Newbie trying to match a TC to my 1500 HD

mkirsch wrote:
On the models where Travel Lite makes a "long bed" and a "short bed" version, they are IDENTICAL, except for the rear skirts/storage compartments. Same floor plan, same features. The "SB" models would have a more rearward COG than the long bed models once loaded, due to the extra storage space in the rear. It is not a concern unless you are a traveling leadsmith, and fill the compartments with ingots of lead, or you just have to collect a large rock from every place you stop.

If by "drop the tailgate," you mean REMOVE it, then yes it is common. It is NOT common to lower the tailgate and set the camper on it because the support cables are not designed for that much weight bouncing up and down on them for long periods of time. Many overhanging campers also widen out past the tail lights of your truck, and would interfere with the tailgate support cables.

That makes sense, because the owner said he had to remove the tailgate. As far as loading heavy in the rear, I feel confident that I can keep my blacksmithing and paleontological practices to a minimum as long as I leave my anvil and pick axes at the house. GM reccommends keeping the COG between the front and rear edges of the rear tire. I will have to measure, but I believe I am ok.

Mkirsch, have you (or anyone else here) experienced any major issues with your Palomino? I have read that the rear doors tend to not line up well over time. Other than that, I'm really considering this unit because it is one of the few pop-ups that I have found that has all of the amenities without breaking my wallet.

Also, this may warrant a separate thread, but I was always under the impression that tie-down systems were fairly universal. Apparently this is not the case, as one member pointed out if I plan on using a hitch extension for towing, that could affect the tie-down system. Question is, does one choose a tie-down system based on the truck, specific camper, or both??