We think we want to trade the 5'ver for a TC

cjtinkle wrote:
I'm just starting to research this, and I know next to nothing. It would be best if hubby did the research, but I have the time and I'd like to at least narrow it down for him.

We have a 2008 F450 with a GVWR of 14,500. I "think" the payload capacity is 5,380lbs, but we'll need to weigh it to find out for sure.

I'm loving the Adventurer 116DS and the Eagle Cap 1160, but I'm guessing the EC is too heavy for our truck, and maybe the Adventurer is as well. 90% of the time, we wouldn't tow anything, but we would like to tow our Gator occasionally in a 16' featherlight, so there's that to consider.

It's just hubby, myself and one large German Shepherd. Many years ago, we had a small TT that hubby worked out of, with a single slide. It only had a dinette and no sofa, like many of the TC's. He really disliked that and says we'll regret it if we don't get a rear slide with a sofa (or recliners).

I'm concerned about not having full access to the inside with the slides in. I don't mind opening them, but it's my understanding that they should only be opened when on level ground?

How usable are the double slide units for boondocking? Are they too heavy and awkward to take down rougher roads? Parking on the beach? Forest service roads, etc?

Are the manufacturer solar setups worth getting, or is after market preferable?

I have a gazillion questions :) It's a big (or little, lol) move from a 40' quadruple slide 5'ver to a TC!

If your payload really is 5,380 lb then the EC 1160 will probably push you over your GVWR. How important that is to you is something only you can decide (some people only worry about axle weights). You can get real weight estimates here (select the camper line and check the "wet" weight estimate:

Truck Camper Magazine Buyers
guide

Regarding slides. Some people are concerned about getting in with it closed and others say it is simple to slide them out. Personally I think it is a plus but I wouldn't make it the main factor.

I don't think slides are a problem for boondocking except: 1) They add weight and 2) I don't like driver side slides. The problem is you that if you pull off a road or into a parking lot they tend to stick out into the travel path.

As to roads, many people take these units down forest service and rough roads. You are going to be slower than the popup campers and you will not be going rock climbing. Biggest issue is often height, not width.

Some beaches (in the east?) ban DRW. The 19.5 tires you have (i believe) can not be aired down very much so that will be a disadvantage as well. On the other hand Washington and Oregon beaches can be very hard packed and you would drive them without problems.