Configure truck, camper and boat

[marty_scher]

OK, you guys talked me out of pulling two trailers, so on to plan "B". I wasn't really all that physed about pulling 2, but was looking for camping options from a cost/vehicle view.<br /><br />I am now considering a pickup with slide-in camper, pulling my 16.4 aluminum w/40HP.<br /><br />Anyone know where to get good information on choosing the proper sized truck for "x" camper, pulling this sized boat. I'm considering a super or crew cab, but not sure of the required bed length for slide-ins and overall length when rigged.<br /><br />I'm also not sure how all of this factors in the GVW, braking capacity,etc, of the truck.<br /><br />Any input is welcome.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Configure truck, camper and boat

Hi Marty, well everything is a tradeoff somewhere. For a large cabover camper, I would get a 1-ton dually because they handle that kind of load better. 3/4 tons are OK for camper shells and lighter 8' Alaskan types. I like 4wd so I don't have to worry about any ramps or snow.

 

[JB]

Re: Configure truck, camper and boat

Hi, Marty.<br /><br />JRJ offers good advice. <br /><br />Because some campers are heavy, I suggest a towing package as well.

 

[DJ]

Re: Configure truck, camper and boat

Marty,<br /><br />Good advice given here. The dually adds an element of stability that will be noticed and welcome. Campers tend to sit up high and catch wind. <br /><br />Weight isn't the biggest robber of horsepower, wind resistance is. And drag multiplies exponentially over 60 mph.

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: Configure truck, camper and boat

Marty, Duallies or 1 tons have GCWR north of 15000#. The "C" in gcwr is for combined truck and trailer total weight. <br />Some 3/4 ton H.D. (NON dully) pick up's have the same GCWR but then you will give up most of the stability of those Dual Rear wheels in the 1 ton series.<br /><br />For the exact weights and measurements of the pick up, make sure you visit both the RV dealer for the Camper and the dealer for your truck. Most campers allow you to retain your towing hitch, but if you get an extended camper, they have special adapters that reduce your hitch from about 10000# to 4000#. <br />4000# will still handle your boating needs.<br />You will need the 8 foot box to accomadate a good camper. If the truck salesperson seems to not understand your weight needs for your truck -FIND ANOTHER SALESMAN or dealer. <br />I cannot stress this enough, the salesperson MUST have experience to understand about your towing and hauling needs. This will help you choose the right engine, transmission and rear axle ratio, brakes, and make sure the truck has a transmission cooler and engine oil cooler. Most trucks will have an option for camper or 5th wheel trailer wiring too.<br /><br />If the truck is properly eqquiped, you will enjoy towing to your destination safely and back rather than being scared of the highway.

 

[hltenterprises]

Re: Configure truck, camper and boat

Marty <br />I was looking at the same type option. I read on a camping or rv site about a problem launching the boat without getting the lower back section of the camper wet. Just a thought

 

[marty_scher]

Re: Configure truck, camper and boat

Good point hugh,<br /><br />It would seem that hitch length and boat tongue length would have the most impact on how far to back into the water.<br /><br />I know there are some that put 8' campers in a 6' bed with the tailgate down. Something like this could cause a problem.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[hltenterprises]

Re: Configure truck, camper and boat

It appears it would be a problem for any type camper /motorhome. One thing I was considering was some type of extension for the trailer that could be slid out and locked in place during launch and recovery. I will have to do more research to see if it is feasble.

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: Configure truck, camper and boat

Yes there are such things as extensions for the hitch when you have the larger box campers.<br />The extra large campers hang out of even the 8 foot pick up boxes and some hang out and below the rear bumper of the truck. Those are usually the 12' campers. In these situations you can, most times,(depending on manufacturer) get this extension or kit that I mentioned in my previous post. It will reduce the maximum tow limit but hey, you can still bring a good size boat at around the 4000# limit of these special extensions. That weight limit I found in my rv guide but it is only listed as an option for 3 of the bigger name manufacturers, so you will have to ASK questions about it when you go shopping.<br />Good luck.

 

[sru]

Re: Configure truck, camper and boat

Marty,<br />Check out http://www.torklift.com/loadit.html <br /><br />I have a 1997 SRW f350 4x4 CC PSD long wheel base<br />and haul a 11.5' artic fox slide in camper.<br />I tow a 19' seaswirl with a V8 stern drive.<br /><br />Bottom line here is I have a lot riding<br />on this truck. I have put the best tires<br />money can buy on this rig and am still<br />nervous. I have quite a few miles on this<br />setup and am comfortable, but always cautious.<br /><br />I strongly recommend the superhitch, frame<br />mouted/spring loaded tiedowns and the<br />ride-rite air bags.<br />The super hitch is quite impressive!<br />It extends to the bumper of the camper<br />which is about three feet beyond the bed.<br /><br />The best advice I see on this thread is to<br />fully understand the vehicle's ratings and<br />get sales people who are in the know!<br /><br />I bought one of the best trucks out there<br />only to find out that it's ratings were <br />marginal compared to what is available<br />in a self contained family sized camper.<br /><br />Once one starts adding 4x4, diesel, crew<br />cab, etc, the payload capacity drops<br />accordingly.<br /><br />Mind you, I did specify to the Ford sales<br />droid that I intended to sport a large camper<br />and boat with this truck. "No Problem" was<br />his reply. The RV sales folks seem to know<br />more about these types of issues. I think <br />they know what has been done and what has<br />worked.<br /><br />Anyway, hope this helps.<br /><br />-sru

 

[PaulHolcomb]

Re: Configure truck, camper and boat

My advice is to go to a dealership that sells the slide-in and ask them what the major manufacturer ratings were for that particular Cab-over. Any respectable/top named trailer builder will have test results for a number of different packages that will suite your needs. Try there first. Who better to ask which truck is best to use, then the people who build the camper that will have to be put on one.