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> Right Size Truck, Are Truck Campers Too Top Heavy?

gaylajeanne
post Jul 4 2008, 01:29 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 1
Joined: 28-June 08
Member No.: 2,901
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Lance 861
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: Dodge 3500
Type of Tiedowns used: None
Truck and Camper Setup: New to Truck Campers



I have a 2004 Dodge 3500 with the Cummins Diesel, single rear wheels and air suspension. I am considering trading in my 5th wheel for a Lance 861 truck camper. The truck is a hoss towing the 5th wheel and seems very stout but I am concerned about being top heavy by moving the weight forward with the Lance.

Does anyone drive with this combo or have an opinion about it. Do you know of any safety concerns?
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LindaH
post Jul 5 2008, 10:46 AM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): Eagle Cap
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Dually (Cummins engine)
Type of Tiedowns used: Torklift w/Fastguns
Truck and Camper Setup: Eagle Cap 950, 2 100-watt solar panels, 2 6-volt AGM batteries, 1000-watt pure sine wave inverter, Motosat Executive satellite TV dish, Torklift 5-step Glow Steps.



QUOTE(gaylajeanne @ Jul 4 2008, 12:29 PM)
I have a 2004 Dodge 3500 with the Cummins Diesel, single rear wheels and air suspension. I am considering trading in my 5th wheel for a Lance 861 truck camper. The truck is a hoss towing the 5th wheel and seems very stout but I am concerned about being top heavy by moving the weight forward with the Lance.

Does anyone drive with this combo or have an opinion about it. Do you know of any safety concerns?
*


You'll probably be OK with that truck/camper combination, but there are a few things to check into before you buy it.

First, check to see where the center of gravity is on both the truck and the camper...do they match?

Next, load the truck up with a full tank of fuel, you and everyone who will normally be traveling with you, and all the gear that's usually loaded into the cab of the truck. Now take it down to the local scales and get it weighed. Subtract that weight from the truck's GVWR...that will be the total weight of a *loaded* camper that you should be hauling...camper w/water, propane, and gear.

As long as you're not overloading the truck once you get the camper on it, fill the fresh water tank and propane tanks, and load your gear into it, and the centers of gravity between the two are compatible, you should be good to go.
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beddows
post Jul 5 2008, 03:12 PM
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With a camper the further forward the CG, the better. It shoudl be at least 2-3 inches in front of the rear axle. you won't have any problems with the combo you are thinking of. You might consider a set of supersprings on the rear.


--------------------
Paul Beddows
North American Truck Camper Owners
Terry (wife) & Tomas (Dog)
Abbotsford BC, Canada

2004 Silverado 3500 Dmax DRW
2008 Snow River 10.8 Prestige Signature edition
Honda Eu2000i
Coleman Polar Cub A/C
Homemade 8 x 4 x 2 Utility Trailer

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McClish
post Jul 5 2008, 09:26 PM
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Joined: 25-March 08
Member No.: 2,858
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Lance
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 2500HD GMC 4X4 Crew Duramax with a Big Al
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijac
Truck and Camper Setup: GMC 2500HD 4X4, airbags, Happijac Tiedowns, Lance 845 loaded



QUOTE(gaylajeanne @ Jul 4 2008, 02:29 PM)
I have a 2004 Dodge 3500 with the Cummins Diesel, single rear wheels and air suspension. I am considering trading in my 5th wheel for a Lance 861 truck camper. The truck is a hoss towing the 5th wheel and seems very stout but I am concerned about being top heavy by moving the weight forward with the Lance.

Does anyone drive with this combo or have an opinion about it. Do you know of any safety concerns?
*



Unless the 3500 has a lift kit on on it I would be concerned only with the load range on your tires; they sound like the weak link in your proposed combination. I drive gmc 2500hd 4X4 duramax all day with the lance 845 towing 2500 lbs + on a single wheel. I considered the 861 but went without the slide to lighten the load. I run D load range tires. They are stock tires and don't look very fancy but carry the load.
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