SkiMore wrote:
Bob,
Thanks for the advice. I find it amazing that your camper is 1500# over the MFG dry weight. Did you add a lot of options? Or, is the posted weight a complete fantasy number? I just went to the lance site and built an 855 with generator and colman9 AC unit. It says 2410# dry plus 223#(options) for a total of 2633#. Do you think that is close to accurate? I know it will weigh more when you add your stuff and fill the tanks.
At this point I'm budgeting. I have looked at various floor plans and am now trying to figure out what truck would work for them. I'd hate to buy a TC and find out I need a 550 (which I can't afford). I'd also hate to buy a basic FWC popup TC only to find out I could have gotten a more featured TC on a reasonable priced truck. Having more truck than I need is better than having too much camper for the truck I buy.
I'm in the learning stage and trying to figure out how to read the specs. I kind of figured I could take posted weight add 1000# and if it was less than the spec on the truck website I'd be in in a position to consider that combination. I know that I can rule out a AF1150 and a Tacoma.
I will pick the TC first then the truck then ask you people for advice before I buy anything.
I was surprised too. Its difficult to weigh the same each time you travel. I really had to trim down to get it to a 1000# over dry wt. rating.
The 855 dry wt. could be 2600-2700 but that seems a little light by 200#. Lance dry wts. are pretty accurate from what im told. I didnt weigh the Lance when i bought it so i really don't know how accurate they are. I think as time goes by and people become more educated in this whole rv thing, the MFG.'s may very well have to start stating somekind of truth regarding weights.
I believe that Northstar actually weighs each unit as it leaves the factory with its options and put on a transport carrier...thats the posted dry wt of that individual camper, like a shipping weight . IMO, thats the way it should be done with nothing to hide. I think if your Northstar is too heavy for you, it's because you loaded it up with too much stuff, that's the way it should be. Hopefully other MFG.'s will follow this method.
My 845 options were about 450# w/o an a/c unit and no genny.
My dry wt.(as posted on the decal was then 2850 or so, i have two awnings, winter package, storm windows , by-pass kit and a few other lightweight options. On a scale, im in the neighborhood of ( + - ) 4k. But, i carry a lot of fishing gear , a sat. antenna / tv / recvr. and a Honda 2000.
When i use my tc as a tc should be used , i pack it with my backpacking gear and remove all the heavy stuff, i can get my weight down ( when i don't load it up like im in a class A MH full timing it :) ).
A 350 will carry most campers. From my experince driving trucks, i think a dually is a more stable platform (foundation) for any camper, especially taller basement models. However some people need a SRW truck for various reasons and choose to go that route . SRW 350's work in a lot of applications.
My intent was to not scare you, only to be aware of weight as well as height regarding crosswind resistance .
You are doing this the right way by asking questions and im sure you'll find what combo fits your needs, you'll be very happy. It's a 'band of brothers' here and there are some real good people to help you make your decision and all are willing to help .
Bob