New to truck camping

[scubaman54]

We have been rv-ing for 5 years in a 5th wheel and would like to move to a truck camper but are unsure where to begin. We have a Ram 2500 with a 6.7ltr diesel but only 2 wheel drive. It is a crew cab with an 8 foot bed. Which truck campers should we consider.

[sabconsulting]

The crew cab and diesel will be eating into the available payload you have, so as suggested above I recommend you get the truck weighed and work out what payload you have to play with, then when you look at campers (even if you just start looking on-line) you can see what their weight is and compare to your payload. bear in mind that if the manufacturer lists the 'dry weight' then you will need to add a lot of weight to that for water, food, gear, accessories, etc.

Of course, it might be that the campers you see that are acceptable from a weight perspective are not what you want, meaning a truck upgrade. In that case you probably need to think carefully about your needs when camping. In fact you should probably do that anyway. Do you want something large, spacious and luxurious?, something compact and rugged you can get out into the back woods with?, something in between?, how many people will sleep in it?, what sort of climates will you be camping in?, What do you want to take with you (e.g. kayaks, motorbike and so on)?, would you prefer to move on each night or two, or would you prefer to park it up for a week in one place?, etc. If you get a clear picture of the sort of use you will put the camper to then it will really help your choice.

Steve.

[Gaetan]

Scubaman54
If you look at my setup you will see that with an 8' bed you can carry a fair size camper
I have a northernlite 10' about 2500pd and it runs like a charm, a lot more fun than towing a 5th wheel, you go any where the truck goes, enjoy
Gaetan

[Reddog1]

Welcome to the Forum. I found nothing if you signature giving any information on what you have. This makes it a bit difficult to give advice.

Having a 2 wheel drive can give you more options on TCs, as it pertains to weight. Also worthy of note is your attitude toward the numbers on your door sticker. If you prefer to not exceed them that will impact your load capacity greatly. If you are willing to upgrade your truck, that too can impact your TC choices. Without a signature stating what you have, your question is wide open.

Which truck campers you should consider is not a real valid question. Most manufactures have a model for any application. I suggest you complete your signature, state if you do or do not want a slide, how big (length) of a TC you want, and if you are or are not willing to go outside the numbers on your door decal.

Personally, with the exception of the tires, I ignore the door decal. I am of the belief the tires and wheels are the major limiting factor on load capacities of a given truck. I base this on about 34 years of TC experience with several trucks and TCs. Other than tire failure, I have never had a problem with any of my setups.

I have had my present truck and TC since 2004, and have had no issues related to weight or length of my TC. I have a 1996 Dodge DSL, 2WD with a 4200 pound Bigfoot TC. My total weight (truck/TC) fully loaded is 10,400 lbs.

Wayne

[KD4UPL]

Artum has the size about right.
Take your truck to a scale loaded with fuel and passengers and weigh the rear axle. Subtract that weight from the RAWR on your door sticker. This is how much additional weight your rear axle can carry. Most people figure about 1,000 pounds less than that for the camper's dry weight. This will allow room for you to add water, propane, food, dishes, clothes, etc.
I'll warn you now, you'll probably be disappointed with the size campers this puts you in. If you were thinking of 11' campers with multiple slides they're too heavy.

[Artum_Snowbird]

You could consider most units up to 9.5 feet without a slide, or single slide units up to 8.5 feet. After looking at those, check through the T/C section and see how owners beef up their truck to carry more.

What goes in the truck is also part of your carrying capacity, so if you have extra passengers or pets behind the front seat, a few hundred extra pounds there really cuts down the payload.