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analog's avatar
analog
Explorer
Apr 06, 2015

Summerwind 811S weight

Hi just picked up a 2002 Summerwind 811S camper. It is the long bed version. I'm concerned about the weight and am wondering if anyone else on this board owns an 811S that I can compare weights with.

I weighed my truck before camper (with about 1/4 tank diesel):

Front Axle: 4650 lbs
Rear Axle: 3100 lbs

Then, I weighed with the camper (with about 7/8 tank diesel):
Front Axle: 4950
Rear Axle: 6500

The H2O tank was nearly empty, and the holding tank about 1/2 full. No other supplies on-board. From what it seems, this camper added 3500 lbs to my truck! From what I've been able to find, it should weigh around 2500 lbs wet.

That's quite a discrepancy. Can anyone help explain the extra 1000 lbs? The camper doesn't appear to have any major things added to it. It has factory A/C and a small microwave.

My truck is a 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 SRW with 5.9 Cummins.
Truck Campers
  • analog's avatar
    analog
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2015
    Thank you for the answers and weights I can compare to. The as-built weight sticker isn't there that I can find. I assume it was on the cabinet door above the range hood which was removed to make way for the microwave.

    Overall, this is a very nice camper and well built. I'll keep it, but I'm disappointed that the weight is so much more than the listed "wet" weight. I'm getting new tires tomorrow (Nitto Dura Grappler) which have a few hundred pounds of capacity more than my current Michelin AT2. That will get me enough capacity for my needs.

    I'm coming from a 1971 Kit Camper, so this Summerwind is quite an upgrade!
  • AnEv942's avatar
    AnEv942
    Nomad
    Apr 10, 2015
    I assume the as built weight sticker has been removed? Summerwind was pretty good at giving real weights. The brochure weights, dry or wet, still reflect camper with NO options. Elec jacks, AirC, awnings, microwave, generator etc. Though 1000# seems high on 811. That would include tiedowns etc (diesel fuel @~7# per gal)what you load with camper. Bottom line though is scale weights.

    We seriously were looking at a S/W 911S-really nice camper, but the real optioned out weight numbers put it out of our range. But it was an expected 3500# plus gear, Your 811 weights kinda puzzling. Irregardless if thats what it weighs...its addressing
  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Apr 10, 2015
    Welcome to reality vs the dream world of MFG list weight. Now check what your tires max load is. I think you will find that you are getting really close or over the limit with no gear on board. This is why you will see so many of us spending $3-5k to convert over to 19.5 wheel and tire size just to avoid the possibility of a overweight induced blow out.
  • Terrick_down_Un's avatar
    Terrick_down_Un
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2015
    G'day, we have a 2002 model 911S with a couple of options. Ours weighs in at 2759 when empty...we usually have an extra 500 pounds of "got to haves".
    So if you balance between ours and Itchey feet, you should get a good idea.
    Enjoy
  • Itchey_Feet's avatar
    Itchey_Feet
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2015
    Mine was built in 99, came W/ microwave and elec. jacks -- real basic -- weight around 2400#
  • Surf_Ram's avatar
    Surf_Ram
    Explorer
    Apr 06, 2015
    I own a Summerwind 811S with the slide and it weighs close to your camper at 3350 empty. The specs are very optomistic with any camper, I have found them to weigh more. The spec is dry weight with zero options, then add the weight of the options.
  • Itchey_Feet's avatar
    Itchey_Feet
    Explorer
    Apr 06, 2015
    Might try putting "Summerwind" in the search box @ top, may find your answer there or have the name of someone who has one like yours.

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