New to truck campers. Need both Truck and camper recs!

[rvstarter]

Live in Colorado. Currently have only 2wd Hondas. Looking to buy a truck with a compatible camper in mind. Internet browsing has been a lot to take in. Initially I was thinking a used F150 EcoBoost Supercrew with 6.5 ft bed along with a Lance 815 or Lance 825. The more and more I read the less sure am I about the combo, specifically, if the half ton can SAFELY handle such a camper. I have no pulling/work needs for the truck which makes me timid to make the jump to a 3/4 ton. My general day- to-day needs are well within a 1/2 ton pickup minus a possible truck camper. Want something that can ideally sleep 5. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Looking to make a smart long term purchase!

[fishorgolf]

Sounds to me a pull trailer would better fit your needs. My camper is on the bigger side and I wouldn't want 5 of us, even if 3 were kids in it at one time except maybe once a year. Pull trailer will let you get away with a smaller PU, have fun shopping, Grant.

[KD4UPL]

I started with a pop-up camper on a 1/2 ton. It was over loaded with no body in the truck. I went to an 11' non-slide camper on a 3500 SRW it was over GVWR but not tires or axles. I then put that camper on a 3500 dually, still over the GVWR but not tires or axles. The point it, forget the little 1/2 ton trucks for a TC. Really, a 3500 SRW is the minimum I would consider. With that family you will need a crew cab which makes the truck even heavier and thus less payload. I think if you add up the weight of the camper WITH ALL THE FACTORY OPTIONS, add the weight of water, propane, batteries, and gear, and then add the weight of your family you will be pushing on the GVWR of a 3500 truck.
Most TC owners go by the axle and tire ratings of the truck, not the GVWR. If you try to stay under the GVWR you really will end up with a big truck.

[rvstarter]

Thanks! Yes 3 are kids!

[theoldwizard1]

Concur with SideCar !

Buy a screen room tent for outside space.

I hope 3 of those people are little kids ! By the time the oldest is a teenager you will be shopping for something bigger.

[SidecarFlip]

Forget a 150 anything. That is a soccer mom's grocery getter truck. Get a 3/4 ton or a 1 ton truck and then go camper shopping. Preferrably a 1 ton in the 4x4 flavor.

[Lwiddis]

Buy or select the camper first. Then match a truck to it. Generally a half ton isn’t a truck camper friendly vehicle.