New to a TC

I never even thought of it being a 1/2 ton,just assumed it was a 3/4 ton..I am a fan of modern 1/2 tons for towing but not for truck campers..So it goes without saying,my post was for a 3/4 ton as was my example..

Ah the internet

You don't indicate the actual grade of Ram that you have. Based on what I do see, I'm guessing it's a half ton. In any case, I'd start with the "payload capacity" and "axle ratings" on the door jamb sticker. 2600 lbs as a dry weight is probably well beyond any half ton's capability. Yes you can add an infinite amount of suspension upgrades to carry the weight but all the rest of the driveline components such as axles, brakes, wheels, wheel bearings, driveshaft and frame might be stressed beyond design limits. Granted there are two schools of thought here .. many people ignore GVWR ratings and claim success in carrying more weight than the manufacturer's recommendations. Personally, I believe in having a roughly 20% safety margin for emergency situations. To each his own obviously but I'd recommend this as a starting point to help point you in a camper that will work for your application. My only other piece of advice is not to take any published dry weights as fact but find a way to do a Cat scale verification just for peace of mind.

Here is an example:

I had a Ford F-250 and put an Lance 8.6 TC on it,the only thing I did was ad Helwig helper springs and it drove almost as well as my dually I bought that was loaded with the so-called ad-ons.The cost was less than $200 installed..

If you keep your camper in the 8-8.6 foot length,you won't need much..Happi jack tie downs are much cheaper than the Torklift and very capable,especially on smaller TC's...Years ago they just used stake pocket tie downs for the most part..

Ad a rubber bed mat and your good to go.

To many over think what is needed to haul a TC,springs/springs and springs solves most all problems which are usually on larger heavy campers.

If you don't buy to much camper for your truck and stay at 3K-ish for a 3/4 ton,you won't need all the very expensive addons,just helper springs, such as the Helwig...

Without looking,I think you can get what you need for your truck for less than $500 maybe even $400 if you shop around.

It’s always good advice to find the truck camper you want, and then decide on the truck. You may find that your truck won’t work. If you plan to leave the TC on, then you could also consider a smaller Class C.

The additions like airbags, timbrens, supersprings etc, should be mostly to help level. They do not add to your GVWR. Timbrens are probably the cheapest. I’d count on $1000-1500 depending on labor cost to outfit your truck.

"I have been told by a couple of dealers,..." " I have been told a few things by the dealers..." What is the GVWR and payload? Please tell us.

The ability to leave my "home" at the CG and explore with my TV is the reason I sold my TC. Think about the advice above from ppine.

The best tie downs connect to the frame.
You need a place in the truck bed for an electrical connection to the truck.
Start with enough truck and then you will not have to modify anything or overwhelm the suspension, bearings or handling.

A camper is a small space, even for one person if you are in it for more than a couple of weeks. If it were me, I would buy a small trailer for around the same money and tow it. Easier to drive because you are not top heavy. Easy to pull. YOu can leave it at your camp site. Much more room and comfort in even a 20 foot trailer.

First I think 2500 lb TC for fulltiming is not going to be comfortable.
You definitely need tie-downs.
Right now there is not much choice than Torklift front tie downs. Cost about $400.
Rear tie-downs can be easy manufacture what will save you $300 TL cost.
Till you buy the camper - you don't know how much modifications your truck will need. You might need to upgrade wheels as well.
Factory bed mat is good.
Air bags or helper springs, or timbrens - it is all personal choice.
I had good experience with air. Others like steel or rubber.