I am researching buying a pickup and camper to ride in bed.Most of the camper manufacturers say a 3/4 ton pickup is fine for the campers I want to carry, however some of the truck manufacturers claim that their maximum payload is 2800 with a 4x4 and extended cab like I want. Sounds like lots of people carry with a 3/4 ton, but don't like the ride so eventually upgrade to a 1 ton.What is your experience with these vehicles?How would owning/maintenance expenses vary between the 2 pickups?Gas mileage? Driv-ability?I'm on a limited budget, so buying a 1 ton means it has closer to 150k miles on it, where I could find a 3/4 ton with about 100k miles.

After carrying a TC in a 3/4T I would say both of those are too light. It may have the capacity to carry it but it's not comfortable or safe feeling.A 1T truck doesn't cost or ride that much different and gives you a huge choice of campers and much better driving manners when loaded.

Recommend you seriously consider the 3/4. My progression was 1/2T, 3/4T and now 1T. The 1/2T pulled our TT OK at the time, but the 3/4T handled it MUCH better. Of course that gave us the opportunity to upgrade...etc...same old story :)Mileage on the 3/4 depends on the engine, if same as 1/2 you should get same mileage; but you might choose to get a more powerful engine and hence have poorer mileage. Repairs etc will cost more on the 3/4 because everything is beefier, my experience was that many parts (ie brakes) lasted longer too though.

It's all about "payload". Most 1/2 ton pickups only have about 1500 lbs of available payload. This includes anything that goes on or in the truck.....anything....including you, passengers, equipment, tools...etc.Most 3/4 ton pickups only have about 2000 to 2500 lbs of available payload.Find the camper you want and determine what it will weigh when loaded with food, water, linens, eating paraphernalia, clothes....etc. Then compare that with the payload capacity of the truck of your choice.Good luckRon

I always advise to go with the highest capacity truck you can afford. You want to be as safe as possible so don't skimp.I drove a 1 ton dually crew cab long bed (without camper) for several years as my daily commuter. My commute was 24 miles into and out of Downtown Los Angeles during morning & afternoon rush hours. I liked having the roomy cab while stuck in bumper to bumper traffic. In addition, cars tended to move out of my way once they spotted me in their rear view mirror.Fuel mileage was 9-10MPG empty and 7-8 MPG loaded at 55MPH or 6-7 MPG at 70 MPH.The commute ride quality wasn't bad as long as the road wasn't bumpy.

You should be in the TC forum.1/2 to 3/4 difference1/2 to 3/4 again1/2 to 3/4 again again

Ok - this decision has changed to 3/4 ton or 1 ton?

ScottG
Nomad
Nov 21, 2014
After carrying a TC in a 3/4T I would say both of those are too light. It may have the capacity to carry it but it's not comfortable or safe feeling.
A 1T truck doesn't cost or ride that much different and gives you a huge choice of campers and much better driving manners when loaded.
MNRon
Explorer
Nov 21, 2014
Recommend you seriously consider the 3/4. My progression was 1/2T, 3/4T and now 1T. The 1/2T pulled our TT OK at the time, but the 3/4T handled it MUCH better. Of course that gave us the opportunity to upgrade...etc...same old story :)

Mileage on the 3/4 depends on the engine, if same as 1/2 you should get same mileage; but you might choose to get a more powerful engine and hence have poorer mileage. Repairs etc will cost more on the 3/4 because everything is beefier, my experience was that many parts (ie brakes) lasted longer too though.
lanerd
Explorer II
Nov 21, 2014
It's all about "payload". Most 1/2 ton pickups only have about 1500 lbs of available payload. This includes anything that goes on or in the truck.....anything....including you, passengers, equipment, tools...etc.

Most 3/4 ton pickups only have about 2000 to 2500 lbs of available payload.

Find the camper you want and determine what it will weigh when loaded with food, water, linens, eating paraphernalia, clothes....etc. Then compare that with the payload capacity of the truck of your choice.

Good luck

Ron
the_bear_II
Explorer
Nov 21, 2014
I always advise to go with the highest capacity truck you can afford. You want to be as safe as possible so don't skimp.

I drove a 1 ton dually crew cab long bed (without camper) for several years as my daily commuter. My commute was 24 miles into and out of Downtown Los Angeles during morning & afternoon rush hours. I liked having the roomy cab while stuck in bumper to bumper traffic. In addition, cars tended to move out of my way once they spotted me in their rear view mirror.

Fuel mileage was 9-10MPG empty and 7-8 MPG loaded at 55MPH or 6-7 MPG at 70 MPH.

The commute ride quality wasn't bad as long as the road wasn't bumpy.
2oldman
Explorer II
Nov 21, 2014
You should be in the TC forum.

1/2 to 3/4 difference
1/2 to 3/4 again
1/2 to 3/4 again again
ruthiebaby88
Explorer
Nov 21, 2014
thanks oldman - I read those links, but sounds like they are mostly talking about towing as opposed to pickup camper in camper bed

I would imagine that how you are moving your camper makes a difference?
ruthiebaby88
Explorer
Nov 21, 2014
Thanks everyone.

Just wondering to get a lighter trailer to get better mpg and save money on truck/camper

or get a hardside camper - think I will need 3/4 ton for that but better for winter camping
BenK
Explorer
Nov 21, 2014
Also, there are over 15 different 'half tons' out there

Which 'half ton' are you talking about?

There is a fake half ton made just for folks who insist on only owning a 'half ton'

Check that class of 'half ton' out

It is a 'half ton' with a +8K GVWR

The little and regular 'half ton' has RGAWR in the +4K lbs.

The 'fake half ton' has a RGAWR in the +6K lbs...some refer to them
as the "HD" version. Some even look at the number of wheel lug
nuts...7 or 8 vs the little/regular half ton's with 5 or 6
ruthiebaby88
Explorer
Nov 21, 2014
Hm - I was intending on getting 1 of the 6 models prescribed by truck camper magazine - checking the payload of each used one i can find

Toyota Tundra, Ford F150, Chevy Silverado, Nissan Tritan, GMC Sierra or Dodge Ram

So a fake 1/2 ton is better? Hmm good lug nut trick thanks.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Nov 21, 2014
ruthiebaby88 wrote:
Hm - I was intending on getting 1 of the 6 models prescribed by truck camper magazine - checking the payload of each used one i can find

Toyota Tundra, Ford F150, Chevy Silverado, Nissan Tritan, GMC Sierra or Dodge Ram

So a fake 1/2 ton is better? Hmm good lug nut trick thanks.

I think what Ben was referring to is Ford makes a HD 1/2 ton model that is very close to a 3/4 ton. Most 1/2 tons in standard models have the lower payload, lower rear axle rating, etc.

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Ok - this decision has changed to 3/4 ton or 1 ton?

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