Hi Christi! Thanks again. After months of planning, Truck Camper Magazine debuts what could be the most carefully matched truck and camper. 0 Shares. Don’t give the lawyers an easy win like that. It can be used when camping or when stored at home. The Complete 100% Guide To Getting Started Truck Camping . The same applies to your wheels. We kinda freaked at the cost, but whatever, we did it. For those who are experiencing excessive sway or roll on sharp turns you can try the aforementioned Timbren SES and Torklift Stableloads or a rear sway bar like the Hellwig Big Wig. Thanks for writing me back! The GAWR frt is 4800 lbs and rear is 6200 lbs. Both options work great, but the specially made mats are easier to use and remove. Electric jacks make all the difference in the world when raising and lowering your truck camper and makes the process of loading and unloading your camper easier and quicker. Here are four pop up campers that work well for beginners from a usablity standpoint and a price standpoint. It’s best to first see how your truck handles under load and treat each symptom that you encounter with the correct suspension modification. This meant that it had all the staples of a work cargo van such as a front cage, metal tool shelves, and also a … Now we have to get a truck for it We'd like your opinion-we're leaning towards a Chevy 2500 crew cab 4×2 short bed because of incentives & other things- it's payload says 3401 & our TC dealer says the 850 wet weight is 2903. Lightweight campers from the ’70’s like half a century ago are nothing like the modern luxurious slide out equipped heavy campers offered today that can even overload a 1 ton truck. Shock absorbers come in two basic forms: self-adjusting or manual. or Buy It Now. MENU. a day I need for almost a week on 5-8 gal. The payload rating is important because it tells you how much weight your truck can safely haul without stressing the truck’s frame, suspension, and tires. After all of this said and with my experience, listen to Mello Mike he is giving very honest and accurate advice. Defining a Truck Camper. He currently rolls in a 2013 Ram 3500 with a 2021 Bundutec Roadrunner truck camper mounted on top. For more information about truck campers in general check out our Truck Camper FAQ page. RUGGED MOUNTAIN MODELS home ABOUT US Rebates CONTACT RUGGED MOUNTAIN 208-602-9004. polar 860 polar 990. Depends on the camper. We use and highly recommend the Torklift FastGuns to secure our camper. If you don’t have them, we strongly recommend that you get them. My truck weighs in at 7430. My wife and I bit the bullet and bought an Arctic Fox 811 for a short box. To answer your question, I wouldn't use your 5000 watt generator for camping. What Is the Best Van Size for Camper Van Conversion? She…. The event will run from May 12-14, 2017. We mounted the Camper on our 2013 GMC Denali 3500 crew cab, short box, 4×4, duramax. The payload rating can either be found on a driver’s side door pillar placard or in the glove box on a payload certification form. Inside these Scout Campers, you’ll find detachable camping equipment that you can take with you on other adventures too, even without the truck camper itself. For warm weather campers, you’ll want a strong AC and ventilation, and also an awning for a shady space to sit outdoors. I do disagree with you regarding an a/c unit. Thanks for the informative website. ….actually long-bed crew cab with 3.5L Eco-Boost. RV packing tips beginners. It doesn’t matter if it’s a slide-in or a chassis-mount, a hard-side or a pop-up, if it’s a truck camper and it’s carried on a truck, we cover it. So pay attention to the weight ratings and weight of the camper. Timbrens cost less, are more durable, and require zero maintenance and adjustments, while air bags can be manually adjusted based upon the weight of the load (up to 5,000 pounds) and can be used for campsite leveling, a big bonus. This is why I have decided to write this camper van guide for beginners. Self-adjusting shocks, like the Bilstein 4600 or KYBs, do exactly that, they adjust based upon the force asserted each time they’re depressed. Pin. To start with the truck camper includes a 30-gallon clean water container. Truck Camper Magazine presents a step-by-step process to inspecting a used truck camper including exactly what to look for, and look out for. Along with the 60×80 bed, roomy galley, and convertible dinette, this camper also has a stylish wet bath with a toilet and shower. * These are general guidelines to use when matching a Lance camper to your truck. Here are four pop up campers that work well for beginners from a usablity standpoint and a price standpoint. I live in Mesa, too. Right? Buying an RV can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Just bought a lance 825. It comes down to personal preference. Thanks, Gary. Cool, that's a great camper. 1. The end link on one end needs to be disengaged to allow the axles to freely articulate. In my opinion the Arctic Fox and Wolf creek are two of the best. He also does some RV consulting, repairs, and inspections on the side. Retired Police Officer, Bryan Appleby, shares expertise on carrying firearms and non-lethal self-defense tools while truck camping. Any suggestions? You can remove it and install a small (shorter) one if you like. Carefully consider what you’ll be using the camper for. Why haul an 80-pound tailgate when you don’t need to? The Jaybo Hummingbird is one of the best beginner travel trailers for campers who like to hit the dirt roads. This will be the fourth time that Truck [read more], BundutecUSA, quality maker of truck campers, portable trailers and roof-top tents, just released a new hard-side truck camper called the Roadrunner. Seems their magazine carries a lot of influence in the TC world…..We are at 60 and Higley. Welcome, Tony. Having the mat provides a little extra protection for your very expensive investments. Am considering a 2000 Silverado 3500 crew cab 4×4 auto, BUT it's lifted 6" and I don't know if that would make it too tipsy, or if the lift would compact down to a regular height due to the weight of the camper. Campers, trailers, and motorhomes need to be “winterized,” in order to withstand freezing temps. Your tires are the key. Four tie downs, two in the front of the camper and two in the rear, are needed to secure your truck camper to your truck. The camper also has a tendency to “wobble” as well when used off the truck. Basically, everything being carried in your truck, including all passengers, gear, and your “wet,” fully loaded truck camper, should be below your truck’s rated payload. Last one on the list for the best luxury truck campers on the market, we found the Hallmark K2 SherpTek Rig. You can not lose out on the campers. I’m glad you found the article informative and useful. Pack items in to bins and storage containers. For an in-depth review of the Torklift FastGun, check out our review here. Yes, Dan, I would. Hi Jana. It sounds as though even though I travel light I will go over my payload capacity. Scout Olympic, Yoho, and Kenai lightweight campers for half-ton and mid-size trucks. After months of planning, Truck Camper Magazine debuts what could be the most carefully matched truck and camper. THANK YOU for your time and attention, it is appreciated and you opinion respected Christi. of 11. It all really comes down to seat belts and the truck camper doesn’t have any. A step-by-step process for inspecting a used truck camper including exactly what to look for, and look out for. 11 watching. By engaging the overload spring sooner, they not only prevent rear sag, but can correct sway and improve control. I've been living and traveling in this Four Wheel Campers Hawk Truck Camper. If you’re reading this article you’re probably either a new truck camper owner or a person who is seriously thinking about buying one. Hello Mike I have a 2006 Silverado extended cab Z71. Click To Tweet If you are purchasing a new truck or RV and plan to use them often, I suggest paying extra to get the additional insurance coverage. Any 3/4-ton by the big three would be fine. I live in the Utah. Moreover, only one modification should be made at a time to determine its true effectiveness. It needs some work (weather stripping and such), but for $1500…can deal with it and it fits with tailgate down, no problem.Here's dilemma..now have generator that I have no permanent place for (had planned truck bed). This way you won’t be trying to remember everything at the last minute. Regardless you need to pick a camper and pickup combo that works. Thanks for your time. New to all of this… Bought a '96 Northland Polar 10.5, but it had no manual. We live in North Mesa off the 202 and Gilbert Rd. Rick Johnson's decision to move his Lance 1181 from his old diesel to new gas truck, and his report one year later. Don’t want to put family are anybody else in danger. Know people driving 1000 pounds over payload with these campers for 50000 plus miles no problem truck even handled fine I know a 3/4 ton would be my perfect fit rather stick with 1/2 ton for lots of reasons so ford 1/2 ton my only option for 1/2 ton trucks because of there leading payload in that class So last question if u suggest 3/4 ton gas for me witch one or two do u recommend? and its capacities for carrying and /or towing - how much optional equipment is added to the truck camper - what you tow - and the weight of passengers and all other items you carry in your truck and camper. Top 10 Best truck camper lists, articles and videos are not only horribly misleading, but potentially dangerous. Home » Essential Truck Camping Advice. Not only that, but the slide-in truck camper doesn’t have a pass-through like a class C motorhome that accomplishes another requirement, the ability of the driver to communicate with the passengers riding in the back. Online I read they are approximately 3k pounds. We intentionally bought a short-bed camper for our long-bed truck so that in addition to adding storage beneath the camper we also have additional space between the camper and the truck cab. What are your thoughts. We see this happen all the time. Good article. RV manufacturing Boise, Idaho Truck Campers, Travel Trailers and Toy Haulers Rugged Mountain Camper builds America's favorite truck camper, ultra light weight travel trailers and toy haulers. Truck Camper Adventure is a free, online magazine offering truck camper news, reviews, travel tips, and more. Great article. We reveal where to search for pre-owned campers, what to check for, and what price to pay. Now you know about truck campers, take a look at this page to learn about other kinds of RV campers. I also have Rancho 9000's, Timbren severe .loads, Big wig sway bar, front springs from an F550. 0 Shares. Good insights from you. We prefer using leveling blocks because they are versatile, easier to use, and can be used underneath the front tires or underneath the back. From your info we know it's important to get the right truck/tc match. Now what? We cover all types of truck campers here at Truck Camper Adventure. As for the type of tires to put on your pickup truck, it depends on where you live, the kind of roads on which you travel, and where you like to camp. An important thing to keep in mind when towing, however, is that the tongue weight of the trailer must be factored in against the truck’s rated payload. Each product is engineered differently. Otherwise, you may waste a lot of money on hardware you really don’t need. Stableloads, however, are an effective suspension modification, too. This Lance 825 camper fits a short bed Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan or F-150/1500 series truck and retails for around $30,000. The ability to tow is one of the great things about owning a truck camper. Mello Mike is an Amazon.com associate. Hellwig’s superb Big Wig Air Springs (aka air bags) and Timbren’s Suspension Enhancement System (SES) are two more options to correct rear sag. Here at Bahn Camper Works we think it is vitally important to stay within a truck’s payload capacity and this is the main reason why we set out to make the lightest hard shell truck camper. We cover all types of truck campers here at Truck Camper Adventure. A slide-in camper certification comes with the purchasing of a camper package with the Ford F250 and certifies that the truck is safe to use when carrying a slide-in camper. handling cold in winter in a truck camper. Is this truck a long bed or short bed model? Get it with Truck Camper Adventure's weekly newsletter. Congrats on the new camper and the world of RVing. We have a sprayed in box liner and put in a GM rubber mat,3/8 inch I think. We live full-time in our RV and during our first year of travel, we paid several thousand dollars for the RV and truck related repairs. Like towable trailers it is important you have a truck that can handle the weight of a truck camper. Step 1: Put the Jacks Down and Unload. Going to Stable loads next I guess but am stuck on whether to get lowers or uppers. Their payload ratings are too low. The single axel is lightweight and its rubber-torsion suspension system offers a little give on the dirt. Most of 3/4-ton and one-ton trucks rolling off of today’s assembly lines come with a front sway bar only, but many owners find that a rear sway bar is also needed for added stability and handling when hauling a truck camper. Thank you for all the great info you share. All three are excellent products, but work differently. Consumer Reports' guide to RV trailers shows the pros and cons of popular types, such as travel, pop-up, and fifth-wheel trailers, to help beginning RV travelers make the right choice. In late 2013 decided to buy a camper. 20 Recreation Boulevard PO Box 6 Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 info@truckcampercanada.ca 1-306-244-2244. Make sure you read and understand the installation instructions for your turnbuckles to make sure they work optimally. This Lance 825 camper fits a short bed Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan or F-150/1500 series truck and retails for around $30,000. Nice place to go to look at the latest models. Truck campers aren’t great in insulation and with snow falling, it will be much tougher. There are multiple ways to improve camper insulation though. Get a small tool kit to leave in your RV. I have been around campers since the 70s, my dad had a 8 footer and I have had from 8 foot to a 12 and a half footer, and never had more the a f250, 2wd, and with good tie downs. I recommend that you bypass a 2500 and go straight to a 3500 with more payload. Photo by Adventurer Campers. 1 ton and 3/4 ton sometimes is only a state licensing cost difference as sometimes there isn’t a pound difference on the trucks actual rating per the sticker. So, Overlanding rigs are set up with either a popup rooftop tent, a truck bed tent or an SUV tent. We installed Torklift frame mount tie downs front and rear, also installed stainless steel fast guns and locks by Torklift. Looking at getting this Looking for an all season type deal and from what I’ve seen this does alright in the winter and summer. Also, add items to your checklist so you remember them next time. So you got the AF811? What tires do you reccomend? It obviously will depend on where you live. We almost always recommend that you buy a one-ton truck to haul a truck camper. What a great site, Mike, thanks so much! A truck with a camper on the back does not come cheap. Campers are secured to a truck using a system of tie-downs and turnbuckles positioned at … Share. If you go with a 1/2-ton, then you’ll want to get the newer F-150s with the payloads around 2,500 pounds. Should the tailgate be left on or removed from your truck before loading your camper? Copyright © 2007-2020. Will be on graveling dirt roads for final destinations. It doesn’t matter what you use as long as it works for you. The loaded weight of a camper can be 400 to 500 pounds greater than the dry weight, which is important when matching a truck to camper. And I didn’t spend a lot of money on the remodeling either. Those are great campers. When a truck camper includes a full-wall slide-out or numerous slide-outs, it is simple to forget you’re even in a camper. It has an 8-foot floor, whereby 6 feet fit on the truck bed and approximately 2 feet hang off the rear. You can also determine the payload rating by subtracting the curb weight of the truck (you’ll need to take it to the scales to get this figure) from the truck’s GVWR. A DIY truck bed camper is the best option for those travelers who don’t want to pitch a tent or drive a huge trailer. Don’t drive a rig overloaded no matter what. All rights reserved. RVing For Beginners – How To Get Started. 2018 Wolf Creek 850 camper. The 3,500-pound stated weight of the Arctic Fox 1150 in this article is way off. But another perfectly acceptable option is to simply run an extra-long umbilical from the front of the camper to the seven-pin receptacle at the rear of the truck. Due to this placement, truck camper owners will often install a standard seven-pin electrical RV receptacle on the driver’s side, front of the truck bed. The PVC pipes can be stored in a pass thru compartment, the bed of your truck, or you can mount them to the ladder on your RV. Just moved here from Denver, tired of the cold…lol Doug. The largest inflation value for Load Range E tires is 80 psi. RV packing tips beginners. The umbilical connection or “pigtail” provides your truck camper with the running, brake, and turn signal lights needed to be legal on the road. We decided on those factors and that we didn't need the slide. When it comes down to it the Truck camper is the best option if you want to avoid driving annoyances, but often has fewer options due to the limited space of the truck camper. We found your blog thru TC magazine. Call it the truck camper dilemma: Do you, or do you not, dismount the camper from the truck when you’re out camping? No drilling necessary. I am also looking at purchasing a Wolf Creek 850, but cannot find the center of gravity spec anywhere….where does yours measure? Unfortunately, you can’t. share. And if you happen to get in an accident while overloaded, your insurance company can void out your coverage. Use the form on the right to contact us. There are pros and cons with each approach. You can buy specially made mats for the specific make and model of your truck or you can buy a couple of horse stall mats and piece them together to fit the bed of your truck. If you don't plan on running an A/C or Microwave, a 1000 watt generator will be more than sufficient to recharge your batteries. Our philosophy on suspension upgrades is simple. Hi Keith, yes, you’re overloaded. Yes. For a detailed review of the Timbren SES, click here. Timbrens reduce sway through the use of progressive rubber springs, which are mounted above the axle, while Stableloads work with the leaf springs to engage the overload springs sooner.