Truck Camper Help ??? (Please)
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Junior User
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Truck Camper Help ??? (Please)
I am looking at an older truck camper. I believe it is about 1,200 LBS. Will I have any problems carrying it in my 79 F-250. The guy said there should be something in the glove box stating how much it will safely handle but I cant find it anywhere. Here is what is on the Door Tag. Truck has a 460 C6 and 4.11s. Any help appreciated.
GVWR- 7,700
FR GAWR- 3050
Rear GAWR 5,300
GVWR- 7,700
FR GAWR- 3050
Rear GAWR 5,300
New User
Joined: May 2004
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What you need to do is weigh your truck, I did it at a commercial scale on the highway after they clossed. get a weight for the front and back. Next add the 1200 to the weight for the rear and it needs to be below the 5,300. If it is below the 5,300 I suggest loading up the camper for a test drive. Make sure you go to the scales again, there are several weights people quote for campers, normally they give you the dry weight which does not include water or gear.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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3868 is the weight of the truck listed on the title according to NY DMV. If I add even 1700 which is probably the Max weight of the Camper full, fire wood etc. I still have a lot of leeway here correct? I might try to get to a scale though. Thanks for the help much appreciated.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
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From: Running Springs CA
You will be fine. I have a '94 F-150 4x4 and camper.
GVWR 6250
Unladen Weight (from title) 4425
Payload 1825
Full gas 200
Two people and dog 400
Camper (Four Wheel, Grandby model) 800 empty
Reserve for propane, water, ice, beer, food, firewood, etc. 425
Jim
GVWR 6250
Unladen Weight (from title) 4425
Payload 1825
Full gas 200
Two people and dog 400
Camper (Four Wheel, Grandby model) 800 empty
Reserve for propane, water, ice, beer, food, firewood, etc. 425
Jim
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One more ??????? I have heard they dont like the wind too much. Is this true or just a myth? I know aerodynamics in the early 70s was non existent LOL. This will be my first experience with any kind of camper. I chose a truck camper because I could tow something if needed. I am looking into a few different ones right now. My family went camping for the first time this year and my little guy who is 4 absolutely loves it. With only me , my wife and son going I feel this is our best bet. I looked into some tow behind units and we really dont need that much room. Thanks again
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Southern California
It's true. A truck with a camper has the aerodynamic's of a brick. Heading into a wind, you can really feel it. Side winds are the worst though. Especially big gusty winds. When you meet those on the road, it's best to keep the speed down to 55 or lower.
Depends on where you travel. Here in California, they post wind advisories in the deserts and mountain passes. Sometimes the wisest thing to do then, is pull off the road for a few hours.
Depends on where you travel. Here in California, they post wind advisories in the deserts and mountain passes. Sometimes the wisest thing to do then, is pull off the road for a few hours.
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You guys are great!!! I am going to look at one of the few today and hopefully its as good as stated. I live in Buffalo NY and we do get wind often being right off of Lake Erie. Thanks for the tips I will definitely keep them in mind. The only big thing I am looking at is that it does not leak and its not a total wreck. I can do some updating and fixing if needed over the LONG winter. Hopefully I will be able to go Camping again soon without packing a tent, stove, coolers etc. Tenting is fine but when it rains its NO fun 
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
I am guessing you mean a slide in camper not just the shell for the back right? If its an old one fully self contained (10ft cabover?) look for the weight to be closer to 2000+. I have an old Honeybee and it is about 2500lbs but it is fully self contained. so look close, but my BIL used to carry the same type for years on his old ford pu's
without a problem. If its a 8ft you might still be a little light on the estimate.
There are some bars that mount to the frame that you tie the camper down too, much preferred to the stake pocket type. I made some for my 89 that mount to the frame at the bumper mount to keep the back end of the camper from bouncing. Also you might want to look at some airbags to stabilize the rig, cross winds wont be that big a deal, you will know they're there but you will feel more secure.
But you will enjoy the opportunity to fam camp in the thing we did several trips with ours, as well as going fishing/camping and it was great.
Have fun.
without a problem. If its a 8ft you might still be a little light on the estimate.
There are some bars that mount to the frame that you tie the camper down too, much preferred to the stake pocket type. I made some for my 89 that mount to the frame at the bumper mount to keep the back end of the camper from bouncing. Also you might want to look at some airbags to stabilize the rig, cross winds wont be that big a deal, you will know they're there but you will feel more secure.
But you will enjoy the opportunity to fam camp in the thing we did several trips with ours, as well as going fishing/camping and it was great.
Have fun.
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Thanks Hank I am almost thinking of springing and buying a newer model slide in. I know the newer they are the less they weigh, technology from the 70s is much to be desired. I know the newer ones also have a charging system for the campers and most of the olders ones dont. I am in no big hurry so I will just wait on a good one. Possibly a Reposessed one or someone that really needs to sell bad. I can probably find one over the winter here during the OFF season. I just wanted to get the pros and cons of them so I was certain this is what we wanted. I now know this is definitely the way to go for us!! I think with a newer model I wouldnt even need air bags or sway devices. My truck only has 73K original miles and drives like new. The guy I bought it from merely used it as a seasonal puller for his camper and you can definitely see that by the condition being Rust Free here in Buffalo. Thanks again for the input, it is much appreciated.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
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From: USA
If you are looking at a hard-sided cabover camper with appliances, expect it to weigh 2000 lbs or more. My 8' SixPac weighs 2000 lbs and it is considered small for a fully self contained cabover. My old 10.5' Vacationeer weighed 3000 lbs.
When you go look at the camper, check the jack brackets for loosness on the camper frame. Alot of older campers have rotten wood in those areas and the jacks get loose easy. Also check for rot around the lower corners of windows and the floor and lower walls of the cabover and of course in the roof. If it is a fully self contained model, make sure you fire up the furnace, waterheater, pump, and stove/oven. Ask the owner to plug in the fridge the night before you go look at it so you can see that it is cooling. There's no compressor on these fridges, if it is a gas fridge, so there's no way to tell if they are working other than if they are cool or not. The camper should be level when the fridge is on.
When you go look at the camper, check the jack brackets for loosness on the camper frame. Alot of older campers have rotten wood in those areas and the jacks get loose easy. Also check for rot around the lower corners of windows and the floor and lower walls of the cabover and of course in the roof. If it is a fully self contained model, make sure you fire up the furnace, waterheater, pump, and stove/oven. Ask the owner to plug in the fridge the night before you go look at it so you can see that it is cooling. There's no compressor on these fridges, if it is a gas fridge, so there's no way to tell if they are working other than if they are cool or not. The camper should be level when the fridge is on.