Sorry if this is an old discussion. I am new to this. My truck-02 Chevy ,long box, 2500hd ,crew cab, 4x4, Duramax, Allison.I have Firestone air bags on it. The sticker in glove box says 1618 for payload. I understand why it is low due to the weight of engine, tranny, and crew cab. But I also think that 1618 is a conservative figure, right? And yes, the salesman all say, the truck can handle it. I am looking at a Lance 850, dry weight 2300. They tell me at the service department to take dry weight (2300) multiply by 65% and get axle weight capacity(1495). So is this correct or BS? I see a lot of CC diesels on the road I can't believe they are all hauling campers that weigh less than 1620 pounds. Is that 1618 figure what can go on the axle or the whole load in the bed?? thanks, Jeff

Ya this is an old topic, but we were all new to truck camping at one time. The payload works by subtracting the mass or curb weight of your truck from the GVWR. The GVWR can be found on the inside of the drivers door. This will tell you how big of a truck camper you can legally put in your truck (keyword legally). Keep in mind that this does not include cargo, kids, or gas which add up REALLY fast.

That payload number does seem low; it would be how much you carry in your truck (cab, bed, fuel tank). The axle ratings can also be found inside you drivers side door.

Suspension modifications (ie: air bags, sway bar, etc) will make the truck camper more stable but will not increase the GVWR.

If you take a look around the site there are a lot of people with 3/4 tons here. Maybe some of them have exact numbers on their weight's and can help you out.

Best of luck, I'm sure you'll find a camper or make it work!


Edit: Grammer mistakes.

thanks for the info.

Well, Guess I hit the wrong buttons on the above reply. Let's try it again.

At the risk of getting a lot of warnings on overloading the truck, I had the same concerns/questions as you. I have a F250, 3/4 ton extended cab with an 8' bed.
I asked several Ford mechanics if the truck could safely carry my Lance 11 1/2' camper with a dry weight of 3,200 pounds (per the capaciaty plate on it). They all said it should be no problem. The axel can support around 6,000 lbs. I did put Timbren booster springs on it to stop the side sway. I have had absolutely no problems carrying the camper. The instructions say not to exceed 55 MPH and I would agree with that due to its weight and the distance needed to safely stop, and the effect cross winds will have on it at higher speeds, but you should be OK.

Neverhome

This is sure not a user friendly editor!

OK thanks for that information. I will talk to a few mechanics re: my own truck.