picking a truck camper
I am doing my research and need the assistance of the truck camper forum specialists. I have been an RVer for quite sometime but truck campers are a new animal for me. This camper would be in addit...
Forum Discussion
JaredWPhillips wrote:
They are pricey, but look up Livin Lite truck campers. All aluminum, lightweight. I'd love to have one.
They are not that light. The frame and side skins are aluminum but you still have the floor and inner sections and cabinets and appliances and holding tanks. They are only 10% lighter than a comparable Lance and 10% heavier than the Wolfe Creek 840/850 campers. Camplite 10.0 at 2290 dry weight versus Wolf Creek 840 at 1992 lbs. or 298 lbs. lighter.
As for the payload sticker that the factory put on it is based on the configuration of the truck as it left the factory. The AAM axle and wheel bearings for a 2008 GM Duramax truck is rated at 10,900 lbs. so the tires become the weak link. Go to any dealer's lot and compare trucks and payload ratings and you will see the difference the tires make. The Z package trucks will often have a sticker stating that the 1-ton truck is not to be used to carry a camper at all.
With the Duramax diesel the drivetrain can easily handle a 3500 lb. wet camper weight. The only question is whether the leaf springs need help or the tires need to be upgraded to support the load. Two Nitto/Toyo/BFG tires rated at 3750 or more pounds per tire will provide 7500 lbs. minus 3000 lbs. truck weight leaving a 4500 max payload.
If the law enforcement people are rigorously enforcing the factory sticker weight then the only solution is a DRW truck or going to a Class C motorhome. I would go with the motorhome and dispense with those clowns altogether.
