Truck camper payload question?
I have a truck camper payload question. If this is the wrong forum, I apologize in advance. I also posted this in the truck forum. We recently put a deposit down on a flatbed Northstar Escape Pod ...
Forum Discussion
Almost ALL of the camper's loaded wet weight is carried by the truck's rear axle. Most bigger campers have their center of gravity located not very far ahead of the truck's rear axle. Then most of the storage areas are toward the rear of the camper, so weight of gear loaded in camper ends up behind the truck's axle. This moves the actual, fully loaded center of gravity position further to the rear, than stated by the camper manufacturer.
So, assume that all of the campers loaded weight is carried by the rear axle and add that loaded camper weight number to whatever the empty truck's rear axle weighs (minimum 3000 lbs), and that is the minimum the truck's loaded rear axle will weigh.
If you pull a trailer, the trailer's tongue weight is also carried by the truck's rear axle.
Also, realize that weight of people and gear in the cab of the truck is carried partially by the rear axle and partially by the front axle, since the cab is positioned between both axles.
So, assume that all of the campers loaded weight is carried by the rear axle and add that loaded camper weight number to whatever the empty truck's rear axle weighs (minimum 3000 lbs), and that is the minimum the truck's loaded rear axle will weigh.
If you pull a trailer, the trailer's tongue weight is also carried by the truck's rear axle.
Also, realize that weight of people and gear in the cab of the truck is carried partially by the rear axle and partially by the front axle, since the cab is positioned between both axles.
