Tacoma or Tundra for pop up camper

4.  Add ons.  I plan to add a carrier on the back (like the large Stowaway2 box) to haul gear etc.  On rare occasion I will haul a kayak or other goodies on the top.  This will not be common so is not a major concern but thought I would mention it.  Not sure it either of these is worth noting for additional weight other than the camper.  The camper will have the standard comforts like propane system, water storage, extra battery(s), etc.  So consider the medium to heavy loaded pop up scenario.

 

If I have missed a major point I should be considering, feel free to mention that too.  I am new to this and would like to feel I made the appropriate decision.

 

Thanks for your time and let the comments fly!

Luke

Hello, Note carrying weight behind the axle increases the actual load placed on the axle by a factor of distance from the axle center line / wheelbase. So, say a 140# box+carrier+contents and the center of that wt is 52" aft of axle of a 127 WB vehicle. The effective wt is close to 200#s. Does that matter IDK... I would also compare the tow hitches avail with each model, one might be better for the carrier you mentioned.

One point not mentioned is the interior comfort, seating, legroom as well as driver sight lines, perspective etc. It's for you, it should fit you.

On Edit: reread, sorry, ottorogers had already covered my last point.

As to OP point #1. I believe it's safe to say a smaller camper on a bigger truck will have more "stability" than the reverse. The key is to keep the mass low and centered and to try to keep within the design specs of the vehicle. As to a larger vehicle needing to be driven more slowly, narrow trails excepted, I think you might be surprised ...

Edited by klahanie, 29 September 2017 - 07:06 PM.

I've had two Tundras.  A 2000 with a FWC Ranger which I had for 10 years.  I now have a 2017 with an ATC Panther which I just got this summer.  They were both fantastic!

I added a rear sway bar and air bags on the new Tundra and realize now that I may not have needed the air bags.  Although, with the camper and towing that big trailer, I did end up pumping up the bags.  

Edited by jimjxsn, 29 September 2017 - 08:37 PM.

Ottorogers

With my last Tacoma I hauled some pretty heavy loads down steep mountain roads.  Was worried about brakes so changed to slotted discs in front (don’t like drilled) and changed the calipers to Tundra ones with quality pads.  It substantially improved braking.  The only modification to do that is the dust shield so simple DIY process.  I have already gotten a couple of Tundra calipers from a local junk yard to clean, paint and put in new pads to replace brakes on my current truck when it needs.  I could upgrade the rear to discs but that would be overkill for me so will leave them as is.

Edited by CougarCouple, 05 October 2017 - 01:43 AM.

That first one would fill my needs well.  At one point I was considering a flat bed and a flat bed model.  A FWC dealer quoted me like $13K for a flat bed alone!  That sticker shock sent me running to the hills.  I sometimes feel they were high ballin me.  I like the look and function of the link you shared it has me wanting to look at the flat bed prices more.

Luke

Looking closer I see the same issue arises with this as with a platform.  Note the distance between the sleeping area / cab over and the top of the truck cab.  That is the type of distance I would have with the platform concept.  The flat bed sits high (above the wheel well zone) just as the platform would sit high (above the wheel well zone).

Firstly, flatbeds can be had for much less than $13K, mine was more like $3K.  While I like the drawer idea, I think 12" would be a LOT of extra height.   With my flatbed, I am mounted ~4" above the original bed, and feel that the extra space between the cab over and cab of the truck is a bit excessive (it is ~5").     With 12" drawers you would be looking at about 15" clearance between the cab and cabover. I would also be starting to get a little concerned about COG with a 1500lb weight raised an extra 12".   The slide in models already have the weight a little higher than the flat bed models to clear the bed rails.   If you are worried about storage space I would strongly consider the flatbed models.   They have way more interior storage to start with, and the option for under-bed drawers and tool boxes giving even more storage.  The side door layout is also far superior (IMHO anyway).  If your budget can't extend to the flatbed model, a slide in on a flatbed with tool boxes maybe a decent alternative with extra storage. 

What I did and I found out I like a lot is to get a full size truck (aka Tundra size) with a camper that was made for the mid-size trucks.  Yes, you lose some of the extra interior space but you get a camper that is a bit more sleek behind the cab and it's a bit lighter.  Yes, the full size trucks are still 1/2 ton but the combo seems to work better (for me).