Understanding Truck Camper Weights: Wilderness Edition

The weight of a wilderness truck camper depends on several factors, including the type of camper, whether it's a hard side or pop-up style, and if it has slide-outs. An average truck camper weighs around 2,684 pounds, but this can vary significantly. For example, a model with slide-outs can add about 1,000 pounds to the weight of a typical non-slide-out model. Additionally, the weight of a truck camper is listed as dry or wet weight. Dry weight refers to only the frame of the camper without fuel or belongings, while wet weight includes a full gas tank and personal items. When considering a wilderness truck camper, it's crucial to match it properly to your truck by considering payload capacity and truck bed length.

How to determine the weight of a wilderness truck camper

To determine the weight of a wilderness truck camper, there are several methods and factors to consider. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Weighing the Truck Camper

Firstly, if you already have a truck camper, the most accurate way to determine its weight is by physically weighing it. You can take it to a commercial truck scale, such as a CAT scale, or a local weigh station to get an exact measurement. Make sure to include any additional items inside the camper, such as water in the fresh tank, full propane bottles, or installed batteries, and subtract their weight from the total. Additionally, if you intend to remove the tailgate when loading the camper, remember to remove it before weighing or subtract its weight from the final measurement.

Calculating the Dry-with-Options Weight

If weighing the camper isn't possible, the next best option is to calculate its dry-with-options weight. This involves adding the dry weight (the weight of the camper's frame) and the weight of any installed options or add-ons. You can find the dry weight and option weights in the manufacturer's brochure, website, or by contacting them directly. Remember to exclude the weight of liquids like water and propane, as well as any cargo or personal items, from this calculation.

Considering Wet Weight and Cargo

To get the full picture of your truck camper's weight, you also need to consider its wet weight, which includes the weight of liquids and batteries. Calculate this by adding the weight of a full fresh tank, full water heater, full propane tanks, and installed batteries to the dry-with-options weight. Additionally, factor in the weight of your cargo and personal items. This includes food, water, kitchen supplies, bedding, clothing, toiletries, cameras, computers, tools, and anything else you plan to bring with you. Don't forget to include the weight of any pets and their supplies if they're joining you.

Matching the Camper to Your Truck

Once you have an accurate weight for your truck camper, you can start matching it to your truck. This involves ensuring that your truck has sufficient payload capacity to handle the weight of the camper, passengers, and cargo. You can find the truck's payload capacity by subtracting its weight (obtained from a commercial weight scale) from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) provided by the manufacturer, usually found on a sticker on the driver's side door or in the glove compartment. It's crucial to ensure that the combined weight of the camper, cargo, and passengers does not exceed the truck's payload capacity to avoid overloading and ensure safe towing.

Center of Gravity and Fit Compatibility

In addition to weight, you also need to consider the center of gravity and fit compatibility between the truck and the camper. Measure the center of gravity of the camper from its front wall, and ensure it is forward of the truck's rear axle. Additionally, verify the exterior dimensions of both the truck and the camper to ensure they are compatible. This includes measuring the truck's bed length, width, rail height, cab height, and tailgate opening, and comparing them to the camper's base length, width, height, and overhang.

Additional Support and Modifications

To improve the handling and stability of the truck-camper combination, you may need to install additional support equipment. This could include air springs, special shock absorbers, cabover shocks, upgraded tires, or other modifications. Consult a professional or a dealer for guidance on what support equipment may be necessary for your specific setup.

The weight of a wilderness truck camper with slide-outs

The weight of a wilderness truck camper varies depending on the make and model. On average, a truck camper weighs about 2,684 pounds (1,217 kg), but this can range from 1,400 pounds to over 4,300 pounds dry. Models that come with slide-outs typically add about 1,000 lbs (453 kg) to a typical non-slide-out model. For example, the Lance 1172 truck camper, a double-slide luxury model, has a dry weight of 4,063 lbs.

When considering the weight of a truck camper, it is important to distinguish between dry weight and wet weight. Dry weight refers to the weight of only the frame of the vehicle without fuel or belongings, while wet weight includes the weight of a full gas tank and personal items. It is also crucial to match your truck's payload capacity and bed length to the weight of the camper. For instance, the average F-150 truck can handle a payload capacity of up to 2,309 lbs.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the weight of a truck camper can be influenced by factors such as storage, add-ons, seating/sleeping arrangements, and the weight of gasoline. These factors can significantly impact the overall weight of the camper and should be taken into account when considering the camper's compatibility with your truck.

Furthermore, safety should be a top priority when loading a truck camper. It is important to know the correct weight of your setup to ensure you do not overload your truck, as this can affect braking, cooling, handling, and steering. Therefore, it is recommended to weigh your camper before use and to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for information on towing and payload capacity.

How to match a wilderness truck camper to your truck

There are several factors to consider when matching a wilderness truck camper to your truck. Properly matching your truck and camper will ensure optimal performance, safety, and minimise wear and tear on your vehicle. Here are the steps to follow to ensure a correct match:

Step 1: Choose Your Truck or Camper First

The first step is to decide whether you will be choosing your truck or your camper first. If you already own either the truck or the camper, your path is decided for you. If you are starting from scratch, it is generally recommended to choose your camper first. This gives you more flexibility in selecting the camper you want and avoids buying too much or too little truck for your needs.

Step 2: Gather Information

Once you have chosen your truck or camper, it is time to gather the necessary information. If you are going with the "Truck First" path, you will need to weigh your truck and calculate its payload capacity. You can do this by taking it to a CAT Scale or other certified weight scale. Be sure to fill your truck's fuel tank before weighing. You will also need to measure the truck's centre of gravity and exterior dimensions to ensure fit compatibility with your camper.

If you are going with the "Camper First" path, you will need to calculate the weight of your camper. This includes the dry weight (the weight of just the frame) and the wet weight (the weight with fuel and belongings). You can weigh your camper using a portable scale, on-site scale, or by taking it to a CAT Scale. You will also need to measure the camper's exterior dimensions to ensure it will fit your truck.

Step 3: Match Your Truck and Camper

Now that you have the necessary information, it is time to match your truck and camper. If you are going with the "Truck First" path, you will need to select a camper that is payload, centre of gravity, and fit compatible with your truck. Be sure to include the camper's wet weight, option weight, cargo weight, and occupant weight in your calculations.

If you are going with the "Camper First" path, you will need to select a truck that can accommodate the length, width, and height of your camper, as well as having sufficient payload capacity to safely carry it. Be sure to add your own weight, the weight of any passengers, and the weight of any gear or belongings to the total weight of the camper.

Step 4: Consider the Fast Match Path

If you do not yet have either a truck or a camper, you may want to consider the "Fast Match" path. This path involves first choosing a specific camper, then adding 500 pounds for pop-ups or 1,000 pounds for hard-sides to the wet weight. You then custom order a truck with a payload capacity that meets or exceeds this weight. This method simplifies the process and ensures you have sufficient payload capacity for your needs.

Step 5: Final Checks

Once you have matched your truck and camper, there are a few final checks to perform. Double-check all measurements and weights to ensure compatibility. Take your truck and camper to a CAT Scale to verify the payload capacity of your truck and the weight of your camper. Ensure that the camper's cabover nose will clear the roof and roof lights of your truck cab. Verify that the camper's centre of gravity is forward of the truck's rear axle.

The average weight of a wilderness truck camper

The weight of a wilderness truck camper varies depending on the model, the type of truck, and the gear and water inside. The average weight of a truck camper is around 2,684 pounds (1,217 kg). This weight can differ depending on whether the camper has a hard side or pop-up style. Models with slide-outs can add about 1,000 lbs (453 kg) to a typical non-slide-out model.

When considering the weight of a truck camper, it is important to distinguish between the dry weight and the wet weight. The dry weight refers to the weight of only the frame of the camper without any fuel or belongings. The wet weight, on the other hand, includes the weight of a full gas tank and all the belongings inside.

To ensure a proper match between your truck and your camper, it is crucial to consider the payload capacity and truck bed length. For example, the average F-150 truck can handle a payload capacity of up to 2,309 lbs, depending on the model. Additionally, it is important to take into account any additional weight from outdoor gear such as kayaks or bikes that you plan to haul.

When determining the weight of a wilderness truck camper, it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's website or seek out a local cat scale for a more accurate weight measurement.

How to weigh a wilderness truck camper

To weigh a wilderness truck camper, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that the weight of a truck camper can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of camper, whether it has slide-outs, and the weight of fuel and belongings. Therefore, it is recommended to weigh your truck camper and calculate its weight accurately.

If you are purchasing a new truck camper, you can ask the dealer or manufacturer to weigh it for you, as they usually have accurate scales on-site. This will give you the dry weight of the camper, which is the weight of the frame without fuel or belongings.

You can also refer to the manufacturer's website or sticker inside the camper for the dry weight, but these values may not always be accurate. Additionally, you can calculate the dry weight by adding the weight of the standard features and installed options to the manufacturer's provided dry weight.

To get the wet weight, which includes fuel and belongings, you need to add the weight of a full fresh tank, full water heater, full propane tanks, and installed batteries to the dry weight.

For a more comprehensive calculation, you can also consider the weight of cargo and occupants. This includes items such as food, bottled water, kitchen supplies, bedding, clothing, toiletries, cameras, computers, and other essentials. Don't forget to include the weight of pets and their supplies, if applicable.

Once you have calculated the wet weight with cargo and occupants, you can then proceed to match your truck camper to a compatible truck. This involves ensuring that the truck's payload capacity, center of gravity, and exterior dimensions align with the requirements of the camper.

It is recommended to use the Fast Match path if you are selecting a truck camper first and then matching it to a truck. This involves adding 500 pounds for pop-up campers or 1,000 pounds for hard-side campers to the wet weight provided by the manufacturer.

By following these steps, you can accurately weigh a wilderness truck camper and ensure a proper match with a compatible truck.

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