New truck and camper questions

[Christl]

I am looking into purchasing a 2015 GMC Sierra SRW 3500HD 4WD Double Cab Long Box 6.0L gas. Question - Will this vehicle easily carry a Lance 1121 w/Slide without other suspension modifications? The Lance is identified as having a dry weight of 3260lbs so I am assuming I could be on the road at 4000lbs loaded with two persons. The truck comes with Michelin 'E' tires rated at 3520lbs/tire at 80lbs pressure and 51mm twin tube Rancho shocks and 33mm front stabilizer bar. The GVWR is 11,000lbs and the front GAWR is 4800lbs and the rear GAWR is 7050lbs. The payload for the above vehicle is listed as 4300lbs. Any guidance is appreciated here. thanks

[tonymull]

The payload listed @ GM does not include some options. The only way to get your real payload it to look at the door sticker on the truck itself. 3933 is still very good for a SRW. Take a look at some of the lighter Bigfoots or Northern-lites. You'll thank yourself on the road.

[HarryBB]

I would not put an 1121 on an SRW. I have 1121 on 350 DRW and it is just barely enough to make me comfortable. Looking at 450s

[tonymull]

I have the Silverado version of that truck. The payload is 3933. You would be pushing it or over. My camper is only 2700 wet and it drives and handles like a charm, actually better than empty. Back off a few hundred pounds on the camper and you will be happy with the ride. Slides are heavy, they leak, they break. I got a lighter, and older camper, as well as one that ends at the bed because I tow often and didn't want the hassle of an extension and I travel so rough narrow roads. A smaller camper will encourage you to spend time outside...which is the point of camping, is it not?

[campn4walleye]

A lighter Adventurer would work nicely as well.

One problem with TCs and dealerships is that most dealers will say you can carry a heavier rig than is safe. So, always do your homework and run the numbers and ask questions here.

It's an expensive lesson to learn too late.

You're off to a great start.

Good luck in your search and keep us posted on your progress.

[GeoBoy]

I think a Northernlite TC or a Northstar TC would be nice.

[Christl]

Thanks everyone for your quick comments and setting me straight - I am trying to get away from "no extra pounds vacations". Based on that size of truck, what size of truck camper (type and weight) should I be looking at so all that I might have to do is add a set of stable loads on the springs?

[campn4walleye]

I question that weight for that TC. Our 910FBS has a dry weight of 3600#. All loaded we're at 4300#. We upgraded our 3500 SRW to a dually for safety and peace of mind. Our TC travels well, but it's heavy.

That weight could listed before any options are added. Add 1000# for contents, water, people etc, and you'll have to be worried over every extra pound. Not fun.

Lots of people on this forum have the 19.5 tires and rims. They seem to work well but are $$. Add that to your new SRW plus possible other needed mods and you're looking at several thousand dollars in mods.

Something to think about.

[GeoBoy]

I just purchased a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500HD Double Cab dually with the 6.0 gas engine to carry a Arctic Fox 990 with a claimed weight of 3010 lbs., the camper will be 4100 lbs. with options, batteries and propane. You then have to add your personal gear and some water, closer to 5,000 lbs.. The sticker in my glove box says to limit slide-in camper weight to 4913 lbs.. I am adding a set of rear Timbrens to firm up and reduce sway.
I don't believe you will be happy with a large camper with a slide on that truck.

[SugarHillCTD]

Christl,

We had an 855s but upgraded to an Eagle Cap 850.

Any of the short bed campers that have a slideout are going to be heavy.

But our tires (Nitto Dura Grapplers 285/75-17 rated at 3970# each) can handle the weight.

Handles very well.

[jimh406]

It will carry it, but you may not be happy with how it carries it. I think most of the people here are over.

[gregchambers]

I have a 2015 GMC 3500 SRW 4x4 SB. We carry a 2015 855S and are overloaded. Recently upsized tires one size so we are least "about" even with our load. We have the same rear axle capacity you do. 6.0 gas engine is fine but I think you would be better off getting a DRW truck or a smaller camper! The camper will weight much more than the Mfg says it will unless you have an actual weight from previous owners. Recommend checking out Lance Owners of America forum for more info. from similar camper owners.

[famousperson]

We have our 1121 on a 2006 RAM 3500 diesel with DRW (and the camper package). Our GVW is 12000#. I'd hesitate putting it on a truck with SWR. Your truck itself wouldn't have a problem, but the tires might.

Peter

[Boatycall]

Buzzcut1 wrote:
figure on between 7500 and 8000 on the rear axle loaded up. you will need better tires if not an upgrade to 19.5 wheels and tires in the long run

I agree.. Too much for the tires. Either 19.5's or get a DRW.

If you do a google search on Lance 1121, then click 'images', you'll see they're all on dually's.

[Buzzcut1]

figure on between 7500 and 8000 on the rear axle loaded up. you will need better tires if not an upgrade to 19.5 wheels and tires in the long run