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Zondebok's avatar
Zondebok
Explorer
Jul 14, 2026

Help with purchasing - Truck + Camper that can still tow

Hello, 

I am looking at purchasing a truck + camper for use at the race track, but I will still also need to tow the car out there. I found a truck + camper locally, but I'm not sure on how much GVWR will be left for towing, passengers, gear, etc.  I'll include the details below.

My concern is that I'll need to tow a 16ft flatbed and race car (currently a small car, but could be a bit larger in the future) Tongue weight probably in the 500-600 lb range . 

What I can't figure out is how much the camper will weigh ready to camp.  Even the dry numbers I've found are pretty different depending on where you look . 

Anyone have an idea of whether this is going to be a feasible plan or not ? The truck/camper are not too far, but still a 90 minute drive each way,  or so, so I'd like to have a good idea before I go look at it . 

I appreciate any input ,  as I'm a bit out of my depth here . 

 

 

Truck: 2005 Ford F350 Super Duty Crew Cab · XLT Pickup 4D 8 ft (GVWR verified 11500)

 https://www.facebook.com/share/17ebc8Yo9e/

"2005 F-350 XLT floor shift 4x4 with manual hubs. NO CANOPY WITH IT. Has a lot of work done to it. Just put a brand new set of Toyo ATs on it (29570R18). Have the paper work for when the head gaskets, head studs, EGR delete and all that was done. Has the blue spring kit installed, new rancho shocks all around, happijac camper tie downs, 2 new alternators, new batteries, custom seat covers, New thermostat, water pump and heater core not to long ago. Suspension is in great shape. Has had the oil changed every 5,000 miles and fuel filters every 10,000. Has been an awesome truck, towing, commuting and everything. No major break downs or issues in the 6 years I have had it. Air bags in the rear. Will sell truck and camper as a package."

Camper: 1998 Fleetwood Caribou 11J

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dwaaf2N17/

" Everything works, other than the fridge on electric. It’s clean and well taken care of for its age. It’s a big camper so will need a 1 ton with air bags. Electric jacks, slider front window, 40 gal fresh water tank, AC unit does AC and heat off electricity, no leaks inside or out.will sell truck wil as a packaged deal. "

 

 

 

 

10 Replies

  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Trailblazer
    Jul 15, 2026

    To do it right you'll need to know the weight of the camper, the weight of the trailer with car and everything loaded - fuel, people, gear, water, food etc. Subtract this from the GCWR of the truck. Without knowing any of the above my guess is you'll be way over the limit. It's not just springs and tires. It's transmission, engine, frame, brakes etc. 

    • StirCrazy's avatar
      StirCrazy
      Moderator
      Jul 16, 2026

      I don't think I would worry so much about engine trans and brakes, well maybe a bit with the brakes, but for them your just going to end up changing them out more often.  engine and trans, towing the big trailers and 5th wheels work the engine and trans way way harder than having it loaded up with cargo to the capacity, or a little beyond.  I notice it big time when towing my 5th wheel then switching to the truck camper, I can only run the 35hp tune on my truck when towing the 5th in the mountians, with the truck camper I can run a 100 hp tune.  also before the tunes, I get way way better fuel milage hauling the truck camper than towing the 5th, and the trans doesnt get as warm climbing hills.  And, believe it or not it, actual braking is better also. 

      to me the most important thing your going to hit is the limit of the tires.  

      • way2roll's avatar
        way2roll
        Trailblazer
        Jul 16, 2026

        It's a 21 year old truck. I'd be concerned with everything I mentioned. 

    • Zondebok's avatar
      Zondebok
      Explorer
      Jul 15, 2026

      Yeah, that's kind of the feeling that I have been having. He doesn't know those numbers, and I can't find a good way to estimate them. I'll probably just have to pass until I find something more suitable. Thanks for the help! 

      • StirCrazy's avatar
        StirCrazy
        Moderator
        Jul 16, 2026

        I would concentrate on finding a good truck first.  if you can find a good used dualy for a reasonable price then pickign a camper after that is easy. heck if you have the dualy you could even go into a dealer and find a good camper for relitivly cheep, I was surprised how cheep I got mine for on sale and 2 years used.  its always easier if you have more truck and can just load up almost anything you like and take it home. 

  • MORSNOW's avatar
    MORSNOW
    Navigator III
    Jul 15, 2026

    Being a single rear wheel drive (SRW) truck, you will be very limited to a small truck camper to tow a heavy car hauler trailer.  You'll really need a dually for that chore. 

    • Zondebok's avatar
      Zondebok
      Explorer
      Jul 15, 2026

      The trailer isn't super heavy (under 5k lbs fully loaded), but I am just worried that the camper is already a lot for the truck. 

      Was happy to see the bulletproof work, so was hoping people with more experience would tell me I'm worried about nothing, but I'd still rather hear the hard truth than find out by buying it . 

  • StirCrazy's avatar
    StirCrazy
    Moderator
    Jul 15, 2026

    in my opinion that camper will max out the truck and leave no leagle room for towing your car trailer.  in the add it says it need a 1 ton with air bags, if a 1 ton needs airbags it it pretty much maxed out or beyond.  idealy if you want to haul a car trailer with that camper you would be looking for a dual rear wheel 1 ton truck.  

    • Zondebok's avatar
      Zondebok
      Explorer
      Jul 15, 2026

      Yeah, that's exactly what I was afraid of. Thanks for confirming. 

  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Jul 14, 2026

    You can make it work if you upgrade to 245/70r19.5 tires on 19.5" rims but stock will be overloaded on LT tires once you add the trailer tongue weight to that SRW truck. You will need make sure the truck has a SuperHitch reciever and double truss extension to tow behind the camper.

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