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Posted by: AllenTC2 Aug 25 2017, 12:10 PM

Okay, dumb question but some reading has me wondering.....

Carrying a pop-up TC on the truck, to allow me to go more places AND towing a TT as a "home base" for creature comforts when I'm not off the beaten path.

Is this a ludicrious idea? Would it be super expensive (assume a budget of around $130K) or require a monster of a truck??

Posted by: RV_Tech Aug 25 2017, 12:20 PM

Hi Allen,

First of all, I do not think it is a ludicrous idea and have seen folks doing it exactly the way you describe. I think the budget is adequate, but you also do not have to buy new unless that is your desire.

I would start by researching weights and I would think in terms of not buying a huge travel trailer. There are many choices in pop-ups. I see in your listing your preference for Host and Lance. Since they do not make pop-ups, I am guessing those would be your choices without a trailer.

Lots of folks have their favorites in pop-ups so take your time researching. I am also guessing here you are thinking diesel power and perhaps a dually to give you more payload.

Happy hunting,

Steve

Posted by: AllenTC2 Aug 25 2017, 12:30 PM

Well, I still am not a big fan of towing anything, let alone a TT. But, if my current idea of having say a Host Cascade on the back of a F-450 DRW diesel 4x4 would severely curtail my ability to go places I want to go (still not sure how to classify that...not crazy remote, mountain goat trails, but avoiding actual campgrounds, etc. as much as possible) I am looking at other alternatives.

As far as TTs go, what is "big"? Just a quick casual search turned up a 25' Arctic Fox that seemed doable as a 'permanent residence'. I am also not big on the pop-ups. Looked at the Granby and Palomino offerings. I was thinking maybe a smaller hardside with no slideouts.

Posted by: RV_Tech Aug 25 2017, 12:35 PM

I think taking a look at the payload of the truck in comparison to what you want to put in it and pull with it, will provide you a fair idea of how to proceed forward.

Steve

Posted by: AllenTC2 Aug 25 2017, 12:39 PM

Thanks Steve. Just when I'd started to make sense of GVWR, dry weight, etc. LOL Now there is tow load, tongue weight, etc.

I suspect a lot of my worry is probably groundless. I have not travelled over these roads I imagine myself going down and maybe they aren't as bad as I think. For example....just finished Google Earthing around Alta Lakes, Colorado. This looks like the kind of place I'd enjoy checking out. Off the beaten path, but not exactly "remote". The roads around there certainly appear doable, even in a 'barge' of a TC.

Posted by: Backroad Joe Aug 25 2017, 01:04 PM

Yes, likely your worries are groundless. I'm involved in many different outdoor activities and in all honesty the camper crowd seems to be the most worrisome group I have ever come across.

The best equipment configuration is the one that fits your needs and you are happy with. Just do your due diligence regarding specification and life will be good.

Posted by: RV_Tech Aug 25 2017, 02:37 PM

Although it can get crazy and some folks are intense about these things basically all you end up worrying about is not overloaded your truck dramatically and making sure the handling is decent. I don't have experience with 450s, so I can't comment on ratings.

I think it is almost a given you will be over the truck manufacturer's weight rating for payload and rear axle (just guessing here), so do some reading and continue to post to get enough feedback so you will be comfortable. Running overweight with truck campers is pretty much commonplace even before you add a trailer (the tongue weight thing). Continue to chat online on this site and others with truck camper owners about your intention and goals.

Luck,

Steve