New to a TC
Need some input, please. I am getting ready to purchase my first truck camper and have no clue on what I will need added to install it on my truck. Please give me some ideas on what I will definitel...
Forum Discussion
I have a 2016 Wolf Creek 840. My 2006 F350 crew diesel weighs 8100 lbs with me in it, tailgate and full fuel tank. The weight with camper is right at 11,200 lb. with camper loaded, 2 persons and full tank of fuel. I have two batteries and two propane tanks and usually weigh the camper with a full tank of water (36 gal.). So my camper wet weight (3100 lbs.) puts me a few hundred lbs. under the GVW of 11,500 lbs. I have the "Wolf Pack" option with a/c, Fox Landing, ladder and top racks.
My truck handles the camper nicely and is outfitted with Tork Lift Stableloads upper and lower. No sag and doesn't wobble. Good handling on the highway and I can negotiate gravel backroads at slower speeds no problem. The camper is tall though. Keep an eye out for clearance issues.
I am not sure I would be as comfortable without the helper springs and swaybar that comes with the F350. While it would still probably work, an F250 might need some mods to make it suitable if over the max weight criteria. Be sure to check out your wheel ratings -- they are typically the weakest link. Mine are close to the limit. Tires need to be checked too. I often tow a small enclosed 8X5 utility trailer with my TC with no problems or concerns. It actually feels more stable in that configuration.
Some of us are fanatical about staying under rated weights, others are less worried about it. Make your own choices and decisions.
The Wolf Creek has two small fans that blow air from the cabin into the basement and over the tanks. If it isn't warm in the cabin, it won't be warm in the tanks. The fans only run when the heater is running. I wish it was switched independently so I could use them when plugged into shore power and running an electric heater. That said, I have had no problems with freezing down to at least 20 degrees, but no experience lower than that. If it is lower than 20 I generally leave it winterized and use water independently of the plumbing system. The camper is extremely easy to winterize and it takes about a gallon and a half of anti freeze to accomplish it.
My truck handles the camper nicely and is outfitted with Tork Lift Stableloads upper and lower. No sag and doesn't wobble. Good handling on the highway and I can negotiate gravel backroads at slower speeds no problem. The camper is tall though. Keep an eye out for clearance issues.
I am not sure I would be as comfortable without the helper springs and swaybar that comes with the F350. While it would still probably work, an F250 might need some mods to make it suitable if over the max weight criteria. Be sure to check out your wheel ratings -- they are typically the weakest link. Mine are close to the limit. Tires need to be checked too. I often tow a small enclosed 8X5 utility trailer with my TC with no problems or concerns. It actually feels more stable in that configuration.
Some of us are fanatical about staying under rated weights, others are less worried about it. Make your own choices and decisions.
The Wolf Creek has two small fans that blow air from the cabin into the basement and over the tanks. If it isn't warm in the cabin, it won't be warm in the tanks. The fans only run when the heater is running. I wish it was switched independently so I could use them when plugged into shore power and running an electric heater. That said, I have had no problems with freezing down to at least 20 degrees, but no experience lower than that. If it is lower than 20 I generally leave it winterized and use water independently of the plumbing system. The camper is extremely easy to winterize and it takes about a gallon and a half of anti freeze to accomplish it.
