TC have about 4000 pounds. A 4,000 pound TC is pushing the envelope even with a DRW truck. I suggest you weigh the TC before you buy.

My 1996 Dodge DSL SRW weight is 6200, and my TC is 4200. 10,400 pounds total. These weights are from a certified scale.

Wayne

Im unsure about the weights-unit base is just under 3000# for an 11x, dry before options. Unless p/o had it weighed I dont believe it.

Some options would be Jacks x4@35#= ~140#, AC 13.5btu ~93#, generator 3.5k ~120#, awning ~50#, microwave ~35#, 30 gal of water 250# 20 gal of propane ~75#.
So Im getting roughly 3415# just jacks water & propane. Unloaded, no other options.
You'd be suprised what bedding, clothes, towels, food, bbq, firewood, lawn chair, tools, laptop, walking stick, fishing pole, steps, etc can weigh-add 300-500#. (plus people)

As noted with suspension mods you might carry or limit sway between wheels and bed but will all be in the tires. It wont be fun, certainly not comfortable IMO. It will be over weight for your 250. You also need to add weight (or subtract) of suspension mods to make it 'feel' better. Highest cargo numbers Ive seen listed is 2918# for a F250 4x2 long bed super cab, gas motor. Thats load period- camper +people +stuff in glove box, additional leaf springs, air bags, camper mounts, bed mat etc. Empty base camper takes you over, -tie it down-load it, get in. Some folks do.

Though youll probably still need some upgrades (no overloads?) I would use some of the mod monies to find a nicer yet smaller camper. Like at minumum 1000# smaller to be close. If this camper is truly your dream camper my thoughts are it should be on an F350drw. If you currently own your dream truck- camper is too big.

midnightsadie wrote:
so you,ve already made up your mind, so why,d you ask? its just to darn big .

No I haven't. That's why I asked.