truck camper

[79gmcc15]

Could my 1/2 ton trailering special handle a truck camper? If so, how long and weight should I keep under for safety?
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[Desert1957]

I think even with the rear springs upgraded it may be too much. My concern is the 1/2 ton brake setup.

I just purchased a "Lance 850" truck camper for my 3/4 ton 83 , but it has a "Camper special" option. So it rated for 3231 lbs (sticker in glove box)

My 87 1/2 ton in my avatar wouldn't do it.

All parts I purchase seem to cross over to 1 ton , Here is a picture.

Camper weighs in at 3000 lbs fully loaded.

Another option is a camper that pops up like a 'Palamino"



And has to pull this...



Desert

[Squareforceone]

Excuse my ignorance this is probably a stupid question but, what exactly holds a slide in camper in the truck bed? I've never know anyone with one and always wondered. Thanks

[Edahall]

Originally Posted by 79gmcc15

Could my 1/2 ton trailering special handle a truck camper? If so, how long and weight should I keep under for safety?
Posted via Mobile Device

It won't be able to handle much camper in stock form but there are some things you can do to help it out (significantly).

1. Rear sway bar
2. Rear air bags
3. Wide rear tires 8-10 plies (285/75/16 or 305/70/16)
4. Exhaust brake

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by Edahall

It won't be able to handle much camper in stock form but there are some things you can do to help it out (significantly).

1. Rear sway bar
2. Rear air bags
3. Wide rear tires 8-10 plies (285/75/16 or 305/70/16)
4. Exhaust brake

I agree those things will improve it but , You still have 1/2 ton, will small brakes and a thinner frame (more flexing) these camper put a lot of stress on a truck.

Desert

[old Rusty C10]

Originally Posted by Squareforceone

Excuse my ignorance this is probably a stupid question but, what exactly holds a slide in camper in the truck bed? I've never know anyone with one and always wondered. Thanks

If you look real close at the picture of the camper you will see about mirror mount high two triangles bolted to the bed. there are tiedowns from the camper to the truck there and in most if not all there are rear tie downs too

[72freak]

They do make some very light weigh ones that may work.....but NO. Most 1/2 ton trucks wont work without some major upgrades. If you are going short distances and you upgrade your suspension i would say go for it.

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by Squareforceone

Excuse my ignorance this is probably a stupid question but, what exactly holds a slide in camper in the truck bed? I've never know anyone with one and always wondered. Thanks

Here is a pic of the mounting system that's most popular.
This system will not work with our trucks due to the fuel tanks covering up the frame mounting area, so in my case I had to go with a bed mount system.



Desert

[tucsonjwt]

My 83 C20 had pieces of square tubing welded to the frame, with other perpendicular pieces of tubing welded to them, which I think created a place for the first picture tie downs to hook. However, the slide in truck campers I have driven do tend to create a top heavy sensation when driving, so that is the only thing I don't like about them.

[79gmcc15]

Thanks guys, as always awesome help! Kinda thought the same thing.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Edahall]

Originally Posted by Desert1957

I agree those things will improve it but , You still have 1/2 ton, will small brakes and a thinner frame (more flexing) these camper put a lot of stress on a truck.

Desert

OK, I'll address those concerns.

The frame on a 73-87 1/2 ton truck and 3/4 ton truck are the same. Yes, 1/2 ton trucks flex more but that is due to lack of rear sway bars and tires with floppy side walls. Correct those issues and it'll be just as stiff as a 3/4 ton truck.

You're correct that a 1/2 ton truck has smaller brakes but you can more than compensate by installing an exhaust brake.

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by Edahall

OK, I'll address those concerns.
The frame on a 73-87 1/2 ton truck and 3/4 ton truck are the same. Yes, 1/2 ton trucks flex more but that is due to lack of rear sway bars and tires with floppy side walls. Correct those issues and it'll be just as stiff as a 3/4 ton truck.

You're correct that a 1/2 ton truck has smaller brakes but you can more than compensate by installing an exhaust brake.

WRONG.......I hear this ALL the time , Its a reoccurring perception on this forum by many.

Not all 3/4 ton frames are the same . I have measured my 3/4 ton frame everywhere it can be measured . Same outside dimensions height and width BUT the frame is almost .0100 thicker than my 1/2 ton. That equates to almost 1/8 of an inch thicker. making it way stronger.

Added a "Hellwig" rear sway bar and "Rancho 9000XL" Shocks which takes out all the body roll, night and day difference

Yes the stamping of the frames are identical, even down to all the hole locations , but just don't make assumptions until you know all the facts needed.

Desert

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by tucsonjwt

My 83 C20 had pieces of square tubing welded to the frame, with other perpendicular pieces of tubing welded to them, which I think created a place for the first picture tie downs to hook. However, the slide in truck campers I have driven do tend to create a top heavy sensation when driving, so that is the only thing I don't like about them.

Yes, That setup is called a "Belly Bar" I just didn't like the way it looked with the camper off.

[Edahall]

Originally Posted by Desert1957

WRONG.......I here this ALL the time , Its a reoccurring perception on this forum by many.

Not all 3/4 ton frames are the same . I have measured my 3/4 ton frame everywhere it can be measured . Same outside dimensions height and width BUT the frame is almost .0100 thicker than my 1/2 ton. That equates to almost 1/8 of an inch thicker. making it way stronger.

Added a "Hellwig" rear sway bar and "Rancho 9000XL" Shocks which takes out all the body roll, night and day difference

Yes the stamping of the frames are identical, even down to all the hole locations , but just don't make assumptions until you know all the facts needed.

Desert

I guess we will have to agree to disagree here. I have measured my 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton frames and they are exactly the same thickness.

[special-K]

Not all campers are 3,000#. A 1/2t can haul a lighter camper. It's a truck,after all. The 10' camper I hauled on my '71 C/20 was very light (no bath). It barely set the truck down and I barely felt it on the truck. I'm sure a 1/2t could haul it just fine. Sure,some common sense upgrades would help.