Truck box campers

[Gilligan]

Looking at a new home away from home and worried that I am getting more gear than I have truck to haul.

? is.. I am now towing 2600#+ of boat and at least another 400# in gear. Am I asking to much of the suspension on a 1/2 ton to add the camper and should I be considering a 3/4 ton?

Thanks!

[Frank from TBay]

I ran the half ton, camper and boat for a few years. We had a beefed up suspension but it was just enough to get by on. I upgraded a year ago to a new 3/4 ton 4x4 with a turbo diesel. I should have done it years ago. The difference is very noticeable.
I would have a hard look at the heavier truck.
Good fishing: Frank

[Phil T.]

Some of the best, most factual advice you can find is through Lance Campers. You can contact them through a link in www.rv.net. Of course, the information will poromote their brand of campers, but since they are one of the better (maybe best) brands, that's not bad either.
Another source of information can be found at your Ford dealership. They publish a booklet containing loading information that is so detailed, it is intimidating at the first couple readings. It's worth the time and effort to decipher.

[Walleye Daddy]

I tow a Champion fishunter behind my truck with my 8 foot camper in the box with no problem after I intalled a Hellwig suspension kit. Its a very inexpensive upgrade that will help you out tremedously.
WD

[doug]

It depends on how big of a truck camper you are going to. How much does the camper weigh and is it a fold down type,if it is a fold down it does'nt weigh much if you got enough power you should be alright. Trailer brakes would be a plus if you have them. A 3/4 ton would be better but you can get by with this set up.

[vetspet(ind)]

i have a truck camper...custom made in elkhart indiana...no water but has everything else...incl a 6 ft refrigerator and twin propane tanks...as i winter camp often i wanted x-tra gas so as not run out in the middle of the nite....have auto valve between tanks...i had older motorhome which gave me all kinds of water problems so i got used to not having water tanks...i just fill a couple of 5 gal jugs....a good friend of mine lived in idaho and said that most of his buddies regretted getting the 12 ft campers...eventually either backed into something or the x-tra wt was bothersome...i tow my 1600lb camper and 21 ft sylvan with my ram 250 4x4 v-10....terrible gas hog but otherwise lots of power and still sways a bit if i turn a bit sharp...would not want any lighter rig...i could put the airbags in the rear suspension which my buddy with the 12 ft lance has...that helps him a lot....the 4 ft refrigerators would only hold one days catch at erie and my 6 ft holds ~3 days...much better...steve

[Steve(CO)]

I have a 9.5' pop-up camper on the back of a 3/4 ton, heavy duty suspension Chevy. I pull a 1700 Fisherman. Frankly, I felt there was too much sway with the camper even though the suspension was already beefed up. I had a local shop put in another leaf. The rig now handles incredibly well; no sway no matter where and how you are driving. My wife says she feels like she is driving a car. The only drawback is the stiff ride when the camper is off, but that is worth it to me.
Bottom line- I personally would not go with less than a 3/4 ton if you are putting any decent sized camper on there (meaning one with amenities like a toilet/shower, hot water heater, stove/oven, etc.). Also, don't scrimp on power. I didn't go for the biggest engine and I have been sorry. Good luck.