Exploring The Lightweight Coyote Camper: Weighing Options

The weight of a coyote varies depending on factors such as gender, age, health, and region. On average, an adult coyote weighs between 20 and 50 pounds, with males typically weighing more than females. The largest coyotes are found in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, where they can weigh up to 60 pounds. Coyote pups usually weigh less than a pound at birth and gain up to 20 pounds during their first year.

When it comes to campers, the weight depends on various factors, including the size of the trailer, construction materials, and the amount of water, gear, and food packed inside. The average dry weight of a camper trailer is around 5,200 pounds, but this can vary from 1,000 to 9,000 pounds. The gross vehicle weight, which includes full fuel and water tanks, can be up to 250 pounds per foot of the trailer.

Dry weight

The dry weight of a camper is an important metric when it comes to camper weight, as it is one of the most important metrics for RV owners. It is also used to calculate the gross vehicle weight (GVW), which is the weight of a vehicle when its fuel and water tanks, as well as cargo load inside the trailer, are completely full.

To find the exact dry weight of a trailer, unload all gear and equipment, including propane tanks, water tanks, and batteries. Then, weigh the trailer and subtract the weight of the tow vehicle (if applicable).

• 19 feet box length (2015 Jayco Jayflight 19RD): 3,715 pounds
• 23 feet box length (2017 Coleman CTS192RDWE): 3,974 pounds
• 24-foot box length (2017 Salem Hemisphere 24BH): 5,118 pounds
• 25-foot box length (2017 Rockwood Mini-Light 2504s): 4,800 pounds
• 26-foot box length (2015 Jayco Jay Flight 26RKS): 5,605 pounds
• 27-foot box length (2015 Jayco Jay Flight 27RLS): 6,030 pounds
• 32-foot box length (2017 Cherokee West 274DBH): 7,705 pounds
• 38-foot box length (2016 Jayco Jay Flight 38BHDS): 7,690 pounds

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

It's important to note that the GVW can vary for the same model of recreational vehicle, depending on the size of the cargo load and any optional features included. The GVW is typically higher than the Dry Weight, which is the weight of the unloaded vehicle without any passengers, cargo, fuel or water.

When planning your travels, it's recommended that you Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is a crucial metric for determining the weight of a camper. It refers to the total weight of the vehicle when its fuel and water tanks, as well as its cargo load, are completely full. The most accurate way to determine the GVW is to fill all the tanks, load the camper with gear, food, and other supplies, and then place it on a truck scale.

The GVW can vary depending on the size of the cargo load and any optional features included in the camper. For example, a slide-out can dramatically increase the GVW by around 800 lbs (363 kg), while a "pop out" made of canvas tent material will not add much weight. Additionally, the construction materials used can also affect the GVW, with fiberglass trailers being significantly lighter than traditional "stick-built" trailers.

When planning a trip with a camper, it is important to ensure that the gross camper weight does not exceed 80% of the maximum towing capacity of the tow vehicle. This is to prevent issues such as burning out the transmission, difficulty in handling, and to allow for a margin of error in calculations or vehicle specifications.

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)

The Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) is the maximum weight of gear, food and other supplies that can be loaded into a camper. It is important to keep track of the CCC to ensure that the camper's gross weight does not exceed the towing capacity of the tow vehicle.

The CCC is calculated by subtracting the dry weight of the camper from the gross vehicle weight (GVW). The dry weight is the weight of the unloaded camper, while the GVW includes the weight of the camper with full fuel and water tanks, as well as all cargo. On average, a camper can carry an additional 1,500 pounds (680 kg) of cargo, but this can vary depending on the size and construction of the camper.

It is important to note that the weight of water, food and gear can add up quickly. For example, a typical 48-gallon fresh water tank can add nearly 400 pounds (181 kg) to the gross weight of the camper. Additionally, campers with slide-outs can increase the camper weight by 800 pounds (363 kg). Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the weight of all items loaded into the camper to ensure it does not exceed the CCC.

To accurately determine the CCC, it is recommended to weigh all items separately before loading them into the camper. This will help keep track of the cargo weight and ensure that the camper's weight remains within safe limits.

Slide-outs

The weight capacity of an RV slide-out can vary depending on the size and location of the slide-out, as well as the layout of the RV's interior. In general, slide-outs can hold between 600 to 1500 pounds, with some larger \"super slides\" holding up to 4000 pounds. It is important to check the weight capacity of your specific slide-out as exceeding this limit can cause damage.

When loading your slide-out, it is recommended to only use it for its intended purpose such as lounging, dining, or sleeping, rather than storing a lot of extra items. Slide-outs should also not be left open permanently as this can cause the seals to warp and allow water, debris, or rodents to get into your RV.

Additionally, slide-outs do not require extra support and adding supports can actually cause more harm than good. Only older slide-outs that are sagging may need additional support.

When it comes to choosing a truck camper, slide-outs can add significant weight to the overall dry weight of the camper. This is an important consideration as it will affect the type of truck needed to safely tow the camper.

Overall, slide-outs are a great feature that can provide much-needed space in an RV, but it is important to be mindful of the weight capacity and proper maintenance to ensure they function correctly and do not cause any issues.

Construction materials

The construction materials used for a camper can significantly impact its weight. There are two main types of construction materials used for campers: fiberglass and "stick-built" campers.

Fiberglass camper trailers are characterised by their smooth exterior sidewalls and aluminium metal structuring, making them much lighter than traditional "stick-built" trailers. On the other hand, "stick-built" trailers are constructed with wooden 2x4s and aluminium corrugated siding, making them heavier than fiberglass trailers. As a result, "stick-built" trailers can weigh up to 900 pounds (408 kg) more than a fiberglass trailer of similar size and features.

When shopping for a camper, it is important to look beyond the marketing terms such as "lightweight", "superlight", or "featherlite", as these terms may not always reflect the true weight of the camper. Instead, it is recommended to check the actual weight of the camper and consider the construction materials used.

Frequently asked questions