Forum Discussion

dls0008's avatar
dls0008
Explorer
Aug 24, 2017

New Truck Camper Test Drive

When we bought our new wolf creek last year, the dealer allowed us to place the camper in our truck bed to see how much it would compress the suspension. But they were adamant that we could not drive with the camper until the purchase was complete. So, we didn’t really know how the truck would handle bumps or speed until we had paid for the camper. Is this typical of a new purchase or have you guys been able to take a test drive?
Thanks.
Truck Campers
  • zcookiemonstar's avatar
    zcookiemonstar
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2017
    drmopar wrote:
    Rent a water bladder to fit inside your bed. At 4000 pounds, it is about 475 gallons. Purchase a cheap gallon meter with hose adapters. Get the weight of camper, fill your bladder to match weight, and see how it works. Lot less Liability for you and dealer. Cheap test drive. At my RV-Boat storage facility we often have done this for customers.


    I have loaded 4000lbs of gravel and dirt in the back of my truck many times. The ride is very different then having my camper loaded. It is not just about the weight it is ho it is distributed front to back side to side and mostly ho much higher the center of gravity is.
  • drmopar's avatar
    drmopar
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2017
    Rent a water bladder to fit inside your bed. At 4000 pounds, it is about 475 gallons. Purchase a cheap gallon meter with hose adapters. Get the weight of camper, fill your bladder to match weight, and see how it works. Lot less Liability for you and dealer. Cheap test drive. At my RV-Boat storage facility we often have done this for customers.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2017
    Seriously though, would you buy a different brand at the same weight if you didn't like the ride? The ride would be the same if you loaded it up with cement blocks and at no risk to the dealer.
  • GeoBoy's avatar
    GeoBoy
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2017
    dls0008 wrote:
    bighatnohorse wrote:
    I wouldn't even think of it. Who's insurance would cover it? No tie downs. Turn signals?
    For me, it would just be asking for trouble.
    But my better half would say "What could happen?"
    :?


    Thanks for the feedback, I already had tork lift tie downs from our previous camper.
    On the next camper, I don't think I will be buying anything I can't test drive.

    With that F450 of yours I wouldn't worry about carrying any TC's except the big triple slide units.
  • dls0008's avatar
    dls0008
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2017
    bighatnohorse wrote:
    I wouldn't even think of it. Who's insurance would cover it? No tie downs. Turn signals?
    For me, it would just be asking for trouble.
    But my better half would say "What could happen?"
    :?


    Thanks for the feedback, I already had tork lift tie downs from our previous camper.
    On the next camper, I don't think I will be buying anything I can't test drive.
  • bighatnohorse's avatar
    bighatnohorse
    Explorer II
    Aug 24, 2017
    I wouldn't even think of it. Who's insurance would cover it? No tie downs. Turn signals?
    For me, it would just be asking for trouble.
    But my better half would say "What could happen?"
    :?
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Aug 24, 2017
    I don't know about normal, but unless you already had tie downs, probably not very practical. I don't think it would be an unreasonable request.

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