Forum Discussion

georgiekirschne's avatar
georgiekirschne
Explorer
Aug 01, 2018

Truck Camper VIN Weight vs Scale Weight

Hi all,

I bought a new truck camper last year and noticed that the advertised dry weight, which is also printed on the VIN sticker is significantly lower than the actual dry weight I got when I weighed the camper on a certified cat scale.

The advertised weight is 1385 lbs and the weight I got is 1780 lbs, which is a difference of 395 lbs.

The manufacturer referred me to owner's manual which notes that "the manufacturer reserves the right to discontinue or change specifications at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatsoever. All weights, fuel, liquid capacities, and dimensions are approximate."

Since, I am not impressed with the camper in general and the weight fact seems to my best argument in regards to a warranty return, I was wondering if the weight noted on the VIN sticker is legally binding in any way and/or if anyone else had similar troubles with grossly understated weight values.

Best,

Georgie
Truck Campers

39 Replies

Show More
  • work2much's avatar
    work2much
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2018
    1800 pounds is still a VERY light truck camper. I assume this is a small pop up tent camper?

    Base weights don't include any options. Sometimes that is even the fridge.

    If you want to return it based on deception of labeling or advertising carefully look at their disclaimers for weight. Truck campers are always far heavier than the sticker by the door.
  • burningman's avatar
    burningman
    Explorer II
    Aug 02, 2018
    I can’t believe yours is only that much over the sticker weight.
    There are two big artificial garbage specs in the truck camper world.
    The rated capacity of the trucks (way lower than reality) and manufacturers camper weight claims (also way lower than reality).
  • Tyler0215's avatar
    Tyler0215
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2018
    Don't waste your time and money. The manufacturer has them selves cover ten ways from tomorrow.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Aug 01, 2018
    Lot of times the sticker weigh is for camper with no option. You add AC, extra battery, some water, propane and it will add.
    That said it is not just 395lb of extra weight, but about 30% more than listed.
    I scaled also 400 lb more, but on 4000 lb empty camper.
    I would take a complain to dealer and see what their answer is. If they can't fix it, the lemon law might apply.
    Sure sounds like the case for a lawyer.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2018
    It's normal. You can just about bet that you will never find one that is lighter than the sticker.The approximate word doesn't apply there.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Aug 01, 2018
    Weights as listed using terms like "shipping" or "dry" are totally meaningless. This has been debated all over the forums for years. Most mgs now place a yellow tag somewhere inside usually in a cabinet that is suppose to list the weight as it left the factory. But even that is lacking basics like propane, and battery. None of us seasoned RVers look at the dry weights. As far as warranty return? GOOD LUCK! You have absolutely no basis to return it. If you have warranty issues that a dealer has attempted to repair several times and its still not right, then maybe you might have a legiminate reason to try and rerurn it. But even then, you are likely going to be offered a replacement. Its not what you thought you wanted? Your likely SOL. In that case sell it, take the financial hit and move on. Lesson learned.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,044 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 26, 2025