mgsulkis
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Re: Helping a very new TC owner with a truck decision
I think I'm slowly figuring out what the real deal is in the truck camper world...there's really no consensus on whether being over GVWR is unacceptable or not. From what I can tell the majority of TC owners are likely running over the max for their GVWR or rear axle capacity...which drives fine...but from a legal/liability standpoint means you're screwed if someone were to come after you. Unfortunately, in my case - my wife (and some part of me as well) doesn't love the idea of being over the legal capacity, should anything happen. Also unfortunate for me is that I have already purchased the 2200lb dry weight camper - and other than a dually 3500, which I really don't want, it seems like there's not a whole lot one can do to make it work (again, legally - not functionally). A bit discouraging - but I guess we'll just have to figure out what our final decision is. Anyone need a 2005 Lance Lite 845, recently inspected? Ha. I think I'm tired for tonight. Thanks again to everyone chiming in.510Views0likes0CommentsRe: Helping a very new TC owner with a truck decision
Lots of things on my mind here, folks! Really appreciate all the detail. I'm in a bit of a spin cycle trying to figure this out. Originally, based on the reading I was doing, I figured I wanted a 4x4 diesel. We live in Colorado and would like to be able to drive it in the snow. I feel like I'm hearing that in order to carry a 2200lb dry weight camper (so basically a 3200lb full weight camper I need a truck with a Total hauling capacity of at least 3200lbs...which basically doesn't exist in the 250/2500 range. The RAM charts(took a look at the 2014-2016s) show that a 6.4L V8 Hemi has a GVWR of 10,000 and weighs 6,389. That would leave me 3611 lbs for the trailer. So, I'm about 400lbs away from the max out of the vehicle. The same chart says the rear axle can handle 6000 (assuming the GAWR is what I think it is). So...if I'm willing to lose gas mileage and move away from the diesel...do I have my math right that this option would work, albeit be pretty close to my max out? I imagine the right move there is to see how it rides, then if it feels to heavy, etc - I make the inbvestment in additional leaf springs, sway bar (probably advisable anyways) and air bags. Can someone gut check me?462Views0likes0CommentsRe: Helping a very new TC owner with a truck decision
Wow. I posted this near midnight and woke up to a lot of great replies. You folks move fast. To summarize what I think I'm hearing: 1. 2100lbs dry doesn't mean much - I should plan on another 100lbs (I was already thinking this based on gear and up to four bodies in a what I hope to be a crew cab truck) - so I'm tracking there. 2. 2500-3500 trucks don't differ much in terms of hauling capacity or GVWR - maybe a couple hundred pounds in a lot of cases. I need to pay attention to the tires and wheels to ensure they are rated for the weight. 3. Pay attention to rear axle weight as the shortbed trucks with campers will carry most of the weight there. I have been looking for used trucks in the 20-35k range to try to stay within my hoped for budget. There are definitely both Ford 350's and Ram 350 cummins in that range - though they tend to be pretty high mileage. (200k+) (and yup, I recognize that a diesel will run for 350k+ miles). I suppose that's just what it is. Truth be told I wish I would have gotten a lighter camper - but being that I was buying on the used market and didn't have a lot of time (leaving for a trip in March) I still think the Lance 845 will serve me well. I'm just going to have a bigger truck than I was originally expecting. Thanks all, and I'm very happy for any more tips on equipment/setup for someone unfamiliar and still learning. -Matt267Views0likes0CommentsHelping a very new TC owner with a truck decision
Hi There, Brand new TC owner and first time owner of anything RV or travel rig related. Asking for your forgiveness early on anything silly questions I ask. Thought I'd try to get some expert advice on this forum. I just purchased a 2005 Lance Lite 845 from a family here in Colorado. I now need to purchase a truck to put it on. The 2005 Lance Lite 845 is listed at 2190lbs dry. I see plenty of people putting the 845 on 250/2500 trucks. However, when I do the basic math on the GVWR the total weight is coming very close to the max (ie - within 200lbs or so). (Typically 8500-10000lbs GVWR and anywhere from 6400-7500 curb weight of the truck) Two questions: 1. Are folks adding additional leaf springs and/or airbags to their 250/2500's and just calling it a day? Seems like that's the case 2. As I look for a truck (I'm trying to narrow down between a short bed Dodge 2500 cummins, Ford f250 and chevy 2500) should I be taking the truck to a scale to get a true curb weight to make sure I don't screw up the max GVWR? Thank you! I have a lot more questions - a true rookie here. But having fun learning something new. Cheers.7.8KViews0likes39Comments
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