Choosing The Right Truck For Your Small Camper

When it comes to choosing a truck for your camper, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to determine the payload capacity of your truck, which is the difference between the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Curb Weight. This will give you an idea of how much weight your truck can safely carry, including the camper, passengers, and cargo. Additionally, you need to consider the center of gravity of your truck and ensure that it matches the requirements of the camper. The camper's center of gravity should be forward of the truck's center of gravity point, which is measured from the front wall of the bed to the center of the rear axle.

Another crucial aspect is matching the dimensions of your truck to the camper. Measure the bed length, bed width, rail height, cab height, tailgate opening, and bumper of your truck to ensure they are compatible with the camper. It's worth noting that truck camper manufacturers typically provide guidelines and recommendations for matching their campers to specific truck models.

In terms of truck brands, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, Ram, and Toyota are commonly recommended for truck campers. When choosing between a gas or diesel engine, consider factors such as power, torque, fuel economy, maintenance costs, and resale value. Diesel engines offer better performance but tend to be more expensive, while modern gas engines have improved significantly and may be sufficient for lighter campers.

It's also important to think about the type of driving you'll be doing. If you plan to go off-road or camp off-grid, a four-wheel-drive truck is essential. On the other hand, if you stick to paved roads and don't need the extra traction, a two-wheel-drive truck may be more cost-effective and help maximize payload capacity.

Lastly, don't forget to consider additional equipment and upgrades that can improve the safety and handling of your truck-camper setup. This includes support equipment like air springs, special shock absorbers, cabover shocks, and upgraded tires. Consulting a professional or a dealer who specializes in truck campers can also provide valuable guidance in choosing the right truck for your camper.

Truck camper compatibility

Know Your Truck's Specifications:

Firstly, you need to be well-versed in your truck's configuration and capabilities. This includes determining whether it is a 2WD or 4WD, standard cab or extended cab, and its weight capacity ratings. The weight capacity ratings, such as GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating), are usually found on the driver's side door jam, in the glove box, or in the owner's manual. Knowing these values will help you understand how much additional weight your truck can safely handle.

Weigh Your Truck:

It is highly recommended to take your truck to a commercial truck scale to get an accurate measurement of its weight. Fill up your fuel tank immediately before weighing, as the weight of the fuel will affect the overall weight of the vehicle. By subtracting the weight of your truck from its GVWR, you can determine the remaining capacity available for carrying and/or towing.

Choose the Right Camper:

When selecting a truck camper, consider its weight specifications, including both dry and wet weights. The dry weight refers to the weight of the camper without any additional equipment or fluids, while the wet weight includes optional equipment and full holding tanks. Keep in mind that the weight of passengers, gear, and trailer tongue weight will also impact the overall weight of your setup. Choose a camper that is compatible with your truck's payload capacity and dimensions.

Enhance Handling with Support Equipment:

To improve the handling and stability of your truck-camper setup, consider adding support equipment such as air springs, special shock absorbers, cabover shocks, and upgraded tires. These modifications can be dealer-installed and will make your ride smoother and safer, especially when carrying heavier loads.

Calculate Your Load Carrying Capacity:

To determine your truck's load-carrying capacity, take it to a commercial weight station and obtain weights for the total truck and each axle. Make sure the fuel tanks are filled, and include the weight of the driver and expected passengers. By subtracting the total weight of the truck from its GVWR, you can calculate the cargo weight capacity.

Camper Weight Calculations:

To properly match a camper to your truck, you need to calculate its approximate weight accurately. Add the weight of all optional equipment, both factory-installed and dealer-installed, to the camper's wet weight, which is usually posted next to the camper's entry door. Also, consider the weight of supplies, personal gear, and other cargo that will be carried in the camper or truck.

Center of Gravity and Fit Compatibility:

It is crucial to consider the center of gravity of both your truck and the camper. Measure the distance from the front wall of the truck bed to the center of the rear axle, and ensure the camper's center of gravity is forward of this point. Additionally, not all truck and camper combinations are fit compatible, so always verify the exterior dimensions of your truck (bed length, width, rail height, cab height, tailgate opening) with the camper's requirements.

Seek Professional Guidance:

Matching a truck and camper can be a complex process, and it's important to get it right for safety and performance. Consult a Factory Authorized Dealer or a specialist in truck camper rigs to ensure you make the right choices and avoid costly mistakes. They can provide professional guidance and ensure a proper match between your truck and the camper.

Truck weight capacity ratings

There are several weight capacity ratings to be aware of when considering a truck for a small camper:

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including the truck's weight, cargo, passengers, and any fluids. It is specific to each vehicle and is typically found on the driver's door jamb or in the glove compartment.
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): This is the load-carrying capacity of a single axle system, with separate ratings for the front and rear axles. The rear axle rating is usually slightly higher to accommodate payload.
• Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (CGVWR) or Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): This is the combined weight of the truck and any trailer it tows, including the weight of the trailer itself, cargo, and fluids.
• Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR): This rating is specifically for the trailer's weight and is used in some jurisdictions for truck classification.

When matching a truck with a camper, it is essential to consider the truck's payload capacity, which is the remaining capacity for carrying and/or towing after accounting for the truck's weight and the weight of passengers and cargo. Camper weights can vary depending on optional equipment and the weight of holding tanks, passengers, and gear.

To ensure a safe and proper match, it is recommended to consult a factory-authorized dealer who can provide professional guidance on matching a truck and camper correctly.

Camper weight considerations

When matching a camper to your truck, it's important to consider the weight of the camper, the weight of your cargo, and the weight capacity of your truck. Here are some essential weight considerations to keep in mind:

Camper Weight

The weight of a camper can vary depending on its size, features, and construction. The average camper weighs around 5,200 pounds as a dry weight, which means it doesn't include the weight of water, gear, or other cargo. When calculating the total weight of your camper, consider the following:

• Dry weight: This is the weight of the camper with no water, gear, or other cargo.
• Wet weight: This refers to the weight of the camper when its tanks are filled and it is loaded with gear. It includes the weight of optional equipment, water in the holding tanks, passengers, and other items carried in the camper and truck.
• Slide-outs: Camper slide-outs increase the weight of the camper. A single slide-out can add 750-800 pounds to the overall weight.
• Construction materials: The construction materials used in the camper can also affect its weight. Fiberglass trailers tend to be heavier than aluminum trailers due to the use of wooden frames.

Truck Weight Capacity

It's crucial to know the weight capacity of your truck to ensure it can safely handle the weight of the camper and all your cargo. Here are some key weight ratings to consider:

• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum allowable weight of your truck as set by the manufacturer. It includes the weight of the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and any trailers or loads being towed.
• GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight that can be placed on a single axle of your truck, with separate ratings for the front and rear axles.
• CGVWR (Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the total combined weight of your truck, any cargo or passengers inside the truck, and any trailers or loads being towed.

Matching Camper and Truck Weights

When matching a camper to your truck, it's essential to ensure that the weight of the camper and your cargo do not exceed the weight capacity of your truck. Here are some tips for matching camper and truck weights:

• Determine your truck's load-carrying capacity: Take your truck to a commercial weight station to get accurate weights for the total truck and the weight on each axle. Then, subtract the total weight of the truck from the GVWR to find the remaining cargo weight capacity.
• Calculate the weight of your camper: Add the weight of all optional equipment and the wet weight of the camper. Also, consider the weight of supplies, personal gear, and other cargo that will be carried in the camper and truck.
• Consider weight distribution: Ensure that the weight is distributed evenly across your truck's chassis. Balance the weight by placing water storage on one side and batteries/electrical systems on the other. Keep the weight low and centered over the rear axle for a smoother ride and better handling.
• Upgrade your suspension: If your truck is approaching its maximum payload, consider upgrading the suspension to handle the extra weight safely.
• Consult a professional: If you're unsure about matching a camper to your truck, consult a factory-authorized dealer or a professional RV inspector for guidance.

Truck and camper handling

When it comes to tires, opt for light truck (LT) tires with a load range rating of E or higher. Ensure that your tires have sufficient load capacity to handle the weight of your truck and camper. Proper tire inflation is also vital for optimal handling and safety; underinflation or overinflation can impact performance and increase the risk of tire failure. Additionally, consider suspension upgrades to enhance handling and comfort. This includes upgrades to springs, shocks, steering components, and linkages.

Another critical aspect of truck and camper handling is securing your camper to your truck. Utilize a combination of truck camper tie-downs and turnbuckles, such as the Torklift or Happijac systems. These systems provide strength and stability, ensuring your camper remains anchored to your truck during high-speed travel or rough roads. Proper tension of turnbuckles is essential; too much tension can damage your camper, while too little can allow it to shift during transit.

Finally, towing capabilities are a significant advantage of truck campers. However, remember to factor in the tongue weight of the trailer against your truck's rated payload. Additionally, a hitch box extension may be necessary if your camper extends beyond the rear of your truck.

Truck camper tie-downs

Tie-downs are an essential component of securing a truck camper to your truck. Torklift International offers a range of tie-downs that are specifically designed for different truck models, including Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Ram, Nissan, Jeep, and Toyota. These tie-downs are known as TRUE Frame-Mounted Camper Tie-Downs, as they attach directly to the truck's frame, which is the strongest and safest part of the vehicle.

The Torklift tie-downs are the only ones on the market that bolt directly to the frame, offering several advantages over bed-mounted tie-downs. Bed-mounted tie-downs can cause flexing and cracking of the truck bed, leading to exterior rust and further body damage. By attaching to the frame, Torklift tie-downs improve vehicle handling and stability, providing the safest way to secure a truck camper. They also prevent vehicle sway and camper movement in all directions due to their TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Down system attachment points.

The installation process for Torklift tie-downs is straightforward and does not require any drilling. The tie-down brackets are bolted to the truck frame using pre-drilled holes, and the included tie-down inserts fit into the receiver opening of the bracket. Turnbuckles are then used to connect the tie-downs to the camper anchor points. Torklift offers a range of turnbuckles, including their best-selling FastGun Turnbuckle.

Torklift tie-downs are designed for light-weight to heavy truck campers and are customizable to fit your specific truck make and model. They do not compromise ground clearance and feature a hidden design, allowing you to remove the inserts when not in use, returning your truck to its original appearance. Additionally, they are backed by a Legendary Lifetime Warranty.

The price of the Torklift tie-downs varies depending on the specific options chosen, but they typically range from $440 to $850 for a set. While some may find the price high, many users have shared positive experiences with the product, praising its quality, durability, and the company's supportive customer service.

Frequently asked questions