I am new to truck campers. I dont have one yet but am looking to get one soon. I fish alot so that is my reason for getting one so I can pull my 16' aluminum boat with 30 HP motor. The boat, motor and trailer combined weigh about 1500 lbs and I weighed the tongue weight at 180 lbs.I have my eye on a popup truck camper that weighs 1500 lbs dry (according to the spec sheet) and Im figuring it will weigh about 2300 lbs after I count water, food, gear, dog, etc.Here's my dilema...I need a truck too and I want to get a 1500 series truck (1/2 ton) but the highest payload I can find is the F150 at about 2200 lbs. The Chevy Silverado is about 1900 lbs payload. The price jump to a 2500 series is quite alot. So if Im slightly over by say 100-200 lbs, is this a big deal? I do realize the limitations with a 1500 series about not being able to upgrade the camper in the future. Does anyone out there pull a boat with a similar setup that I described? Thanks much.

Forget about published payloads. A truck needs to be loaded with passengers, pets, fuel, and all the stuff you'll carry and driven to the nearest scales (CAT scales are the most common... found at many - if not most - truck stops). Weigh the truck. You'll get front and rear axle weights along with a total weight. Subtract those weights from the weight capacities on the door sticker. And remember - it's not just about pulling; it's about stability and stopping, as well.Rob

Any 1/2 ton will be over GCVW. You will be better off with the 3/4 ton.

There are higher payload capacity F150s but it has been mentioned on this forum many, many times that to find one of those, it will need to be ordered. 2017 F-150 Specifications. To get the highest payload, chances are you may need to compromise and not go with a crew cab, 4x4, LB and all the nice options. You will probably also be in 3/4 ton $$$ area also. So, does it make sense is the question you will need to answer yourself.Honestly, you were given a good amount of information in the Tundra thread and now it seems you are only looking for someone to justify what you seem intent on doing anyway... happens on this forum a lot. Certainly not a very nice thing for me to point out but that is the way it appears to me.

Also forget the published camper weight. Don't just read the manufacturers' claims, search around a bit and see how heavy they are when actually scaled ready to go by owners. They always end up a lot heavier! And yes I said always!It's really simple. A half ton is the wrong choice for camper duty, you'll wish you had something stouter. The salesman may tell you whatever you want to hear. This place is full of guys who own and use these things, a good percentage of us have had many camper/truck combos. We will give it to you straight, we aren't trying to sell you anything.

Nope, wouldn't do it. 3/4 ton or better.

Truck camper, towing a boat and payloads | Good Sam Community

34 Replies

burningman
Explorer II
Oct 22, 2016
Also forget the published camper weight. Don't just read the manufacturers' claims, search around a bit and see how heavy they are when actually scaled ready to go by owners. They always end up a lot heavier! And yes I said always!
It's really simple. A half ton is the wrong choice for camper duty, you'll wish you had something stouter.
The salesman may tell you whatever you want to hear. This place is full of guys who own and use these things, a good percentage of us have had many camper/truck combos. We will give it to you straight, we aren't trying to sell you anything.
RedRocket204
Explorer
Oct 22, 2016
There are higher payload capacity F150s but it has been mentioned on this forum many, many times that to find one of those, it will need to be ordered. 2017 F-150 Specifications. To get the highest payload, chances are you may need to compromise and not go with a crew cab, 4x4, LB and all the nice options. You will probably also be in 3/4 ton $$$ area also. So, does it make sense is the question you will need to answer yourself.

Honestly, you were given a good amount of information in the Tundra thread and now it seems you are only looking for someone to justify what you seem intent on doing anyway... happens on this forum a lot. Certainly not a very nice thing for me to point out but that is the way it appears to me.
eHoefler
Explorer II
Oct 22, 2016
Any 1/2 ton will be over GCVW. You will be better off with the 3/4 ton.
Second_Chance
Explorer II
Oct 22, 2016
Forget about published payloads. A truck needs to be loaded with passengers, pets, fuel, and all the stuff you'll carry and driven to the nearest scales (CAT scales are the most common... found at many - if not most - truck stops). Weigh the truck. You'll get front and rear axle weights along with a total weight. Subtract those weights from the weight capacities on the door sticker. And remember - it's not just about pulling; it's about stability and stopping, as well.

Rob

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Truck camper, towing a boat and payloads

34 Replies

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