Somehow these sorts of discussions seem to relate to differences of opinion. I see it more as a matter of math. If you start with a 3000# camper, addons can take the camper to over 4000#. For most SRW that will push the ccc and can overload the rear tires. I guess that can be a matter of opinion. Some people may not have an issue exceeding tire capacity by 10 or 20%.
That roughly 1000# a dealer would call "personal" items can vary a lot depending on how the camper is used. It can also vary based on the specs from the manufacturer. The base specs from my vendor did not include solar, several hundred pounds for an "extended" cab, and it also left off the weight of accessories such as the microwave and awnings.
When sizing the truck it is important to determine the loaded, wet weight for camping. If the use is traveling 20 miles to a lake for the weekend needs will be different than traveling longer distances for extended periods. Either way it is easy to grossly underestimate weights. Food is heavy so are lawn chairs, tables, BBQ grill, generator, tools, a tire inflator, Torqlift brackets and tiedowns. Even an upgraded foam mattress can add 100#. I am also amazed that many RVers somehow forget to add a few hundred more pounds for the weight of the driver and passengers.
