Best camper for 2500?

[geusterman]

I was at the Bigfoot dealer today and he had a low-profile 1900 pound model for 1500's that would be sweet on my new 2500 4x4 HO. Not enough fresh water or storage for my princess so the 10. 5 2500 lb model (also generator capable) was the one deemed most desireable. I figured Roadmaster overloads or more overload springs, engine brakes, Ranchos etc. to handle this baby when the many cupboards and tanks are full.

What have you all learned on this subject? George Eusterman

 

[roadbyte]

Campers

We have been looking at the Lance line of Campers.

 

[RobG]

Unfortunately, the only camper you'll find to fit your truck if you want to stay 100% within your ratings will be one of the Lance Lites (like the 815 or 835) or a similar one from another manufacturer.



You do have the advantage of the same 7500# rear axle rating that the 3500 has, so if you don't care about GVWR and just want to stay within your rear axle rating, you can get anything up to the 1030 (non-slide) or 921 (slide).



I have a 2000 model 1030 and with it loaded up with stuff and water, I'm at 7400# on my rear axle and 1200 lbs over my GVWR, and I have a dually.



These suckers aren't light.



Rob

 

[roadbyte]

Campers

I was wondering by putting the Airbags on would that help the overall load. Plus I do agree with you on the weight of this campers, It's very hard to find a camper that will fit the overall needs and wants and at the same time stay within the weight limits of the truck.



I have notice allot of trucks going down the road dragging the tail pipe because the weight limit has been exceed not just by little by great amounts. This makes drive the rig hazardous but puts allot of people in harms way.



Is there anyway to get the GVWR increased legally on the trucks?

 

[Dane]

I have the Lance Lite 815. Comes in right around 1800 lbs loaded for a Baja expedition. Has a bathroom w/shower, outside shower, fridge, etc... Great for 4x4 camping imo. The Dodge barely knows it there with airbags and good shocks. I needed light weight for off road camping. Heavy campers and 4x4 off road work don't mix.

 

[Scooby]

I've got a 2500 and I have the same camper as RobG - a Lance 1030. From what I understand, it'll weigh over 3K when loaded. I've got roadmasters, Rancho 9000's, Airbags and a MagHytech rear diff cover to increase the fluid capacity. I'm not sure the roadmasters are doing much. If you have the overloads, I'd just keep them on - but you must put on Rancho 9000's and airbags. I took the camper across country while towning a 6K lb trailer and will say that there was certainly some sway when I got passed by a big rig... err, I mean when I was passing big rigs



The sway isn't too bad off highway, but a dually would be better. I'm already thinking of an '03 , but the wife would kill me!:{

 

[RobG]

People underestimate just how much their camper will weigh once they have all of their personal items in it. I weighed my truck empty and with the camper, and the 1030 isn't 3000 lbs. Try 4500. That's with empty gray and black tanks, but with a full water tank, two full propane bottles, and all of my personal items (clothes, dishes, food, etc).



And the new model 1161 that I want to upgrade to next year weighs at least 600 lbs more.



Rob

 

[C. Harlan]

Go with a Capri!!! they are nice, maybe a little pricy, but have awesome resale value. . They are choice among Traveling Rodeo Cowboys. . I know; I lived out of one for a summer... I am not sure what the website is, but I know there is a dealer in Dallas or Ft Worth... Cant remember if it was on I-35E or I-35W... Look it up, and maybe they will catch your eye. . Thats my $. 02 worth... .





-Chris-

 

[Tom G]

Best Camper Might Be None?

Tried to send this as a PM to the individual who started the post but it didn't seem to work. Sorry for posting it again.



--------------------------new post--------------------



I posted the below message back in June of 2002. It is a very short version of the decision making process I used that resulted in the purchase of a 5th wheel instead of a camper.



-------------------------previous post-------------------------------------



I purchased a new 2001 3/4 ton QC, 8' bed towing and camper package thinking of hauling a 8 1/2 - 9' campter. Got the new truck home and started reading over all the books and documents included in glove box.



After the fact learned that the truck was only rated to carry a 1450# camper. Oh sure the bed of the turck was rated for about 2200 lbs as I remember. I went back to the dealer and said what is this bul..... They got on the phone with D/Chrysler and sure enough about 1450# was the max for a 3/4 ton 2500, QC, 4X2. As you know there are very few 1400 lb campers out there. In fact we couldn't find anything we liked.



When you purchased the truck there should have been an 8 1/2 X 11 document (red printing) in the glove box entitled "CONSUMER INFORMATION TRUCK-CAMPER LOADING". It is specific to your truck and includes vin. number, balancing data and cargo weights. While doing some research I leaned that a 2500, QC, 4X4's was only rated to carry something like a

960 lbs camper.



By the way I went to the local Ford dealer and the Ford trucks are designed to carry about the same weight. After some research and several HARD conversations with the local dealership and Chrysler they they took back my 3/4 ton and sold me a 1 ton dually which is rated to carry a 2772 lbs camper SAFELY.



Now here is where the SAFELY issue comes in. It appears to me that the DOT and D/Chrysler and FORD (maybe Chevy to but I never checked their trucks) do not want the liability of individuals carrying campers. Due to the longer QC frames, height of 4X4's from the ground, weight of campers and etc. it's almost impossible to be withing the LAW unless your running a dually AND only then with about a 9' camper. I would almost bet every 3/4 ton Dodge, Ford and Chevy out there is running over the limits.



So as my story goes - I got a super deal on a 1 ton dually from D/Chrysler and the local dealer and love it. The local dealer now has a policy that every customer get's asked WHAT they will be using the truck for and if they intend on hauling a camper. If for camper service they show the Consumer Information Truck-Camper Loading sheet to the customer before they buy.



Tom G.

Lake Havasu City, AZ.





__________________

2001. 5, 3500, 2WD, Built Fenton, MO. Limited Slip, QC, 3. 54, Automatic, Camper and Tow Packages, Flashed ECM for O. D. power, RBW 15K Li'l Rocker Hitch, Autometer Boost and EGT gages.

 

[geusterman]

Lots of good replies and I appreciate it. Legally, we can't carry a camper. Even a dually is quickly "overloaded". The Bigfoot dealer in Vernon BC says Canada and some states target the rigs with dragging tails but if your truck looks like it is handling the load they leave you alone. Hence airbags. But airbags are not suspension and I recall the tips from an Alaskan who built up his overload springs with a 4 pack (making sure they still had the 2 inch clearance before touching the stop) and he hauled a big Lance cross country and back to AK--no problem. He thought bags were band-aids and might be "levelers" but not real suspension. It appears Roadmasters might do likewise.



Still, unless we get very lightweight campers, it is going to be a major expense to outfit our trucks to safely handle anything heavier. I want AC, generator, batteries, solar, big water tanks blah blah and then I have weighty problems. I wonder if you could get a system like a Lincoln Towncar were the load levelers hold up the side that is leaning on the curve. Hmmmmmm George

 

[Scooby]

Originally posted by RobG

1030 isn't 3000 lbs. Try 4500. That's with empty gray and black tanks, but with a full water tank, two full propane bottles, and all of my personal items (clothes, dishes, food, etc).





Rob

Holy cow Rob, are you serious - 4500 lbs for a 1030?!

I had better go weigh mine in one day! I just bought the thing in June and understood the camper weighs roughly 2700 lbs dry. I don't usually carry full fresh water, grey water and black water tanks all at once, but I can see your point about misjudging my weight - but then don't all of us girls do that every once in a while?!



Seiously, though when I went cross country we were moving and I had that camper loaded to the gills! Now I wish I would have weighed in somewhere (for bragging rights and for stupidity rights in case something went wrong). Now you really got me thinking about that 03 dually!

 

[dewdo]

I didn't check into the actual weight on campers and figured if they make them for pickups then pickups must carry them OK so I bought a 3500 4 X 4 and a 11. 5 Arctic Fox with everything on it. I installed the air bags, and then Rancho 9000's and so far it seems to work OK.



I drove it cross country from Seattle to FL two times now and will be doing it again next year. I weighed at a truck weigh station and it came to 12,960 lbs total with fuel, water and supplies. I just make sure I keep a safe distance between myself and the vehicle in front of me. I had the Frame mount tie downs installed after driving about 400 miles with the Happijack tie downs. That was scary! No further problems with Tork Llift installed.



I was at the Arctic Fox dealership recently and a fellow came in with a new 2500 and was buying the same camper as I have. He is going to have fun. I just hope he doesn't kill someone.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[DPelletier]

George,

I am in the same boat as you. looking right now for a camper. I have narrowed it down to the Bigfoot 15C9. 5FR (heaviest at 2,200 lbs) and the Okanagan 90W (1,850 lbs). I just weighed my truck (see other thread) and found that my 2500 weighs 6974 lbs with me and a full tank of diesel. My personal opinion is that I shouldn't go much over 2,000 lbs without trading my truck in on a dually. Many of the new campers, especially ones with full basements and slides are extremely heavy, too heavy for a 3/4 ton SRW IMHO. Beware of comments like " they will only bother you if your truck looks overloaded ", as this may be true today in this area but it is too big an investment to gamble on. The Golden area has been notorious, with one poor guy with a ford one ton dually being told by the RCMP that he must leave the province or face being impounded (11,000 lbs on a 10,000 GVWR)!

I think I will buy a camper that is within my GVWR limits, knowing that I will be slightly over when it is full of gear, but at least I can be legal by taking some stuff out.

Just my opinion, do what makes you happy!

p. s. do you live in Vernon? I was at Mike Rosman RV last Saturday.

Dave

 

[geusterman]

Dave--I was in Likely Saturday looking at lake property and Harrison Sunday. I visited BCRV in Chilli Monday and also talked to Peter at Mike Rosman's Tuesday. I am in Mt Vernon, south of the border. Love BC. Ex Montanan. Going there to do in some prairie dogs and gophers next week however. Bigfoot or Northern Lite as the quiet of the glass makes it nicer for the princess while traveling. She is a lousy traveler with fibermyalgia and we abandoned our 36' class A (too much money and maintenence) recently with the idea that a camper would allow an occasional night out and a place for her to move around and laydown on a trip. We will see. Also for me to expend testosterone snowmobiling etc. I would like to know more about the Okanogan camper but don't think they are glass.



I am pretty sure the 1500 type campers around 2000 dry are right for me, not just for legal but more friendly to haul. Less wind resistance and wind blowover danger plus leaning is reduced around corners. I know we can build up our SRW rigs to haul a lot but weight still "feels" weighty and lowers the fun factor. As I use the truck for other driving chores I have to avoid duallies. I just have to figure out where to put more batteries and pack some extra water. If I do my flatbed there will be plenty of room beside the camper for stuff. George

 

[DPelletier]

George,

It sounds like we're on the same track! I agree with you that just because it will fit on the truck doesn't mean its a good idea! I am also trying to keep a low centre of gravity and have an eye on aerodynamics. where I am stuck right now is that not many camper manufacturers make a decent camper without a huge basement, extended ceiling height, slides, etc. These things are all going to make too much wind resistance and raise the centre of gravity too high for my liking. The Bigfoot 15C9. 5 is a beautiful camper, has a low profile and centre of gravity BUT the tank capacities are smaller than I would like, the weight is still a little high (as is the cost!). The Okanagan 90W is a fiberwall construction, not a moulded fiberglass shell (as far as I know, only Northern lite and Bigfoot have the two piece moulded shell) It uses a fiberglass panel, pressure bonded to a extruded polystyrene insulation bonded to a vinyl wall board. It looks very strong and light but the unit is just not as sexy looking and having more seams has to be less desireable. The 90W is lighter by about 300 - 400 lbs, has more storage and is cheaper. With thermopane windows, electric jacks, oven, full fiberglass shower, fantastic fan, heated and enclosed tanks, stereo, 6 cuft fridge, larger tanks, rear bumper, innerspring mattress and matching comforter, etc. it can be had for $21,995. 00 Canadian pesos! Not bad.

As far as not enough room goes, I'm going to cheat and tow a trailer as well. I race motorcycles off-road and will be buying a 16' wells cargo or equivalent. I have two kids and I'm going to put two bunks, a portapoti, furnace and sink in the front six feet and use the back 10' for the bikes and gear. I will be carrying an extra 20 gallons of fresh water in portable tanks.

Dave

 

[geusterman]

Dave--you have definitely been thinking! I would like the Okanogan website. What are the water capacities? Four season? I am after a special order for a king mattress amoung other things. I am a snowmobiler and it has to be a winter camper as well. George PS A used 1999 9. 5/1500 in Kent WA for 12,500 US in the RV Trader tonight. George

 

[sheldon]

This camper situation can go round and round and still there are no "best" campers out there. They are all compromises depending on floor plans, options, livability, weight, and personal tastes. When I go to the coast, I found that motor homes and trailers can be a problem in many towns due to their size so I went back to a camper on a standard cab truck. With a standard cab 2wd truck I could carry a decent camper and still fit in any normal parking space. After looking at many campers I narrowed it down to a Summerwind 811S with a slideout. This camper has an aluminum frame and is well equiped with items that are optional or not available on other campers. The factory has been very supportive of of changes when I ordered it and solving problems after delivery. The only drawback is that when I am fully loaded I am 1000 pounds over the GVW of the truck. The air springs do their job with no problems. I feel sorry for people who have a 4wd quad cab and want a big camper to house the kids. It is just not possible.

 

[beartrace]

I am 1500 lbs overweight on my slide-in camper when fully loaded but not over axle weight. I have Rancho 9000's all around (set on #5) and they work wonders for the suspension. I also have factory overloads. I do notice that the rear is a little low when fully loaded. I have thought about air bags but I think I remember someone saying that after adding they noticed a bounce. I have a real solid ride with no sway with my current setup. I like my slide-in so much that I sold my 5th wheel. I just did not use it anymore. There is only my wife and I so there is plenty of room and we love to go places that I could never take the 5th wheel.

 

[BigFun]

I bought the Lance 1161 and outfitted it on my 01 dually QC 4X4 in February. Put on RS9000s (5 rear, 3 front), air bags with in-cab control, and a beefy Helwig Sway bar. Heavy; of course! Good ride; you bet! Gross about 12500 wet and loaded. I've been on mountain dirt roads to the interstate. Drove from Western Washington up and down two lane mountain passes through mountains of North Carolina and back. Stopped many places (Grand Coole Dam, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, Dubois WY (for a 4" Jardine exhaust), Mammouth Cave KY to name a few) so far with ZERO issues. I'm a very satisified camper user (HAPPY CAMPER ) and believe the right truck can handle the load as long as the driver is SAIN and RESPONSIBLE and REASONABLE. My DTT mods are around the corner. When you see me coming, I'm the guy with the big SE grin!



BF

 

[cwienenga]

camper

for what it's worth I have a 1966 ford f250 camper special that I overhauled the undercarriage to carry a 73 9 1/2 eldorado. put in firestone airbags and sway bars. I wouldn't have anything other than the air bags,you can adjust the ride for the load,they are rated for 5000 lbs and the other reason is you can boost one side which in my case was the left side with all the weight, (stove,refer,etc. ) so you can even out the truck. you need a good set of gas shocks with the bags to stabilize them. I don't have the camper anymore but this worked when I did.



cliff