Truck and accessories for New Popup Camper

[im5150too]

Well, after far too long without a rig, I'm finally getting a new one. I've had class A's and C's, but always wanted something I could really get into the back country with. With most of the dealers quoting a year or more delivery, I stumbled into a small dealer that just got notice of a Palomino popup camper build ready in 6 weeks, so I bought it. It's not what I really wanted, and I know it's not the quality I'm used to, but it'll get me out there and satisfy my curiosity on the concept anyway. It's a 1608, which is made for 1/2 ton, 6.5' bed with the tailgate down. It has a toilet and shower, albeit a minuscule one with 15 gal tank, but my intent is to use it for 1-2 nights at a time, and stay in hotels and B&B's the rest of the time, while traveling the country. I chose the popup for off road use, and the ability to pull into my garage, parking garages, etc.

So cart before the horse, I'm now looking at a new truck for it. The camper weighs just under 1800 lbs, and an F150 Supercab 4X4 with a V8, has at least some margin for the payload, (2240 lbs), since I'm a light packer, and I'm wanting the shorter wheelbase vs the Supercrew. Not knowing much about tiedowns and such, I've been given the advice to get Torklift tiedowns, and Timbrens or airbags. Unfortunately, beggars also can't be choosers when it comes to the truck, but I'm hoping to find one that only has the options I can use, and not stuff like the 360 cameras, Pro Power, since I doubt it's accessible with the camper on, etc. Not sure which of their tire options I should be looking at, though I may do a swapout for something even better when I buy it, if that seems to be a good idea. Any other ideas about options I need or ones I'll regret?

Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[darkmind25]

im5150too wrote:
Yeah, I'm already shopping for an F250, unfortunately, they have a longer wheelbase and are even harder to come by these days.

Thanks for the replies!

What year are you planning to buy?

[mbloof]

Keep in mind that there are more 1/2T trucks on the road then 3/4+1T trucks combined representing a HUGE market that a few manufacturers attempt to tap into with products.

Then consider that RV salespeople quite often failed as (used) car salespeople and programmed in their DNA is to say ANYTHING to make the sale. They usually know very little (if anything) about what they are selling or how to use it.


- Mark0.

[toedtoes]

im5150too wrote:
Near as I can tell, the VAST majority of folks buying the lightweight and popup campers sold specifically for 1/2 ton trucks, are likely overloading them according to the specs. My dealer continues to say I would be fine with the F150 V8 with it's 2240 lb payload, and he sells many to Tundra and other truck owners with lesser payloads, which is most of them.

I tend to err way on the side of caution, but it is curious that the manufacturers and dealers aren't being sued out of existence, if it was a huge problem. I'll buy an 3/4 ton if I have to, but I'm going to at least study beefing up an F150 instead, since I'm not that far out of the ballpark, if any.

For me, I would not take the opinion of an RV dealer. Many have never even driven a truck, let alone ever having hauled or towed anything. Find someone you can trust to give you recommendations. Look at it this way, would you trust a simple "no problem, I sell them like that all time" or Grit Dog's detailed explanation? One is just pushing a product, the other is providing you with the knowledge to make a good decision.

I don't always agree with Grit Dog, but I respect him. I can't say the same for an RV salesman.

[toedtoes]

Grit dog wrote:

toedtoes wrote:

im5150too wrote:
According to Ford, the F250's I'm looking at have a payload between 3450 and 3550, which should give me that margin I was looking for.

That's a much better number. You will want to watch the indivual axle ratings.

Not a chance you’ll overload any full floater axle with a camper like the OP is considering unless one literally fills it full of rocks

Thanks for that info.

[toedtoes]

Geewizard wrote:

toedtoes wrote:

Geewizard wrote:
I've been carrying my Outfitter Apex 8 for years on a Tundra. The last time I weighed it (full up weight), it was at 2200 lbs. I've never had any issues. I do have load range E 10 ply tires and Air Lift air bags but nothing else.

I can only relate my experience with Toyota Tundra trucks of which I am a firm believer. They are NOT 1/2 ton trucks.

It looks like the Tundra double cab has a payload of about 1450lbs. That doesn't sound like a 3/4 ton or 1 ton.

Ok, how about a 0.725 ton? I've seen payload of about 1600lbs depending on model. That's 0.8 ton.

All I'm saying is that it works, works well, and I have never felt unsafe. Of course, what you do is up to you.

My point was more that a tundra with a 1450lb payload doesn't really compare to an F150 with a 2200lb payload. 600lbs is a lot of additional cargo.

I get that you have no problems with your setup. Everyone has different ideas on how close to the numbers you should stay or if you can go over. My opinion is that if someone is asking, then they don't have the background/knowledge to disregard the numbers. What is a comfortable drive for Person A is a white knuckle drive for Person B. Until you have experience, you really don't know where you fit in that range - so it's better to stay within the numbers.

[im5150too]

Near as I can tell, the VAST majority of folks buying the lightweight and popup campers sold specifically for 1/2 ton trucks, are likely overloading them according to the specs. My dealer continues to say I would be fine with the F150 V8 with it's 2240 lb payload, and he sells many to Tundra and other truck owners with lesser payloads, which is most of them.

I tend to err way on the side of caution, but it is curious that the manufacturers and dealers aren't being sued out of existence, if it was a huge problem. I'll buy an 3/4 ton if I have to, but I'm going to at least study beefing up an F150 instead, since I'm not that far out of the ballpark, if any.

[toedtoes]

mkirsch wrote:

toedtoes wrote:
You need to use the GVWR of the camper to pick a truck - and make sure you leave enough payload for tiedowns and anything else you add to the truck.

Do campers even have GVWRs?

Sorry. My next post clarified that they do not. That makes it more difficult to guess at your loaded weight.

[Geewizard]

toedtoes wrote:

Geewizard wrote:
I've been carrying my Outfitter Apex 8 for years on a Tundra. The last time I weighed it (full up weight), it was at 2200 lbs. I've never had any issues. I do have load range E 10 ply tires and Air Lift air bags but nothing else.

I can only relate my experience with Toyota Tundra trucks of which I am a firm believer. They are NOT 1/2 ton trucks.

It looks like the Tundra double cab has a payload of about 1450lbs. That doesn't sound like a 3/4 ton or 1 ton.

Ok, how about a 0.725 ton? I've seen payload of about 1600lbs depending on model. That's 0.8 ton.

All I'm saying is that it works, works well, and I have never felt unsafe. Of course, what you do is up to you.

[toedtoes]

Geewizard wrote:
I've been carrying my Outfitter Apex 8 for years on a Tundra. The last time I weighed it (full up weight), it was at 2200 lbs. I've never had any issues. I do have load range E 10 ply tires and Air Lift air bags but nothing else.

I can only relate my experience with Toyota Tundra trucks of which I am a firm believer. They are NOT 1/2 ton trucks.

It looks like the Tundra double cab has a payload of about 1450lbs. That doesn't sound like a 3/4 ton or 1 ton.

[mkirsch]

toedtoes wrote:
You need to use the GVWR of the camper to pick a truck - and make sure you leave enough payload for tiedowns and anything else you add to the truck.

Do campers even have GVWRs?

[Geewizard]

I've been carrying my Outfitter Apex 8 for years on a Tundra. The last time I weighed it (full up weight), it was at 2200 lbs. I've never had any issues. I do have load range E 10 ply tires and Air Lift air bags but nothing else.

I can only relate my experience with Toyota Tundra trucks of which I am a firm believer. They are NOT 1/2 ton trucks.

[Grit_dog]

toedtoes wrote:

im5150too wrote:
According to Ford, the F250's I'm looking at have a payload between 3450 and 3550, which should give me that margin I was looking for.

That's a much better number. You will want to watch the indivual axle ratings.

Not a chance you’ll overload any full floater axle with a camper like the OP is considering unless one literally fills it full of rocks

[Grit_dog]

toedtoes wrote:
The DRY weight of the camper is 1795lbs. That doesn't include battery (40lbs), full water tank (125lbs), or any optional equipment it may have. That is not a margin for payload.

In addition, you have to include the weight of the tiedowns, etc. into that payload. You'll be overweight before you get out the door.

You need to use the GVWR of the camper to pick a truck - and make sure you leave enough payload for tiedowns and anything else you add to the truck.

Edit on the gvwr thing.
Real world experience vs rvnet internet speculator experts…
4klb + camper is about the max a srw 3/4 or 1 ton wants. (Same truck basically)
Op your camper on a 1/2 ton will be the same scenario Basically maxxed out. Doable but any HD truck would haul it with ease.

Big difference is the 1/2 ton will also be maxxed out on rear axle capacity where all HD trucks will have around 3 tons of rear axle payload capacity regardless of what the stated axle ratings or payload is and the OE tires/wheels will be the weak link vs the axle itself on a half ton.

[toedtoes]

im5150too wrote:
According to Ford, the F250's I'm looking at have a payload between 3450 and 3550, which should give me that margin I was looking for.

That's a much better number. You will want to watch the indivual axle ratings.