I started with a pop-up camper on a 1/2 ton. It was over loaded with no body in the truck. I went to an 11' non-slide camper on a 3500 SRW it was over GVWR but not tires or axles. I then put that camper on a 3500 dually, still over the GVWR but not tires or axles. The point it, forget the little 1/2 ton trucks for a TC. Really, a 3500 SRW is the minimum I would consider. With that family you will need a crew cab which makes the truck even heavier and thus less payload. I think if you add up the weight of the camper WITH ALL THE FACTORY OPTIONS, add the weight of water, propane, batteries, and gear, and then add the weight of your family you will be pushing on the GVWR of a 3500 truck.
Most TC owners go by the axle and tire ratings of the truck, not the GVWR. If you try to stay under the GVWR you really will end up with a big truck.
