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[2500HD]

My wife has wanted a truck all her life, so I finally caved in but with one caveat: we get a big enough truck to handle a truck camper.

So we took a portion of our savings and purchased a used 1997 Chevy 3/4 ton with 5 speed manual, extended cab, long bed, 4WD, and the first generation 350 vortec V8.

Then I started researching camper hauling (should have done this first, I know). To my dismay, the camper and RPO code stickers in the glovebox are torn and unreadable, and I was not given an owners manual.

By no merit of my own, my truck appears to be the HD model, 1st gear is a "low granny" and I have 8-lug E-rate wheels and a GVRW of 8600lbs. My father in law has the "light" 3/4 ton and has a GVRW of 7600 and 6-lug. I dodged a bullet, as I'm sure a 6-lug would have limited my long-bed camper choices, and when I was searching I had no clue they game in "light" and "heavy" trims.


So, if your still reading after my long intro, here is my question: What kind of weight ranges for campers should I look at?

I haven't taken the truck on a scale yet, that's on the list. Most websites that have info on a GMT-800 chassis c/k 2500 state and extended cab long-box 4wd to have a curb weight of 4300lbs. Does that sound right? Almost sounds too light to me.

If true, that would give me roughly 4000 lbs to play with for camper, passengers, gear, tie downs, etc.

I'm currently thinking of campers in the Lance 850 class (2300 dry weight). Is this a good starting point for my rig?

Thanks everyone, and sorry for the long intro. I'm sure I'll be posting about tie-downs, air bags, etc, shortly.

[Campingguy]

My wife has wanted a truck all her life, so I finally caved in but with one caveat: we get a big enough truck to handle a truck camper.

So we took a portion of our savings and purchased a used 1997 Chevy 3/4 ton with 5 speed manual, extended cab, long bed, 4WD, and the first generation 350 vortec V8.

Then I started researching camper hauling (should have done this first, I know).  To my dismay, the camper and RPO code stickers in the glovebox are torn and unreadable, and I was not given an owners manual.

By no merit of my own, my truck appears to be the HD model, 1st gear is a "low granny" and I have 8-lug E-rate wheels and a GVRW of 8600lbs.  My father in law has the "light" 3/4 ton and has a GVRW of 7600 and 6-lug.  I dodged a bullet, as I'm sure a 6-lug would have limited my long-bed camper choices, and when I was searching I had no clue they game in "light" and "heavy" trims.
So, if your still reading after my long intro, here is my question:  What kind of weight ranges for campers should I look at?

I haven't taken the truck on a scale yet, that's on the list.  Most websites that have info on a GMT-800 chassis c/k 2500 state and extended cab long-box 4wd to have a curb weight of 4300lbs.  Does that sound right?  Almost sounds too light to me.

If true, that would give me roughly 4000 lbs to play with for camper, passengers, gear, tie downs, etc.

I'm currently thinking of campers in the Lance 850 class (2300 dry weight).  Is this a good starting point for my rig?

Thanks everyone, and sorry for the long intro.  I'm sure I'll be posting about tie-downs, air bags, etc, shortly.

Take your VIN to your dealer and they can give you a complete rundown, For instance, look at the 4th digit of your VIN. Following is from the GM.com website:

4th digit - Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR)

A = 0-3,000 lbs.
B = 3,001-4,000 lbs.
C = 4,001-5,000 lbs.
D = 5,001-6,000 lbs.
E = 6,001-7,000 lbs.
F = 7,001-8,000 lbs.
G = 8,001-9,000 lbs.
H = 9,001-10,000 lbs.
J = 10,001-14,000 lbs.
K = 14,001-16,000 lbs.
L = 16,001-19,500 lbs.
M = 19.501-26,000 lbs.

[Sailor Dave]

Seems to me the only way your going to know is to get a curb weight of your truck and then subtract that from the GVWR. The GVWR should be tagged on the drivers side door frame. You will then have the load capacity of your vehicle.

Remember that when you weigh your truck to have a full gas tank and nothing in the truck or bed. You shouldnt be in the vehicle either but you could always subtract your body weight if you are.


SD

[CamperArt]

My wife has wanted a truck all her life, so I finally caved in but with one caveat: we get a big enough truck to handle a truck camper.

So we took a portion of our savings and purchased a used 1997 Chevy 3/4 ton with 5 speed manual, extended cab, long bed, 4WD, and the first generation 350 vortec V8.

Then I started researching camper hauling (should have done this first, I know).  To my dismay, the camper and RPO code stickers in the glovebox are torn and unreadable, and I was not given an owners manual.

By no merit of my own, my truck appears to be the HD model, 1st gear is a "low granny" and I have 8-lug E-rate wheels and a GVRW of 8600lbs.  My father in law has the "light" 3/4 ton and has a GVRW of 7600 and 6-lug.  I dodged a bullet, as I'm sure a 6-lug would have limited my long-bed camper choices, and when I was searching I had no clue they game in "light" and "heavy" trims.
So, if your still reading after my long intro, here is my question:  What kind of weight ranges for campers should I look at?

I haven't taken the truck on a scale yet, that's on the list.  Most websites that have info on a GMT-800 chassis c/k 2500 state and extended cab long-box 4wd to have a curb weight of 4300lbs.  Does that sound right?  Almost sounds too light to me.

If true, that would give me roughly 4000 lbs to play with for camper, passengers, gear, tie downs, etc.

I'm currently thinking of campers in the Lance 850 class (2300 dry weight).  Is this a good starting point for my rig?

Thanks everyone, and sorry for the long intro.  I'm sure I'll be posting about tie-downs, air bags, etc, shortly.

Hi!
As a general rule, buy a bit bigger than you think you'll need.... it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
best wishes, Art