Choosing A Tundra For Lance 850: A Good Match?

The Lance 850 camper is compatible with import full-size short-bed trucks like the Toyota Tundra. However, it's important to consider the weight capacities of your specific truck configuration (2WD vs. 4WD, standard cab vs. extended cab, etc.) and any additional equipment or cargo you plan to carry. While the Lance 850 camper can be physically placed on a Tundra, there are weight limitations to keep in mind. The dry weight of the camper is around 1775 lbs, and when fully loaded with water and gear, it can exceed 2000 lbs. On the other hand, the Toyota Tundra has a maximum payload capacity of around 1500-1940 lbs, depending on the model year. Exceeding the recommended weight limits can lead to unsafe driving conditions and potential damage to your vehicle. It is recommended to consult a Factory Authorized Lance Dealer or refer to truck weight capacity ratings to ensure your vehicle can safely handle the load.

Lance 850 camper weight and if it can be supported by Tundra

The Lance 850 is a long bed, hard-side, non-slide, wet bath truck camper. It has a dry weight of 2,445 pounds, but most Lance 850 models will likely have 150 to 200 additional pounds with popular options like an air conditioner, microwave, and awning. This means the camper's wet weight is likely to be around 3,500 pounds.

The Toyota Tundra has a maximum payload capacity of around 1,600 to 1,940 pounds, depending on the model year and configuration. This payload capacity includes the weight of passengers, gear, and everything placed in the box.

Based on the weight of the Lance 850 and the payload capacity of the Toyota Tundra, it appears that the Tundra may not be able to support the weight of the camper. However, there are some factors to consider:

• The weight of the camper can vary depending on the optional equipment installed and how full the holding tanks are.
• The addition of support equipment, such as air springs, special shock absorbers, and cabover shocks, can improve the handling and stability of the truck and increase its load-carrying capacity.
• The weight capacity ratings of the truck, including the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating), are set by the manufacturer and are generally found on the truck's door post or in the glove compartment. These ratings should be considered when determining if the truck can support the weight of the camper.

It is recommended to consult a Factory Authorized Lance Dealer or a commercial truck scale to determine the actual weight of the truck and camper and ensure they do not exceed the weight capacity ratings of the Tundra.

Tundra's weight capacity and how to determine it

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that has been in production since 1999. Over the years, it has been offered with a variety of engine options, including V6 and V8 configurations, and its towing and payload capacities have varied accordingly.

To determine the weight capacity of your Tundra, you should refer to the truck's weight capacity ratings, which can usually be found on the driver's side door jam, on a label in the glove box, or in the owner's manual. These ratings include the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), which is the maximum loaded weight of the vehicle set by the manufacturer, and the GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating), which specifies the load-carrying capacity for each axle.

Additionally, you can take your truck to a commercial truck scale to determine its actual weight. By subtracting this weight from the GVWR, you can calculate the remaining cargo weight capacity. It is important to consider the weight of passengers, gear, and any modifications or additions to the truck, such as a camper, when determining its overall weight capacity.

For example, let's consider the case of a 2008-2013 Toyota Tundra equipped with the 5.7L V8 engine. According to sources, this model has a GVWR of 7,200 lbs and a payload capacity of around 1,600 lbs. Now, if you plan to install a camper, such as the Lance 850, you need to consider its weight as well. The dry weight of a camper refers to its mass without any water, propane, batteries, or additional options, while the wet weight includes these provisions and equipment.

Let's assume the Lance 850 has a dry weight of around 1,775 lbs, as mentioned in one source. Even with this relatively lightweight camper, you would already be close to the payload capacity of the Tundra. Keep in mind that you also need to account for the weight of passengers, gear, and any support equipment or modifications made to the truck. Exceeding the weight capacity of your vehicle can be dangerous and may void your insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the weight of your Tundra, the camper, and all additional equipment to ensure you do not exceed the specified weight limits. You may need to consider a different truck or camper model to ensure a safe and reliable setup.

Camper weight and how it varies

Camper weight varies depending on a number of factors. Firstly, the weight of the camper itself, known as the dry weight, can differ based on the model and its features. For example, a Lance 825 camper has a dry weight of 1775 lbs, while a Lance 1121 has a dry weight of 3260 lbs. The weight of the camper can also vary depending on whether it is loaded or unloaded, with loaded campers carrying gear, water, propane, and other supplies. This can significantly increase the overall weight, with one source estimating that a camper loaded with supplies will weigh around 1500 lbs more than its dry weight.

Additionally, the weight capacity of the truck must be considered. The truck's weight capacity, or cargo carrying capacity, is the maximum weight it can carry, including passengers, gear, and anything placed in the box. The weight capacity of a truck can be found on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner's manual. When considering a camper, it is important to ensure that the truck has sufficient weight capacity to handle the camper and any additional cargo.

It is also worth noting that modifications can be made to the truck to improve its handling and stability when carrying a heavy load. These modifications include adding air springs, special shock absorbers, and cabover shocks. However, it is important to remember that these modifications do not increase the factory weight ratings of the truck.

Overall, it is crucial to carefully consider the weight of the camper and the weight capacity of the truck to ensure a safe and stable setup.

Support equipment to improve truck and camper handling

Truck and camper package handling can be improved by adding support equipment. This equipment does not increase the factory ratings of GVWR, GAWR, and CGVWR but improves handling, stability, and safety.

• Air springs
• Special shocks absorbers
• Cabover shocks
• Upgraded tires
• Airbags
• Rear sway bar
• E-rated tires
• Helper springs

It is recommended to consult a Factory Authorized Lance Dealer for professional guidance on matching your truck to a camper and installing support equipment.

Lance dealer guidance on matching a camper to your truck

Lance campers are designed to be compatible with a range of trucks, but it's important to ensure that your truck can safely handle the weight of the camper and any additional gear. Here are some guidelines to help you match a Lance camper to your truck:

Truck Configuration

The compatibility of a Lance camper with your truck depends on its configuration, including whether it's 2WD or 4WD, and whether it has a standard or extended cab. These factors influence the truck's capacity for carrying and towing.

Truck Weight Capacity Ratings

To determine the weight capacity of your truck, refer to the truck weight capacity ratings provided by the manufacturer. These ratings are usually found on the driver's side door jam, in the glove compartment, or in the owner's manual. The key ratings to look for are:

• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum loaded weight of a single vehicle, including the truck and any trailer it tows.
• GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): The load-carrying capacity of a single axle system, with separate ratings for the front and rear axles.
• CGVWR (Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum loaded weight of the vehicle and any trailer it tows.

Weigh Your Truck and Camper

It's important to know the actual weight of your truck, which can be determined by taking it to a commercial truck scale. You can then calculate the remaining capacity for carrying and towing by subtracting the truck's weight from its GVWR.

Camper weights can vary depending on optional equipment and the fullness of holding tanks. To determine the approximate weight of a camper, consider the wet weight (including optional equipment and supplies) posted next to the camper's entry door.

Support Equipment

The handling of the truck and camper package can be improved by adding support equipment such as air springs, cabover shocks, and special truck shocks. Upgraded tires can also enhance stability and handling. While this support equipment does not increase the factory weight ratings, it enables the truck to handle greater loads more safely.

Consult a Lance Dealer

For complete guidance on matching your truck to a camper, it is recommended to consult a Factory Authorized Lance Dealer. They are trained in properly matching truck camper rigs and can provide specific advice based on your truck's specifications and intended use.

Frequently asked questions