Truck Camper and TT Combo

JimK-NY wrote:

mrgrim007 wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:

mrgrim007 wrote:


So....get bigger wheels and tires?

When I was in this shoes, I read forum replies.
Several members reported that they spend couple thousands dollars on 19.5 wheels another thousand for air bags an compressor, another thousand for this and another thousand for that, finally coming to the point that it is hard to beat dually.
I used other's experience and come to the same conclusion without dropping thousand$$$$ into project.

I agree. I'm pretty much past the TC/TT combo. But I think we're still gonna see if we can make a TC work with our current truck. The one we're looking at says 4,700 wet, which I think we can make work...but we'll be looking at other, lighter options as well. Thanks for you help.

I don't get it. Did you skip grade school math or you just put wishful thinking ahead of the facts?

Your tires, wheels and the rated cargo capacity of the truck put you at about a total rear axle weight of 7200 to 7500. You have 3320 on the rear axle with an empty truck, leaving you 4300. You should not consider a camper with a wet weight that is already 400 over. You will also need to consider any accessories, bedding, clothing, food, kitchen items, etc, etc. Plan on at least 1000 for these items. Also look at the manufacturer's actual specs. That quoted wet weight may not include common accessories such as awnings, solar, microwave, oven, etc.

Yes you need to be looking at TCs that are lighter, much, much lighter. As an example, my Northstar Igloo started with a dry weight of 2300. A second battery, 2 solar panels, a generator, water/propane, awnings, tiedowns, mattress upgrade bumped the weight to about 3500. I travel pretty light but food, kitchen gear, clothing, a few tools and some personal items easily added another 1000. With a 3500 Ram, I am close to max'd out on tires and wheels. I had to add Timbrens and am considering adding Supersprings and upgrading to 19.5 wheels and tires. Remember almost every pound of a camper is going to end up on the rear axle.

Do you have a DRW?

What I've learned from this post is that the limiting factors on my truck are the wheels and tires. The axle is rated at 9,750 lbs. Upgrading to 19.5 wheels/tires would help a lot with safely carrying a heavy TC. This is something that hotshot drivers do to carry heavier loads.

But, I'm going to keep looking for DRW or a much lighter camper. I don't want to sink money into this and end up getting a DRW anyway.

Sounds like you should consider doing the same.