Camper Tie-down Pros/Cons

notsobigjoe wrote:

JimK-NY wrote:
You have a much bigger issue than just tiedowns. If the info I got from a google search is correct, the payload capacity of your truck is about 1400-1500#. Campers always seem to be much heavier than manufacturer specs would indicate. Plus as a full timer, you will likely have at least an additional 1000# of additional gear including clothing, food, tools, generator, lawn chairs, etc, etc.

Get your new truck before you try to use your camper. When upgrading your truck, make sure it has sufficient capacity to include your plans for pimping it out.

I agree with Jim, The payload is to small. Your towing capacity is huge at 9400 Lbs. but your payload is only 1400 Lbs. here's some spec from a blog I use all the time. Being in the Rockies I'm assuming it's a 4x4.
https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2001-Chevrolet-Silverado+1500-
LT__4x4_Extended_Cab_8_ft._box_157.5_in._WB/specs/

Even if you go with a regular cab it only bumps it up to just under 2000 Lbs.

https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2001-Chevrolet-Silverado+1500-Base__4x4_Regular_Cab_8_ft._box_133_in._WB/pricing/?_contentView=true

You are absolutely thinking clearly with the tie down situation. I wouldn't spend big bucks on a tie down system until the combination of truck and camper is finished. I used bumper/bed mount happijacks for years with no problem and they are easily transferable. Also I think if your super careful with the weight you should be OK. But like Jim said it adds up fast and can blow your socks off when you head to the scales for a weigh in.

What camper did you get?

So I did not understand the importance of payloads vs. towing capacity, but I did know that putting this camper into my truck bed was going to be a stretch.

My plan is to currently get it "home" to a friend's house and store it there while I'm getting everything else set up. The responses in this thread have definitely created a sense of urgency with the truck. I think that by saving on rent, I should be able to finance a truck that fits my needs more and do so quickly. (For the record I hate the idea of financing a vehicle)

That being said, I'm planning on taking the easiest (less mountainous but longer) road home. The camper is in a town 4-5 hours from where I live and I'm budgeting 8 hours to get home with it. Any suggestions or insight that I've overlooked at this point would be greatly appreciated. I'm glad that you and Jim have brought the payload issue to my attention. It's the very reason I wanted to join this forum.

Thank you again,
~Corbo