Forum Discussion

Truk_1110's avatar
Truk_1110
Explorer
Jul 09, 2017

New Camper - Getting truck ready

Hey everyone - I'm completely new to truck camping and appreciate all of the information on this forum. It's helped me figure out what kind of equipment I'm going to need.

I'm a new owner of a 2014 Dodge Ram 2500 and pretty excited to have the extra cab space. I've had this truck only a few weeks now and my aunt and uncle were generous enough to give me their old truck camper. I'm really looking forward to going on a lot more fishing and camping trips with my 4 year old son.

Here's my the new to me truck I just got:



The old camper I got for "free.99" :)



Just ordered a bed mat and looking into tie downs and some turnbuckles. Lots of good info on this forum so hopefully once I order the rest of the equipment I need I'll have the rig all set for some trips this summer here in the pacific northwest.

Any other advice for me would be great. thanks in advance
Truck Campers
  • work2much's avatar
    work2much
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2017
    Welcome to the forum.

    You will need bigger spring packs or air bags. The camper loaded up will likely be over your trucks cargo capacity causing it to sag the rear end noticeably. I would also look into anti-sway bar and upgraded shocks.

    We used to have a Ram 2500 4x4 with a full size camper and all the above was needed to get make the truck drive right.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2017
    First thing you have to do is measure the height up to the bottom of the overhang from the bottom of the camper. Compare that to your truck to be sure it will fit vertically.

    Next thing is for you to measure the distance across the outside of the bit that comes out from the four by eight foot regular footprint. That kickout for the bathroom that sits behind the wheel well can sometimes not fit into new truck tailgates.

    If all that checks out OK that you can proceed to buy things you might need, but if those measurements don't work you can't fit the unit into your truck without a lot of bother.
  • Freep's avatar
    Freep
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2017
    The camper looks old. You will want to do a thorough inspection of all seals and caulking. Do searches for "rot" and for "caulk" on this site for a good idea on what to look for.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Jul 09, 2017
    Congratulations on both toys.
    As you already hear, the weight distribution is critical on our sets.
    I would start with taking truck empty to the scales (google will find something in the area) , weight each axle and plan later to do the same with camper on.
    Camper looks like 10 or maybe even 11', so rear axle will get stretched.
    Make a rule that nothing heavy goes behind rear axle. Even if you don't overload the axle, the handling is going to be poor.
    All heavy stuff goes in truck cabin. Tools, bottled water, beer (not open).
    I did pick up my 11' camper with F250 and made long trip home with rear badly overloaded, but it is not fun to think "how I control that thing when tire blows?"
    Once you check everything is safe, then enjoy.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2017
    Welcome to the forum.
    I don't have a TC. But, leaks in any RV can be a disaster.
    Check for leaks and seal them before you do anything to the interior of the camper.
    Enjoy your travels.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 09, 2017
    Welcome and congrats on the great rig.
    My family had a blast exploring and traveling in an older (much older than yours!) TC when we were first married.
    You'll have a blast!
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jul 09, 2017
    Nice setup! Have fun with it.
    Before freakin out about all the weight stuff, see of it fits, drop it on there and see how the truck likes it. Will keep you from buying stuff you may not need or help you decide what you do need.
  • work2much's avatar
    work2much
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2017
    Grit dog wrote:
    Nice setup! Have fun with it.
    Before freakin out about all the weight stuff, see of it fits, drop it on there and see how the truck likes it. Will keep you from buying stuff you may not need or help you decide what you do need.


    Good advice but OP will need all the weight related stuff you have in your sig. Our first camper was an old siesta. No Bath. No holding tanks aside from 10 gallon fresh. One 5 gal propane and it stuck our 2500 down hard. We added all the same stuff you did. That was a 94 Dodge Ram std cab 3/4 ton Cummins with a Dana 80 rear axle. A very stout 3/4 ton truck.

    Like you say sit the camper on the truck. That will tell you what you need to know.
  • noteven's avatar
    noteven
    Explorer III
    Jul 09, 2017
    Grit dog wrote:
    Nice setup! Have fun with it.
    Before freakin out about all the weight stuff, see of it fits, drop it on there and see how the truck likes it. Will keep you from buying stuff you may not need or help you decide what you do need.


    this ^^

    ... and - what truck hauled this camper in the first place?
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Jul 09, 2017
    Like you say sit the camper on the truck. That will tell you what you need to know.


    I call that the squat factor and will determine what accessories you need to level it out. No point in buying more than you need. I would additionally check the tires for maximum loading (on sidewall). Stock OEM rubber tends to be low on the loading scale.

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