COG of a Northstar 650SC

[thomas201]

My wife bought our first RV, a new fifth wheel, on a whim when we stopped at a RV dealer. That was in 2012, after visiting 48 states, parts of Canada and visiting other folks RVs, she made the right decision. No way to get that lucky twice, so we are now looking at adding a truck camper to the fleet to explore some boonie locations, say the trans Labrador, Dempster and so on.
Lots of discussing and cussing. One possibility is to go minimalist. A Northstar 650SC might work. I want to buy a new SRW, club cab, SB, diesel pick up with an ATI aux tank that is 11 inches thick. I know where I can take this when out doing light 4 wheeling, after having them for company trucks over the past 30 years.
So the math, Northstar claims that with a ½ wrap it will fit a 5’6” bed, so set it back 16”. Now figuring a little better. On a Ford SB the center of the axle is 36” back from the front of the bed. So, ordering with the wrap, Northstar says the center of gravity is 22” back from the front wall. Set it back 14” and the COG is right over the center of the axle. Plenty of room for the 11” tank with a cage (nephew is a welder) around it. Northstar says that with the water tank location; add any water and the COG moves forward. Also, the COG of the load will be forward with the ATI tank, fuel and junk (plus us) in the cab. What am I missing? Will it work? I do not want a DRW, I do not want a LB, I do not want a gas truck, and I do not want to drop the camper on location with a helicopter. I will sometimes trailer a 48 CJ2, or maybe a light sport plane (if my kid decides to part with his half of the loot). I don’t flat tow old jeeps with Ross steering boxes; this would sometimes add about 450# of tongue weight.

Oh, I forgot. I have asked Northstar this question twice and have not received an answer. So, I thought I would try the collective knowledge of this forum. Thanks!

[Kayteg1]

mkirsch wrote:

The COG can literally be ANYWHERE in the bed, and be ok, according to the manufacturer!

And this guy trusted them


Click For Full-Size Image.

[mkirsch]

People don't bother to look at the COG range NUMBERS on the camper loading sticker in the glove box of their truck (or in the owner's manual). They just look at the pictures, and see the narrow black section centered over the wheels, and ASSUME that the COG range is very narrow.

On the last 3 trucks I've owned, the numbers indicate that the front of the COG range is the VERY FRONT of the bed, and the rear of the COG range is the VERY BACK of the bed.

They use complicated terms so it can be confusing, but the front of the COG range is often listed in terms of inches from the REAR of the bed, and the rear of the COG range is listed in terms of inches from the FRONT of the bed.

The COG can literally be ANYWHERE in the bed, and be ok, according to the manufacturer!

[JRS950]

One idea to consider would be a replacement tank for the original. There are a few Mfg of replacement tanks. Extra capacity and camper can be moved forward.

[Grit_dog]

If you are considering that short and light weight of a camper, CoG and overall weight is of ZERO issue in a 3/4 ton truck or larger.
Don’t even entertain the fodder that you will inevitably hear in this thread about calculating weight etc.
You’ve done more than sufficient homework already to determine this is a more than suitable and safe setup.

Sounds like a great adventure rig if you can handle the ultra small space a camper that size affords.

And even if the CoG ends up behind center line of the rear axle, that is also of zero consequence considering the truck you’re planning to haul it with.

[_1Flyboy]

On FB there’s a Truck Camper group; in my opinion do what is SAFE and doesn’t create issues when driving.... We went 3500 LB Dually.......

[Kayteg1]

It is tricky question so don't expect straight answer.
As you figured already- you are to some degree in charge of COG placement.
You fill up water tank - it will move forward, you put case of beer under rear dinette - it will move back.
The biggest hit will be carrying waste water, so how far you can control that?
Seeing Northstar 650SC listed at 1600 lb, you can expect loaded weigh in the range of 2500lb, what either way will add between 2300 and 2700lb on rear axle. Probably way over 3000 lb if you carry waste water in tanks.
Start with finding a pickup who can handle that + whatever you intend to tow.