81 replies to this topic

[Dandil]

I currently have a mid sized truck (Nissan Frontier) with a Fleet and have be considering going to a full size truck for the Fleet.  I would have some additional storage room in the truck bed on the outsides of the camper.  What are most full size truck owners using to haul their FWC, a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton?  I think no matter what people have, they will most likely end up being at their truck's full payload.  I and interested advice comments.  THX 

Edited by Dandil, 07 January 2019 - 01:19 PM.

[DesertDave]

My first Grandby was on a 1991 Ford F250, my current Grandby is on a 2007 Ford F350.

 

I scaled the current setup loaded up, on the way to camp, I had about 1000 lbs of capacity remaining on the GVWR.  It is nice not being concerned about weight/load/braking/breaking.

 

Today one may be able to get an F150 configured with adequate capacity to be within the GVWR fully loaded up.  Good luck with your research.

[kmacafee]

I had a FWC Eagle on a Tacoma. Despite additional leaf springs, air bags and updated shocks - you cannot change a vehicles GVWR. My new camper is heavier than the Eagle was but when I looked at upgrading trucks, I went with a 1 ton Ram 3500. The difference in price over a 3/4 ton is minimal and I will never have to worry about exceeding GVWR.

[JaSAn]

2012 Ram 2500, 4X4, gas, standard cab, 8' bed carrying a Grandby.  Fully loaded with supplies for 2 weeks in the wild it weights a little less than 8000 lbs.

[trikebubble]

2014 Tundra.  I have no interest in a diesel truck...and for me, for what I was looking for, the Tundra was a no brainer. I've upgraded the suspension, and the 5.7V8 has never, ever left me wanting for more power.

 

Edited by trikebubble, 07 January 2019 - 06:18 PM.

[Smokecreek1]

I have a 2005 Granby on a 99 1/2 F-150 4x4 ! Even though, I have had to spend allot of time, effort and upgrades to make things work right (and they do now), if I would have known what I know now, I would have bought a 3/4 ton truck like a F-250. That said, despite some problems, I sure have done allot of WTWing these last 12 or so years !

 

Smoke

[craig333]

Certainly plenty of people make 1/2 tons work. I had an experience with too much camper and too little truck and it scared me. 

 

In hindsight, maybe I'd have gone with a gasser instead of the diesel but nothing less than a 3/4 ton truck. Someday when I'm too decrepit to climb into  bed and I get a trailer I'll be glad I have the diesel (until CA bans them).

[Zirdu]

I have a 2016 Ford F-150 single cab with the heavy duty package.  V-8 engine.  The door sticker on the vehicle says the combined weight of cargo and passengers should not exceed 3,159 pounds.

 

 I carry a Grandby full time, and even with two passengers and a lot of gear, I am always well within this limit.  It all rides great and I have had no problems whatsoever.  I feel that if you get a Ford F-150 that the heavy duty package is essential if you are going to carry a FWC pop-up.  I think this makes all the difference.  

[esimmers]

Everyone is different. Here’s what I suggest.

First, figure out how much weight you want to carry. Your camper (the actual weight, not what’s printed on the sticker. All the fluids. Your gear. You and passengers. Batteries. Extra stuff. Some folks try to be minamalists; others like to bring anything they might possibly need.

Second, are you someone who likes to experiment with truck accessories and modifications or do you pride yourself in keeping your gear stock?

Third, what size cab do you want? What about 4WD and other options like bed size or particular engine that will affect GWVR.

Finally, list the trucks that will meet your weight needs (plus a bit more for a tank full of fuel and the inevitable last-minute extras) and you’ll know what to pick.

Good luck!🍀

[Dandil]

Thanks for the comments, I am trying to get away from the feelingn that I am driving around with an full load (which I am), so I think I am leaning towards a 3/4 ton.