picking a truck camper

[maxum1989]

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 addition to the fifth wheel I currently own and would be used for trips where just my son (12) and I would be going. I am looking for any suggestions I could add to my list of possible truck campers.

Current list of possible campers (all short box models)
Lance 825, 830, 865
Bigfoot 15c8.2, 15c9.5, 15c9.3
And maybe Adventurer 86fb, 89rb-both these getting a little heavy.

My truck is a 2008 2500hd Silverado crew cab 4x4 short box duramax.

Some concerns I have all relate to weight (which I assume is common). I would be pushing the numbers on any of these campers but I am willing to take the shot and give it a try. I know at least one on the list isn't made any more but used is fine so discontinued models are fine to suggest.
So, any models that anyone can suggest that are similar in size and weight to the above list would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

One thing I should add. I already have Nitto terra grappler tires with a 3750 weight rating already. Lucky break. I put those on last year just because I liked the look. Seems they are a popular tire for the truck camper crowd.

[wintersun]

In addition to the Lance models mentioned the 845, 855, and 855S are in the same weight range as the 830.

With the 2500HD the limiting factors are the rear leaf springs which you can address very easily with a set of Supersprings, and the rear wheels.

If you get a camper with a dry weight of around 2700 lbs. fully equipped then it will be around 3500 lbs. full loaded for a trip. If your truck at the rear axle weighs 3200 lbs. (with the tie-downs mounted and the new Supersprings) then the total load on the rear wheels will be 3500 + 3200 or 6700 lbs.

Most factory tires are rated for 3200 lbs. or less. The two tires at the rear provide 6400 lbs. or less of load capacity. There are tires from Nitto, BFG, and Toyo, that will provide 3750 or more per tire and at least 7500 lbs. at the rear axle (which is where 95% of the camper's weight is carried).

Costs for your truck are the 4 new tires, a set of Supersprings, a set of tie-downs and turnbuckles, and the wiring harness for the camper along with a fuse and isolator (keeps the camper from drawing down the truck's starter battery).

Not a lot more to it than that. If you stay with campers that have a sticker weight of 2700 lbs. or less you will be fine. More than that and you will need 19.5 rims and tires at a cost of around $3500. The lighter the camper the more other stuff you can carry on your trips.

[Royals_Fan]

dadwolf2 wrote:
So...you picked the Lance 825? Congratulations! If it works for you and you like it, that's what counts.

Exactly! Enjoy!

[dadwolf2]

So...you picked the Lance 825? Congratulations! If it works for you and you like it, that's what counts.

[noteven]

Don't forget those 3500 badges 🙂

[maxum1989]

My list of possible campers was fairly long but quickly got shorter with the weight issues. Trying not to sound like an ass, but money wasn't the main deciding factor in any camper decision. Just what worked best for me and my son, and the truck. So, I aimed at the lighter versions of the manufacturers in my area. I contemplated going to some without a bathroom at all but we really enjoy the freedom of being wherever and whenever with a unit with a bathroom. That would really help the weight issue but I am not willing to go there.

I really thought the 1500 series Bigfoot campers would be the best but I have been in them and although they are great campers, I found them a little cramped and no outside storage at all was a problem. After contemplating, off the list.

I looked at the smaller Adventurer campers and didn't like what I saw. They just felt and looked cheap to me so they were dropped from the list.

After this I looked at Lance. I liked the way they looked and felt that even the smaller units seemed to be put together quite well. Online I thought the 865 would be best but changed to the 825 after being in both. Convenient in that the 825 is the lightest. I have also been in a used 830. I really liked it but it was starting to get a little on the heavy side.

This is how I ended up with the Lance 825 as the target camper.

If I had a truck with a bigger payload I think this would be a lot harder to decide. The weight issue has pushed me towards the 825 but I am lucky as I actually like the layout and how it feels when inside. Another bonus is that this camper has a decent amount of outside storage. Something that is quite uncommon I have learned. I will continue to look at any other possible campers that come down the line and get to know the rules about carrying them as well.

Thanks to you all for helping out.

[dadwolf2]

I like the Adventurer 86FB!

If you can, I think you should see the ones that are on your list. Stepping inside a unit can really change your mind vs just looking at a website.

[billyg]

Hi this may be out in left field and some may poke fun. Your concerns I think are the over weight and size in BC. Since you have a larger camper for the family with all the bells and whistles and the TC camper is just for you and your son. If you can rough it a little what we have may work for you. We have a camplite 5.7. We have everything on board needed to be comfortable except a shower. Its hard sided with a queen bed. Weight loaded with ac 1100lbs. We carry on our 2004 Toyota Tacoma without problems. The width between supports is 85ins. You may need swing out mounts. Floor is 6ft. Your truck I think would have no problem with this size camper. We like our little camper and with no wood it won't rot. Just my thoughts good luck Bill

[noteven]

Pickup truck OEM rating math:

GAWR Front 5200lbs + GAWR Rear 6280lbs = GVWR 10,000lbs

special skooling

[maxum1989]

Woodhog,
That 825 is a ferry ride away so I haven't seen that one yet. It would be 4.5 hour trip including the ferry to go one way to see it. I would do it but I think he is asking too much right now for it. We'll see what happens later in the season if he still has it.

JIMNLIN,
Thanks for that last post. I think that clears up what I need to do. I will look into upping the insured GVWR of my truck and the costs to do so.

[JIMNLIN]

In the regulations act post above from JIMNLIN,

Am I reading it correctly? Does it say that the GVW of the vehicle in the axle ratings added together? If this is the case I have no issues.

It would be a max GVWR for that vehicle as I understand BC registration requirements for a truck to have a registered GVWR.

This snipped paste and copy from a former RV.net member from BC. He mentions gross weight and insurance.

dukesofhazzardcounty

British Columbia
langley

New Member

Joined: 08/23/2011
"well another phone call to a dot worker that I personally know,
here it is, go by the gross axle weight rating front and rear, tire ratings, and then make sure you are not over your licensed gross rating, ex. mine is 4600kg, he said after you get the camper and if you are under on the axle ratings and tire ratings but over the licensed gross rating, up your insurance to be over your total gross, this is the cash grab part of it, you are paying more for fixing the roads etc. the more weight you are. so there you have it from the bc dot." (snipped)

[woodhog]

This looks like a nice 825 very close to you...

Lance 825

[maxum1989]

Pin weight of my fifth wheel is 1500lbs give or take depending on how things are packed.

At this point I have narrowed down my camper search to the Lance 825. It's their lightest one and I happen to like the floor plan as well. I am considering pulling the trigger and just dealing with the possibility of being checked on the road. I certainly won't be the one that "looks" overweight compared to many others out there. I would add the appropriate suspension mods needed to make it ride level so unless I am weighed, everything certainly would look fine.

In the regulations act post above from JIMNLIN,

Am I reading it correctly? Does it say that the GVW of the vehicle in the axle ratings added together? If this is the case I have no issues.

[HMS_Beagle]

Doesn't the glove box sticker remove easily?

With a 1600 lbs camper in the back, there are two ways to regain safety. Remove the camper or remove the sticker....

[CptnBG]

maxum1989 wrote:
Sticker in my glovebox says camper loading to be no more than 1500lbs. The last time I weighed my truck it came in at something like 7250 pounds. Later today I am going near a scale again so I will weigh it again to be sure on that number.

I was ok with going over my gvwr and beefing up the necessary parts but I am not ok with breaking the insurance rules. I would be driving worried all the time. Especially in B.C. where they can insist that you unload it or don't continue on.

I will however look over the list of suggestions just posted to see what they are like. Thanks.

The glovebox sticker assumes all seats are occupied by people weighing 150lbs each, you can adjust accordingly. Your diesel is also hurting your payload #s.

What is the pin weight of your 5'vr?