Pickup camper
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1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2023
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Pickup camper
I’ve been considering a lightweight slide-in camper for my 2018 F-150 4x4 but have been reading that F-150s aren’t suitable for a camper because of inadequate weight capacity. My truck’s door panel lists a total available weight for cargo and passengers of 1975 lbs. I’m thinking that removing the tailgate (111lbs) increases it to 2086 lbs. A full gas tank (23 gal x 6.3 lbs/gal = 145 lbs). Weight of passengers and personal gear is about 310 lbs. So 2086 lbs minus 455 lbs gives 1631 lbs available for cargo (camper). There are several pop-up campers in the 1000-1200 lb range that should work. All of our camping (currently with an Aliner) is in spots with water available so wouldn’t have a full water tank in camper. I can’t help thinking that I’m missing something in these calculations. Any thoughts?
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 88
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I don’t think axle capacity would be over but it would be worth keeping an eye on. Definitely think this is a situation where you’d want to consider adding a rear sway bar with the weight up higher.
I hope you are not going off the listed ‘dry weight’ for your slide-in camper numbers. Your truck really should be able to handle the camper at its max weight. Plus it’ll likely weigh more than the listed dry weight before you put a single thing in it.
Have you considered a slide-in pop-up, if you’re set on trying a slide-in?
I hope you are not going off the listed ‘dry weight’ for your slide-in camper numbers. Your truck really should be able to handle the camper at its max weight. Plus it’ll likely weigh more than the listed dry weight before you put a single thing in it.
Have you considered a slide-in pop-up, if you’re set on trying a slide-in?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,738
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From: FL
The payload number includes all fluids and a full tank of gas.
I might be doable, but you're going to be very very close on numbers. Will the truck fall apart a few lbs over GVWR? Probably not. For me I would want the added insurance of a HDPP equipped F150 or move up to a F250. If you're dead set on using what you have, would be worth investing in LT tires as well as brake and suspension upgrades. I rarely recommend airbags but this would be a good case for them.
Good luck and stay safe.
I might be doable, but you're going to be very very close on numbers. Will the truck fall apart a few lbs over GVWR? Probably not. For me I would want the added insurance of a HDPP equipped F150 or move up to a F250. If you're dead set on using what you have, would be worth investing in LT tires as well as brake and suspension upgrades. I rarely recommend airbags but this would be a good case for them.
Good luck and stay safe.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,889
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From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
I agree withy Robbgt. A truck camper can be pretty rough on a truck. An F250 would do if the camper's not too heavy. A half-ton (even the max payload version) of an F150 would have very little margin.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,235
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From: San Antonio, TX
If you have a 5.5’ bed, you may need the tailgate to support the back of the camper, unless it’s built specifically for a 5.5’ bed. If you do this, I would also suggest a rear suspension aid such as a Roadmaster Active Suspension.
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crewzer
Slide-in / Truck Campers / Toppers
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Nov 27, 2017 02:06 PM
