Camper Renovation and Capabilities of a 2007 Tundra Double

[Leftcoastal]

Been keeping an eye out for something used the last 6 months or so in the pop up dept not much available so I'm considering a family reno project and modifying a hard shell. We could use pointers and appreciate any help offered!

First off our Tundra 2wd v8 4.7 is outfitted with class 10 Goodyear Duratrac 275 70 18's. No bump stops or bags yet, but looking at Timbren and Firestones. With the payload cap at 1535lbs we're gonna have to do some shaving.

Main goal is to have a camper that is good for 2-5 day outings within a few hundred miles from spring to fall with my 5yo and my lady. Thinking between 50-80 degree camping. Maybe 6-12 outings a year. We're totally green with truck camping but have camped a good bit over the years.

I'm imagining shaving weight by pulling a decent bit of heavy cabinetry/door faces and replacing with alum framing and/or plastic. We may pull the bathroom.. do people really use these? May pull AC. The real objective is to have a camper with Two beds (cabover queen and small single for 5yo), single propane stove,adequate led lighting, and perhaps a pull out awning or hammock. Step up from tent camping without too many modern accessories.

Still trying to sort out a budget but ideally a used camper under $2k and another $2k in reno.

Found this local and it looks like a good deal. Check out this Slide in camper for $1500 on OfferUp

https://offerup.com/item/detail/819917594/

Check out this 95 Northland camper 12ft everything works title in hand for $1000 on OfferUp

https://offerup.com/item/detail/795212363/

[Kayteg1]

The 1st camper looks out of proportion even on seller's full size truck.
Can you picture it on Tundra?

[ppine]

Modifying a camper to save weight by things like "taking out the bathroom" is not a good idea. You will ruin the value of your unit by modifying it. Better to buy a bigger truck.

[Kayteg1]

You need to become more realistic.
When I don't know the weight of 1st camper, statistically loaded with water and propane we can talk >3000 lb.
The 2nd who is 12 footer will likely overload F350 with SRW.

[Bedlam]

I expect a hollowed out camper shell to weigh 500-750 lbs. You will have to be careful what you add back in to keep within the rear axle rating. You have to take in account the weight of the truck occupants and any gear and supplies you want with you, so your payload capacity will be used up quickly.

I would not choose any camper that extends more than 2' rear of your truck bed. Longer models may not have have the floor support to hang farther off the end and they will also start lifting the front end up on the truck resulting in poor handling.

Think about how you will secure the camper to the truck. Will you bolt the camper floor to the tuck bed with sandwiched plates? Will you use the internal tie downs inside the bed? Will you use frame mounted tie downs with spring loaded turnbuckles? Each of these methods has a price along with pro and cons.

[Geewizard]

I can give you my experience having owned two Tundras which have carried the same camper. The Tundra is NOT a half ton truck.

A PM would be best.

[joerg68]

As you already stated, your official payload is a little over 1500lbs. There are a lot of previous discussions on this forum which camper - if any - can be put on a 150/1500. The consensus seems to be: not a lot. A small, lightweight hardside camper or a popup will work.

I can not access the links you posted (probably because I am not in the US), but here is my comment based on what I can see:
1500-2000$ will not buy you much of a camper. Expect a lot of work and preexisting problems.
I seriously doubt any 12' camper can be put on a half ton crew cab, weight wise. Also you will need a long bed for a camper of this size.
Do not trust any stated weights unless you can verify them on a scale. Almost everything camping is heavier than you think.

You can travel overloaded to a degree. Just know what you are doing and you will be fine. That will not absolve you of (potential, remote) legal consequences, and you can not beat physical reality. Know your axle weights and tire loads, especially in the rear.

Your project sounds like a lot of work. Would you rather travel or build a camper, or do you have time for both?

Yes, many people do use the bathroom. But that question is probably as old as campers are. Some people will never use them, some only in an emergency, some can not imagine using a camper without. We are in the latter group, but there is no right or wrong here, just personal preference.

Best of luck, and safe travels!

Edit: removed Tundra half-ton claim. I was malinformed.