Well I'm a newbie here looking to purchase my first TC. I have been doing a lot of research, but finding many conflicting answers/opinions regarding matching campers to trucks. First, here are the specs for my truck:2003 Chevy 1500 HD 4x4 Crew Cab, 6.5' bed, 6.0, 4L80 transmission, 3.73 gears,4 wheel disc brakes, E-rated tires, Quadrasteer, 8600 lb. GVWR, 4410 lb. Front axle, and 6000 lb. rear axle. From my understanding, the "1500" badge is misleading to most, as it actually specs out nearly the same as a 2500 non-HD.IF my truck is capable I would like to find a hard side camper with all the amenities including a wet bath. I am looking at used (under 8K). I like the thought of the Lance Lite 815 (2003 model 1695 lbs.). I also found a nearly new 2005 Mountain Star by Travel Lite model 890R (1760 lbs.). There will only be 2 of us at most camping, but I will be towing a bass boat (maybe 250 lbs. tongue weight?). The sticker in my glove box says my "cargo rating" for a truck camper is 1731 lbs. This seems light unless GM is allowing for a huge "fudge factor". I haven't weighed my truck yet, but Google says I am about 5800 lbs. If I have a GVWR of 8600, shouldn't my "payload capacity" be 2800 lbs.? Of course, I know that you have to factor in all passengers, gear, tongue weight of boat, etc. (1000 lbs.?).Any thoughts on what campers would be a good safe match for what I am trying to do? Also, what sort of equipment am I going to need in terms of tie downs, suspension help, etc. Any info and insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

Welcome to the forum.I hate to be the first to rain on your parade. But the rig you're considering is too heavy for the specs of your truck--and that's without towing the boat. There are few campers that are light enough for your truck. Keep in mind that wet weight will exceed dry weight by 500 to 1000 lbs. You might consider a Four Wheel or a Phoenix.If your mind is set on having the amenities you cite, you might want to consider a travel trailer. Your truck can tow a lot heavier trailer than the TC it can carry. But if you're towing a trailer, towing a boat might be a bit of a problem.This is not to say there aren't lots of TCs out there that far exceed the payload of the truck. And many will say that's just fine. But I am not one of them.

I had the same truck bought new in 2003 and pulled 2003 Terry Dakota 28 ft 5ther 5800 lb emptys. My son has the rig now. Max towing is 8000 lbs , rated 3/4 ton 8 lug 10 ply tires 6.0 engine, grate truck for pulling . Look at ultra lights.

Welcome to the Forum. You have ask a question that is ask many times. It is unfortunate, but you will probably get lots of negative post, not necessary informative. Fact is, very few if any TCs will satisfy your requirements.Hopefully, the responses will not be lectures on safety, but specific to the questions you ask. Before you post please note the OPs question:Any thoughts on what campers would be a good safe match for what I am trying to do? Also, what sort of equipment am I going to need in terms of tie downs, suspension help, etc.Off Topic posts may be edited or deleted.WayneModerator

Soooooo, how exactly do you figure what size truck camper one can haul? I was under the impression it all had to do with your payload capacity and axle ratings? If people, gear, camper, and tongue weight of the trailer is all under the payload capacity I thought you are good to go? Also, a bumper pull is not an option as I will be towing a boat 90% of the time I camp.

Newbie trying to match a TC to my 1500 HD | Good Sam Community

87 Replies

Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Aug 11, 2015
weigh the truck with a full tank of fuel at a cat scale and get a per axle weight. take your tires max load x2 and subtract the scaled rear axle weight. that is what you can carry with your current set up in the bed, regardless of what the MFG sticker in the door frame says. Go from there. Remember the true camper weight will be between 500 and 1000 pounds heavier than the mfg sticker once you add in gear food water propane and batteries.
tonymull
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015
Find the tongue weight of the boat, that will be deducted from your payload. Those glove box stickers always seem low, but get a real weight for your truck. If you assume it IS 2800, which I think is unlikely, deduct the weight of passengers and all your gear...pile it all in the truck and go get weighed. Then you can look at campers. Or you can just guess at 1000lbs for gear and two passengers. That'll put you looking at campers around 1500lbs and you will find there are very few. Many folks base the payload on the axle ratings and upgrade tires and wheels to match that...Good luck!
TN_Sportsman
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015
Soooooo, how exactly do you figure what size truck camper one can haul? I was under the impression it all had to do with your payload capacity and axle ratings? If people, gear, camper, and tongue weight of the trailer is all under the payload capacity I thought you are good to go? Also, a bumper pull is not an option as I will be towing a boat 90% of the time I camp.
Reddog1
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2015
Welcome to the Forum.

You have ask a question that is ask many times. It is unfortunate, but you will probably get lots of negative post, not necessary informative. Fact is, very few if any TCs will satisfy your requirements.

Hopefully, the responses will not be lectures on safety, but specific to the questions you ask.

Before you post please note the OPs question:

Any thoughts on what campers would be a good safe match for what I am trying to do? Also, what sort of equipment am I going to need in terms of tie downs, suspension help, etc.

Off Topic posts may be edited or deleted.

Wayne
Moderator
debraindi
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015
I had the same truck bought new in 2003 and pulled 2003 Terry Dakota 28 ft 5ther 5800 lb emptys. My son has the rig now. Max towing is 8000 lbs , rated 3/4 ton 8 lug 10 ply tires 6.0 engine, grate truck for pulling . Look at ultra lights.
newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2015
here we go again:S
hedgehopper
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015
Welcome to the forum.

I hate to be the first to rain on your parade. But the rig you're considering is too heavy for the specs of your truck--and that's without towing the boat. There are few campers that are light enough for your truck. Keep in mind that wet weight will exceed dry weight by 500 to 1000 lbs. You might consider a Four Wheel or a Phoenix.

If your mind is set on having the amenities you cite, you might want to consider a travel trailer. Your truck can tow a lot heavier trailer than the TC it can carry. But if you're towing a trailer, towing a boat might be a bit of a problem.

This is not to say there aren't lots of TCs out there that far exceed the payload of the truck. And many will say that's just fine. But I am not one of them.

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Newbie trying to match a TC to my 1500 HD

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