Camper weight: Would it make any difference??

rusty01 · February 7, 2012

Alright, here's the deal! We've been camper shopping for a few months now. We have been seeing campers that we like that are in the 5800 lbs. range. I currently drive a 2001 GMC Sierra half ton completly stock. We found a 4900 lbs. camper that is about $4,000 more then the 5800 lbs. camper. Both campers set up the same. My question is will the 1,000 lbs really make that much of a difference in towing? Obviously the lighter weight will make for a happier truck I'm sure but is it worth paying the extra 4k?

Morgan1986 · February 7, 2012

Thought campers went in the truck ... So your not really towing . and yes 1000 pounds does make alot of difference. Breaking will be much better with 1000 pounds off the truck .

music · February 7, 2012

Are those empty weights, or GVWR numbers? Tag-along, or 5th wheel? Edit: knowing the make/model may help.

SouthCo · February 7, 2012

What's the truck rated to tow? You'll notice 1000 pounds difference but if 5800 is within your trucks rating I'd get it and spend 4K less. How many miles on your 2001?

ruggedlife · February 7, 2012

save the 4 k and invest in a good set of airbags and brake controller maybe some tow mirrors and the extra for when you find out if your trans has been overly abused in the past 11 years or not

SouthCo · February 7, 2012

I was thinking save the 4k (if the current truck can tow the 5800lbs) to put towards a new/newer truck down the road. I guess it depends on how many miles the 2001 has and how it's been maintained.

desrtrat · February 7, 2012

the 5800 lbs should be the trailers dry weight. after you load it up with all your camping stuff, 2 propane tanks, 30+ gal. of water, and all the rest, you will be over your towing weight for a half ton truck..my 34' was 6300 and i pulled it empty with a half ton. it pulled it, but loaded i would not try it.

Stevens03 · February 7, 2012

You should have lots of options. Find out when the next RV show is and you can get some great prices. Campers like Trail-lite, Jay-feather, Coleman are great light weight campers that offer alot of bang for the buck

brainpause · February 8, 2012

If they both are within spec of your truck, get the one mama likes.

Seriously, buy the floorplan you like best, as long as you stay in spec. Mote important than the trailer's weight is your Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). That is trailer (+ about 12%), truck, passengers, fuel, gear, and DVD's for the DVD player.

SouthCo · February 8, 2012

He said both were set up the same... Just a weight difference apparently.

rusty01 · February 8, 2012

Wow! Thanks for all the quick responses! The truck has just over 100,000 miles and has been maintained regularly (oil changes, tranny oil change at 90,000, etc.) Truck's manual says it has a towing cap. of 8,000 lbs. Both are tag along travel trailers. The 2012 Salem we are looking at has three bunks and a super slide that we can get for 15k otd. The other lighter trailer is a 2012 Passport and has 2 bunks but other then that the floor plan is identical with the super slide that is 19.8k otd. I know that the Passport has better construction (aluminum sidewalls and roof) where the Salem is wood. This is our first ever camper so we're really not worried about having the best or the plushest camper out there. For the price I don't think we can pass up the Salem. It is a nice camper. MIght not have all the bells and whistles but it surely beats a tent!! I already have a set of tow mirrors and brake controller so that's not an issue. Both campers will come with the weight dist.-sway bar setup as well. So with that said it sounds like the 1k lbs. really won't make much difference. More insight is always welcome!!

rusty01 · February 8, 2012

And yes both weights are shipping (dry) weight for the trailers.

Patch6713 · February 8, 2012

Your truck might have an 8,000 pound towing capacity and the trailer only weighs 5,800, but what is the wet weight or the weight of the trailer fully loaded with gear. You may have anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of gear in the trailer. Also, need to look at the combination weight rating as stated before. I believe the truck's max weight rating and towing capacity are calculated with just a driver in the truck and a half a tank of gas. Calculate it out with the whole family in the truck, a full tank of gas, and all the extra gear in the bed of the truck. I am not saying one way of another is the way to go, I'm saying take your time and calculate it out before you make the purchase. You don't want to get in a position of owning a camper you can't tow anywhere.

ChevyTech77 · February 8, 2012

You're trailer towing capacity may be 8,000 lbs but your GVWR is probably no better than 12,000 lbs and your truck (if an ext. cab 4WD) weighs about 5500lbs. 5500 - 12000 = 6500lbs left for a trailer, cargo and passengers, total. Therefore, the lighter camper would probably be pushing it if loaded heavy for a long camping trip.