Purchasing a truck camper dilemma

All my truck/camper combos over the last 25 years have been over GVWR but under axle, wheel and tire ratings.

The GVWR is more of as licensing number. I wouldn't fear putting that Lance on your current truck. You may want to add stableloads or equvilant as well as a sway bar if the truck doesn't have one.

For the money that all this might cost, you could also consider one of these. They are light, short, and a big better perhaps than a camper. You can keep your present truck too.

It's easy to hook up, but gives you the freedom to drop and explore easily.

Have a look. Escape fifth wheel

d3500ram wrote:

ajcc wrote:
...as we don't enjoy the TT as much as we thought we were going to.

I am not a psychologist (but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn before:B)..

...but if you did not enjoy the TT as much, do you really feel that a TC will make the RV'ing experience better? Why did you not like the TT? What aspects of the TC do you think will make it better?

I am not trying to talk you out of a TC... heck I feel it is the best type of RV. Just asking in a respectful and serious way to perhaps offset another wrong purchase or maybe determine if another type might suit you better with your already-purchased vehicle.

There are a few things with the TT I ended up not liking.
- Went too long, 34 Ft (should have probably gone with a 5th wheel at that point)
- I don't enjoy how it feels on the road, was used to our gooseneck horse trailer
- My grandparents are planning on going out west (Montana, Wyoming, etc.) They'll be staying at campsites for only a night as they mostly enjoy sightseeing. I feel like the TT would be a burden compared to a TC.

We also want to explore the US and Canada, and we don't plan at staying at one campsite for an extended period, we'll only stay to rest for a night before continuing on.
We're also considering tent camping either RTT or something like the REI Kingdom.

I don't mind the TT if we're staying at a campsite for an extended period but we're not doing that currently.

ajcc wrote:
...as we don't enjoy the TT as much as we thought we were going to.

I am not a psychologist (but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn before:B)..

...but if you did not enjoy the TT as much, do you really feel that a TC will make the RV'ing experience better? Why did you not like the TT? What aspects of the TC do you think will make it better?

I am not trying to talk you out of a TC... heck I feel it is the best type of RV. Just asking in a respectful and serious way to perhaps offset another wrong purchase or maybe determine if another type might suit you better with your already-purchased vehicle.

Find the camper you need and go from there?

If you are concerned with payload (a hotly debated topic around here), a popup camper will work on your truck, while you probably won't find a current hardwall significantly lighter than the 650.

Either camper will have limitations on what you can use it for. I think the best approach would be to find out what you are planning to do with the camper, where you will be going for how long, which amenities are important, etc. Then you can (maybe) find out which camper is best for you. And then you can see if and how your truck comes into the picture.

A common saying among TCers is "you can't have too much truck". There is some truth to that, but not everyone can fit a duallie truck into their household plannings. But getting the smallest and lightest compromise of a camper may also turn out to be a costly mistake half way down your first trip.Only you can know what makes you happy.