Pickup Truck Campers... Which Pickup to buy

[@reidiford2519]

Fabulous resource for valuable "must-have" information. The time to learn these things is BEFORE you buy your truck. Viewing this video should be REQUIRED for anyone planning to buy a camper OR a truck to carry a camper.

[@SuperGonggong]

Reid Iford yep

[@annmariepelrine9845]

Great video! Thank you for your time and information.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Gas engines get awful mileage with any camper

[@JeepCherokeeful]

A slide in has no brakes but a trailer does! Unbraked weight buddy, this guy is clueless!

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Don't listen to half of this stupidity!

[@timothyVowens]

I just bought a 2018 Ford F-350 diesel dually long bed. I had Hellwig swaybars installed in front and rear. I had "suspension airbags" installed (Air Lift 5000) with an on-board air compressor. With all that said, I have a Lance Camper 850. My Ford truck payload capacity is 5,500 pounds. The Lance 850 is rated at 2,500 pounds dry weight. I figure my 50 gallon diesel tank adds 350 pounds when full (diesel ways approximately 7 pounds per gallon). 30 gallon fresh water tank adds 240 pounds (8 pounds is the weight of a gallon of water). I am 250 pounds. Added up: (a) camper = 2,500 pounds, (b) diesel tank full loaded = 350 pounds, (c) 30 gallons of fresh water = 240 pounds (d) me = 250 pounds (e) on again / off again girlfriend = 110 pounds.......all that adds up to = 3,450. Plus another (????) 1,000 pounds of stuff (generator, tools, food, propane tanks, etc) and my payload is 4,450 pounds. Everyone told me the dually was "too much, too difficult to drive, and I didn't need that much" and a F350 was "too big and too much power" for what I needed. However, one time I heard a guy say, "buy more truck than you think you will need." I am glad I did. I am only 1,000 pounds from my payload capacity.

[@fahey6797]

I think these Gross vehicle weight recommendations mean you can drive the vehicle with that weight on it like a mad-man safely. When I am towing or hauling, I tend to drive slower and far more carefully/easily. An F-350 will haul Lance's largest camper, and surely you'd be over-capacity all loaded up. It's kind of like how over-loading a shopping cart necessitates one move a bit slower and more carefully, but its not necessarily dangerous if one's careful.

[@celestepalm6949]

@Tim: You were really thinking ahead on what mattered most. It's better to buy a heavier load capacity truck for peace of mind as well as the better handling.

[@therealtashiro]

I believe a truck's payload capacity is wet (including full fuel tanks)...

[@markrich3271]

As a owner of a larger truck camper . There's a night and day difference between a diesel and gas truck. The torque makes a huge difference . On top of reliability longevity and fuel cost. I will never go back to a gas truck .

[@boostedlss6450]

Sharing this vid with a friend who says my need for a 1T dually to haul a 4000LB wet camper as well as personal gear and passengers is excessive. IMO I'll be approaching 5000LBS loaded, that's 1000LBS more than my car LOL. Im looking at my first truck, and it's gonna be a doozy, but I'm not an idiot, this vid simply confirms and answers so many of the questions you need to know to do this kind of thing safely. Happy trails!

[@livingauthenticallyonmyownterm]

One ton diesel Dually -- buy it if you can and you will not need to upgrade later. I have a 2007 Ram 3500 dually with the 5.9 diesel. Bought it used in 2009 no regrets.

[@cattalkbmx]

Yeah but does it take Glock mags?

[@blusnuby2]

What does Scotty Kilmer say ?

[@jimderksen1653]

The 2010 with the bigger cummins has all the power and engine braking for rving. Paddle shifters in the steering wheel work great.

[@BryanX64]

Diesel if you have the extra money to repair Diesel engines/parts.

[@gypsybelle4757]

Outstanding safety information! Keys to have on the front end while shopping for a truck and camper. This one video could literally save people thousands of dollars and physical injuries. Thank you for sharing! Subscribed. 🙌

[@Cla55clown]

I'd rule out a dually if you plan on doing a lot of off-roading with the truck camper. Larger rocks can get lodged in between the rear tires.

[@thequestlivetolearntolive.8555]

Thank you

[@sparkx251]

Very solid, vital info... This should be must viewing for newbies and many TC owners. I had to aquire this info piece by piece. This vid is a one source deal...! Well done.

[@reubenbautista8502]

I bought a Laramie 2500 to tow my fifth wheel and it was in the garage most of the time. I switched for a 2019 Super Duty F-350 and I love it. Way more power than I need. I am very happy with my Ford. Have no problems at all

[@brucehall5267]

Glad I bought my dodge 3500 brand new back in 01. 400,000 miles later still running great like new and carried my back pack camper great. Thanks for the video and info.

[@kassandrah8750]

Thank you! I have the camper, but needed info on the type of truck to get. Everyone else seems to focus on the campers for a truck someone already has. I appreciate you taking the time to focus on the trucks needed for a camper one may have/be considering.

[@Flipperwi715]

Can't thank you enough for this. I have been going a bit cookoo on figuring this exact subject out.

[@BTBRVReviews]

FlipperWI Z: my pleasure

[@terryqueen3233]

I know you did this three years ago but maybe you will read this I am considering going truck camper, but after watching this it looks like I'm going to have to go dually tires. You gave me a lot of food for thought and I certainly do appreciate it I hope you get to read this. Have a great day and stay safe.

[@bscott9741]

I've been watching/subscribed to your channel for a few weeks. I just want to thank you for all the great info you share. I watch all your new videos and also go back when I have time to watch older videos. Most of all, I like your "attitude" about people. You truly want to empower people to help them to make the best choices for them and their families from the start. I've always been a geeky girl/now 60+ woman who grew up watching Mr. Wizard and I really appreciate your low key informative style which assummes everyone can learn something from your videos regardless of age, sex, or whatever. Before this video I watched your video where you helped out the gentleman in the semi with tanker who was stuck in the ditch. You handled that with tack and compassion and you made it very clear to everyone who watched the video that each of us should be always be treated with respect and to not be treated as a photo-op to be up loaded to KZbin. Thanks, Barb

[@justinj9444]

All the research I “thought” I had done, out the window. Thanks for sharing your insight and opinion, they’re ones that matter tremendously in this case. What a great video.

[@rickthompson3533]

I have a 2016 RAM 3500 Diesel Dually with a Northstar 12 STC camper. I weighed the unit at a CAT certified scale with only me aboard and nearly full payload with fuel, water supplies and it weighed 13,150 lbs. The RAM is rated at 14,000 GVWR so if I had 3 passengers I would be pushing closer to my limit. The Northstar from the factory was measured at 3641 lbs dry, but when load can be quite a bit more. I am glad I bought the dually and recommend all to be aware of their payloads with respect to GVWR.

[@kevinkern907]

Been looking at the same setup you have there. What kind of fuel mileage do you get loaded? Been trying to decide between gas or diesel. Thanks!

[@codymontgomery429]

@@kevinkern907 what did you end up deciding on, Kevin? any reports on mpg?

[@pedalingthru2719]

​@Kevin Kern go with a 4500 or a 5500 it will cost a little more but it will be better in the long run.

[@gungadin6447]

Really good insight into the safety risks (swaying, braking, tire blowouts, etc...) inherit in choosing, too light a truck for a truck camper. Don't have my truck or camper yet but advice literally makes me want to choose a 1 ton DRW even for a 2500 lb. camper just to acquire the stability and safety that comes with a less burdened truck.

[@rvduck96]

It is so refreshing to watch a video that explains truck payloads. I have owned six campers over a 40 year period and my latest camper an Arctic Fox, two slide is 4000 pounds dry and truly a Dually camper. I ordered my 2016 Silverado Dually with the 6..0 engine to get another 670 pounds of legal payload and my tire sticker shows I have a 5500 pound payload which I can overload if I completely fill my fresh water tank. The newer Duallys have really raised payloads. I had an 08 Duramax Dually I just loved but it only had a 3700 pound payload and I was almost a ton overloaded with my Arctic Fox on . I have had air bags on prior trucks I owned, I now use the stableload spacer blocks that engage the overload springs and IMHO , they are far superior to airbags. Too much air pressure in air bags give you a mushy ride. My 2016 Dually Crew Cab 4X4 6.0 gas has been great so far, handles the Arctic Fox very well, very little body roll and easily take curves faster than posted speeds. Thanks for a very good video.

[@celestepalm6949]

Which 2016 Dually Crew Cab gas did you choose, if it's OK to ask? You were really smart in getting your rig camper-ready!

[@healthballnut]

@@celestepalm6949 I got the High Country Crew Cab 4x4 with the 6.0 gasser

[@celestepalm6949]

@@healthballnut Hope it barely feels your camper! Happy Traveling.

[@TM-kb9xj]

Valuable information! thank you. this hit hard on what I am deciding to do concerning buying a camper and not go passed the Max load rating. Your video took care of a lot of my questions.

[@toddramsay977]

that was done of the best info I have ever heard on KZbin. I am not handy with trucks , with houses yes, not trucks. so that was great info. you are the guru of truck info. thanks for sharing!

[@BTBRVReviews]

Todd Ramsay: thank you!

[@hookedonfishing.6021]

My take away here is you are going to buy a truck to haul a camper, dually trucks are the way to go you don't have to worry about going over payload specs and you can future proof if you want to up grade

[@dsn1964]

One factor to consider is what KIND of camping you're doing. Spend a lot to time on the beach in sand? Sometimes deep sand? Single-rear-wheel. I know, I know.......You can get 'offroad' tires for a Dooley.......but really the 350/3500s you see at places like the outer banks are all single-rear wheel. Roadbound and campsites??? Sure......Dooley can get you pretty much anything out there.

[@kevinthorne9892]

Good day, I Really Appreciate this information, cause I've a ½ Ton Van, and was considering putting one of these on it.

[@leonard7475]

Thanks for the excellent information BTBRV! I just wanted to add, that when trying to determine if your truck will be able to accommodate a particular camper, be sure to read the fine print on the manufacturer's site. Many will specify a dry weight without options. For example, the Northwood Arctic Fox 865 is listed as 2,641 lbs but that doesn't include the 595 lb mandatory fox value pack. One also needs to add the estimated weight of cargo as well as water (8.3 lbs per gallon) and propane (60 lbs typical) to determine a realistic total. Even a non-slide camper like the Arctic Fox 865 can easily be about 4,000 lbs fully loaded.

[@BTBRVReviews]

Leonard: great points! thanks

[@markgrillo180]

Arctic fox 865 non slide is the one I was choosing.... thanks for that info regarding mandatory optional equip

[@boostedlss6450]

The camper I'm looking at specs at 3250. After LP and tanks, fresh water, batteries, and assorted options it's closer to 4K. Do the math, it will save you money.

[@TravelswithYoly]

Really great information here. Having had experience with a Ram 1500, we discovered that the actual weight of the camper was about 600 lbs heavier than advertised. The only thing you left out is my recommendation to stop at a certified CAT Scale and get the actual weights to compare both payload and rear axle rating. You did mention that some people who rig half tons do replace the stock tires with higher load capacity tires, but there are times when the wheels themselves are overloaded. We ended up upgrading to a 2500 and chose one of the lightest campers in the market (2180 lbs). I added an adjustable Hellwig sway bar and nothing else. We're about 400 lbs below the payload and rear axle rating fully loaded and the rig drives beautifully. You alluded to the additional weight of the diesel detracting from the payload and I found that the "trim levels" of the truck also reduce payload as the trim level goes up (electric running boards etc.) Payload on our 2016 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2WD, Crew Cab with the 6.4L Hemi is 3600 lbs.

[@davidbreen4727]

wow, i liked the way you explained everything. dually is definately the way to go. even with a light camper, the interior weight from water, food, personal belongings, the dually could handle most of it. very informative. thanks a bunch.

[@wboquist]

If you order the Payload Package on a Ford F150, it is rated for about 2700 lbs of payload. The package gets you beefed up springs, wheels and tires, a bigger diff, and an oil cooler. That is a "half-ton" pickup that may be an exception to your rule, if the buyer of the camper keeps the weight of the unit down.

[@geographyinaction7814]

Remember, that most 1/2 tonne camper capable trucks, are 2wd, reg cab., at least the ones with 2000 lbs and greater.

[@cheftomsd]

Back in the 90's I had the same setup for my Sixpac camper on a F150. It only weighed 1275# so it was a good fit. Axle ratio is important, mine was a 3.55 and ditch the passenger tires for truck tires which have more rigid sidewalls.

[@SiMahDan]

Instinctively I knew this, but you just reaffirmed my own thinking. This is the video I've been waiting for.

[@Sedona-Faise]

Just to back up what was said: I have a 3/4 ton Dodge diesel crewcab 4x4 w/towing gear ratio...To haul Lightest Lance camper #1840 dry, I need overload springs (to simulate 1-ton), large sway bar, air bags and load H 19.5 tires and it is still a handful to drive for any emergency maneuvers ....plus weighs 11,700 when actually loaded to camp.

[@rvlee8577]

Nice job covering a complicated subject. My 1999 Chevy 3500 crew cab non dually has a sticker in the glove box that says not to exceed a 2000 pound camper. 1 ton truck with a one ton camper makes sense but from what I can tell everyone else's 1 ton trucks can haul a heavier camper. Easy fix would be to remove the sticker from the glove box lol j/k. I have a great camper from the 60s and it weighs 1200 but has no bathroom and I want a shower so I will look for a new truck. Thanks for your informative videos

[@RogerPeters-qm6vm]

I’m waiting for you to discuss 1/2 ton brakes versus the the heavier brakes on 250/350.

[@stuckcamping]

If you want a truck camper, buy a dually long bed and save yourself from trading up once you learn truck camping is not about going light, where the trailer community advertise as 'light weight'. Truck campers are all about Payload and GVW. Folks need to do more research before buying trucks with intentions on buying a TC. Great job on your videos as always!

[@Cla55clown]

I'm interested in getting a truck camper but I go back and forth between a single rear wheel (SRW) or dually 1-tons. The pickup will be my daily driver.

[@be-shorter]

Thank you! Much appreciated! It is a point. I didn't figure out that I need to compare weights, I just thought about length.

[@Viking94134]

You sold me on buying a HD dually if I buy a truck camper. Thanks for the tips!

[@careycraig4360]

Great Video! You covered a lot of Very Important information in a short period of time. A lot of Food for Thought!! Thanks!!

[@darylgoulet4966]

Very well spoken and very informative! Well done!

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

EXCELLENT! I have a half ton Silverado...max load is only 1600 lbs including passegers so not recommended for most truck campers....

[@jharbo1]

Outstanding and invaluable information freely given. Thank you so much! No truck camper for me. Looking for a small travel trailer to pull behind a Tundra.

[@bigdogpete43]

My main reason-dispersed camping in the National Forest. I hardly ever pay for a campsite. And in my state, there is no registration required and therefore, no taxes on a truck camper.

[@MrAbsentdriver]

Good video. This guy knows his trucks. Smart info.

[@loveracing1988]

The other thing to consider is on a 2500 a diesel takes away 800 or so pounds of payload, sometimes more. My 2500 has a payload of 3100 pounds, so a diesel truck would only be at 2200 to 2300 pounds. So if you are dead set on diesel go up to a 3500.

[@PatrickWagz]

GREAT points!! I added this video to my "favorites" for future reference.

[@emmers2698]

My 2001 f250 has to plow prep with diesel. It actually has the sway bars and the rear overload springs. Only thing it didn’t come with was the tie down points but that part is a minor problem. Am thinking on a palomino ss1500. Pretty sure I will be alright.

[@pedalingthru2719]

I found the best truck to haul a large truck camper is the ford f-550 crew cab 4x4. Sure it cost me $125,000.00 but it was well worth it

[@NordicNevs]

Man I miss gulf waters and that drive across Mustang Island. This is a great video. On our way home from Port Aransas we got hit with some 75mph gusts. I have a Jayco Eagle HT 34' weighed in at 10k and a pin weight of about 2K. I have a 2500 SRW with remote air bags. My truck handled it well but the Dually would have been nice in that situation. Also they claim these 5ers are 1/2 ton rated....I guarantee you if there was a 150/1500 pulling that in those conditions they would have been in the ditch or worse. These manufactures will try to market however they can and in reality it can place people in dangerous positions. Great video!

[@williammanning7519]

Good video. I have a dually for my camper works great. One comment if you are ordering a new truck do not get the snow plow prep option it can effect how the camper sits.

[@BTBRVReviews]

William Manning: correct. A snow plow package puts emphasis on the front suspension sitting higher to support a plow.

[@Danj144]

Could you maybe put a newer video out? I get the concepts but I'm trying to decide between a 2024 F350 & F450 Crewcab Diesel and want to have the ability to handle a the biggest Host slide in camper. Would I need to go up to a F550?

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

I talked with someone who has a truck camper and they have F rated tires and airbags . The truck isn't a dually . I am doing my research and narrowed it down to a couple 4 season campers . A Wolf Creek 750 would be the max my 2015 Ram 2500 4x4 longbed extra cab can handle . That being said airbags sway bar and F rated tires and probably more are needed .

[@grottu]

Duals are awesome when you have camper but sucks big time any other time….I’m using F350 SRW 4x4 long bed with crew cab (176”), payload 4750lb so just on edge with camper. Have air bags on back and 2” lift on front and with Northern Lite 10 it drives great….ALWAYS buy good tires and pay attention to pressure/temperature!

[@steveramirez3276]

Thank you VERY much for the information. This was very helpful.

[@billcarroll1941]

Really thorough review of truck size and camper adds. I will bookmark this so I can review it again. Thanks for posting.

[@gailbeyatte]

I appreciate the informative videos. I always check out what you have to say before I make any RV related decision.

[@LaDayna04]

Thank you. Very helpful. I knew a bit about this but not nearly enough. So glad I saw this before I bought anything. Awesome timing.

[@Dr_Reason]

Full floating axles are really mandatory if you are hauling this type of weight full time.

[@Khoyal]

Thank you for such detailed information really appreciate it it was very thorough now I just have to figure out what truck I’m gonna buy because I’m gonna be pulling a horse trailer along with the camper sounds to me like I need to get a duly

[@qrc208]

Gah damn, I wanted to haul one of these truck bed camper things but my mother in law already has me sittin on the overload springs, not to mention she takes up all the room in the bed!

[@KJAdventures]

Excellent presentation and discussion - Thank You for the information! The diesel/gas decision dilemma is getting tougher because heavier diesel engines may decrease payload capacity. So many variables to consider! 👍KJA

[@wyattearp1418]

Thank you for clearing all that up for me.

[@vintages10]

Thank you very much. Just looking at getting into RV-ing and looking at truck campers, after looking at vans for a while. Right now, the truck campers seem to offer more options. Anyway thank you again!

[@edwilson9243]

Great topic, many people really have no idea how unsafe and over payload they are with truck campers. Most 2500 diesel trucks slide in camper payloads are increasingly low. For eg GMC Denali 2500 crew cab 4wd equipped with the duramax diesel has a slide in camper payload of only 1453 lbs. Equipped with the Gas 6.0 LITER V8 you can add about 800 lbs so still only apx 2200 lbs camper payload. I have a northern lite 8'11" that dry curb weight is 2740 lbs. I purchased a new Ram 3500 Mega Cab CUMMINS diesel dually short bed. It's payload is 5/6000 lbs, and the only dually on the market available with a short bed (6.4)

[@sonictech1000]

Ed Wilson Good points, the weight of these things adds up faster than most realize. I'm curious how your rig handles with all that weight hanging out over the back?

[@gmv0553]

My 2015 Chevy Silverado 3500HD has a payload just over 7000 pounds. In my glove box it says my truck is approved for a 6186 pound truck camper.

[@MadnomadM]

I've decided to go with a Northern Lite also. Was still trying to decide whether to go with short bed/8-11 camper or long bed 9-6 camper (GVW 3190). Now that I've watched this video and read comments, and looked around for a newer used dually (short beds and long beds) it appears I may actually go with the long bed & 9-6 camper. The Northern Lite's have a lower center of gravity than all other campers from the research I've done thus far but will still get a sway bar installed. Not sure about air bags. I've decided to go with gas and planning on either an F350 or Ram 3500 dually, however I really wanted a crew cab. At the very least an extended cab. After listening to the video a second time, maybe it would still work out ok.

[@wesbarcus3761]

One thing you overlooked was tire rating. Tires on a 3/4 ton won't carry the added weight very well. 1 ton rated tires will give you greater capacity than tires on a lighter vehicle.

[@sethh8365]

You make some great informative videos man. I either learn something new or it gets me thinking on every one

[@jakeluna6178]

I TOTALLY knew where you were driving to because of the bridge, water and surrounding oh man i'm missing south texas

[@tinadaniels401]

Okay I have a question. When trying to match up a truck and a truck camper which way to do it do you match the kind of camper you want to the truck or the truck to the camper

[@therealtashiro]

I would say a little bit of both. You might want a different TC down the road, will the truck accommodate it...?

[@MrQdcooper]

Love the video with all the great information and also I recognize that driving path being that I’m from Aransas Pass lol 👍🏿

[@littledeel]

I played it smart. And I just take my semi attached to my fifth wheel trailer XD

[@michaelwas8549]

I just read on a camper website that Chevy trucks have a camper weight limit sticker in the glove box that is different than the cargo weight sticker. Never heard of that. Great vid!

[@SuperStar-nz5xy]

Yep much lower....

[@plumbingstuffinoregon2471]

I remember once seeing a huge new camper on the back of a small early '90s Toyota truck. The rear was sagging so much that the bumper almost dragged on the ground, and the front was lifted so much that he almost couldn't steer when he hit a bump.

[@glyngreen538]

I plan to build a DIY truck camper to go on the back of a Tesla Cybertruck in a few years as a full time live in vehicle. I'll lose some space from the pickup bed having sides but there are ways to design around it. A 6.5 foot bed and 3500 payload should give me a reasonable size camper if do my best to build it lightweight. I'm curious on your thoughts on the Cybertruck as a vehicle for truck campers should you see this and reply.

[@SDSunriser]

Thank you...Great information and video! 😁

[@BG-ig9eu]

Awesome, just the type of info I was looking for, torn between a Grand Design 40' and a Host Mammoth 11.5

[@joannescholl7216]

Great information! Thank you so much!

[@johnberry8117]

Definitely some wise advice! People need to know their limitations before risking serious problems n trouble. Truck n , and camping is fun but you have to be Responseable! Don’t make more problems for innocent drivers or yourself.Please!

[@mattr7118]

A half ton will do what 90% of people need. But when you start getting into towing regularly, and towing heavy, and/or towing in very hilly/inclimate road conditions, you need to step up to the bigger trucks. For the power for sure, but also the stronger frame and mounts, suspension, brakes and rotors set up for those type of applications. It won't be as comfortable of a ride, but it will definitely be safer when you do those types of things.

[@stevewoods8116]

Thank you, just starting to learn. What about removing the truck bed? I have seen others say that was the biggest game changer?????

[@Bennuides]

Thanks for the info‼️god bless you and your family‼️

[@wushock92]

Helpful information. Thanks, BTBR!

[@dre04mach]

I have kicked around the idea of getting a camper to put on my dually for the weekends... but after researching what it takes to hook one up to the truck - it's nowhere near as easy as hitching up a trailer - i kinda nixed that idea. Maybe if I get an old gas dually, so I can leave the camper on there full time... The main advantage - and I'm surprised you didn't hit up on this - to truck + camper vs a class B or small C / A; is that you can get it in 4x4. Yes you can convert most class Bs and Cs, but that's a pain. A 4x4 camper, even not lifted or a small 1-2" lift will go where no other motorhome will go... The main thing that sucks with all of the "small" type options, is the lack of water tanks capacity... that certainly limits how far and how long you can go off the beaten path...

[@randygreen7871]

Excellent video thanks so much for sharing

[@williamjohnston3770]

Great video and solid advice. Thanks

[@paccarcrap]

Thank you so much. I guess I’ll be upgrading from a three-quarter ton to a 1 ton. Daughter graduates in 2 1/2 years and that will become my permanent home. Why? Because I’m not trying to keep up with the Joneses and I hate paying higher rent every month. Plus it is my dream to live small and simple.

[@hollandprince9677]

Would a new Ram regular cab dually 3500, with the auto level rear air suspension and leaf springs be a smart choice for an Arctic Fox 990 truck camper with a wet weight of 4,781 pounds? Right now that's the truck and configuration I'm considering....

[@strawberryroad1347]

This is just loaded with information, and I'm way to new to actually understand all of it (also we use kg where I'm from) Keeping it for later, for sure.. :)

[@cybersecretary]

this answered many of my questions

[@danielgjb]

Another thing not mentioned on a 1/2 ton truck all the weight is on the rear axles. With 3/4 ton and greater the weight is not on the axle. There is a heavy duty spindle with heavy duty bearings and the axle floats in the housing with no weight on the axle itself.

[@CR500R]

Great video as usual. Your editing is really top notch as well.

[@BTBRVReviews]

John: Thanks John!

[@PeteLeuenberger]

How much margin would you recommend when sizing the max truck payload to my camper payload ? Even if the truck says 5,000lbs payload for instance, am I right to think that over time, being at or near that limit will be more stressfull to the truck and a margin would be nice ? Of course, I'm assuming fully loaded. Thanks !

[@PeteLeuenberger]

Also, one more question : you say that if your truck breaks down, just like a van, you are out of a home as well. So how is that different than with an RV or a trailer ? I mean, I can bring the truck to the shop and still have my camper setup somewhere, which you can't with a non trailer - non truck camper RV.

[@FastlifeTodd]

I’d like to know can you get a short bed version camper and mount it in a bigger bed truck so you can keep the tailgate and use the step made into the tailgate

[@MR-cj8uw]

Excellent video thank you.

[@DCGULL01]

Wow- what an eye opener! I had no idea that I needed a 'dualie' 350 or 3500 series set up! An additional tool to consider is 'decontenting' the truck as well to increase payload. Sure, I want leather, burled walnut, a quad cab, etc... BUT- all of those extras end up reducing payload. I noticed that 'The Big Boys" Lance 1165, HOST Mammoth, Eagle Cap, etc...start at 5,000 Lbs. and go up from there! A weigh station is a definite must before venturing out too far with full tanks (gas/diesel, propane, H20) and all of the necessary toys as well! Who would've thought that 6,700 Lbs. was a number to worry about....TIRES!!! Yikes, that's before an airbagged ride, which may legitimately be an absolute must as well. (After helper springs, a humornous anti sway bar and a taller block!) $50,000 seems like short money for a 2 or 3 year old grandmother owned 3500 1 ton dualie before modifications (gas, of course!)...

[@mattra5224]

1:40 that red dodge is a 3/4 ton or a 1 ton cummins

[@tonyg4546]

Best Truck for a camper..... is a Ford F350 w/6.7 L ..... pull a grade with a load with your dodge and you will be looking at ford taillights... i traded my dodge in on a Ford and that was one of the reasons. 🇺🇸

[@mattsbrute]

Amen brother, Preferably a 2017 or newer. The 20X stronger frame redesign happened in 2017 due to HP/ Torque increases and Aluminum body. ( I watched an interview with one of the frame engineers from Ford explain it) Keeps the truck weight down low for better handling towing. A new Dana M300 rear was designed specifically for the F350 in 2017 with 4:10's. Previous years had 4:30's but Torque increases allow for less gearing for better Mileage. That rear is massive. Thats why a bought a new 2017 F350 dually in 2017.

[@OpenAirAdventureFirewood]

Thanks again for the great videos. I was wondering where you get your testing information such as breaking, body roll or acceleration on trucks equipped with conventional, fifthwheel or slide in camper? And I'm talking all trucks in every class. I can't seem to find it anywhere where it says what you can or cannot haul or pull with a half ton or 1 ton and if they where actually tested for breaking or handling.

[@patricksparks6468]

I am thinking of getting a truck camper to travel around and work as a travel nurse. some times I will have to stay in rv parks because of the location of the hospitals I work at. My question is do you know if rv parks restrict truck campers, and do they allow you to take the camper off. I realize you don't stay in these parks but may have heard or stayed before.

[@nia6849]

Did you find the answer yet?

[@WanderlandTravelers]

Very informative, thank you!

[@kenl.6857]

Thank you. This is a very comprehensive and informative review on the topic of truck campers and the correct trucks used to haul them. Gulf Waters RV resort looks like a nice place, but your neighbors are soo close...

[@BTBRVReviews]

+Ken L.: It.might seam like it in the video, but the lots are quite spacious compared to most luxury RV resorts we've stayed at. Our spot was 63' wide by 80' long.

[@codymontgomery7389]

Thank you for the info! I love your videos! You have taught me a lot about trucks and I just realized you have camper videos too! For about a year now I have been in the market for a truck to haul a truck camper that I am actually planning on living out of full time... I am still saving up and unfortunately have a strict budget, and I also have never considered myself to be a big truck guy so I really didn't like the idea of having to get a huge diesel or dually. After doing a ton of research on trucks and engines I decided for several reasons that gas is better for me, but with a gas engine, I think I definitely need the payload of a 1-ton because I only have an idea of what size camper I want. Now that I've heard your 2 cents, I am worried that I need to get a dually! 2 questions about duallys... 1. I will be doing a lot of snow driving and driving to and from mountain ski resorts. I've always had the impression that duallys are less ideal for off-roading and snow. Are they less ideal for winter driving? 2. Do they get worse fuel mileage than their SRW counterparts? I'm going gas so I don't want to get killed on my MPGs. Thanks for all your wisdom!

[@thinkingape7655]

Just wanted to add that 1ton trucks usually have a higher axle spline count than 3/4 too.

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Good tip that 18 inch wheels likely higher payload capacity compared to 20 inch wheels.