I have been researching the topic of truck camper weights versus payload ratings and have come to a simple conclusion. In my research it appears that the overwhelming majority of folks with truck campers are loaded way beyond the manufacturers weight ratings for their truck.

It also appears to me that truck camper manufacturers are disingenuous when they advise buyers to stay within the payload ratings for their truck, at least when it comes to hard shell campers. For example, my Ford F350 6.2 single rear wheel (camper package& plow package) has about 3,200 pounds left for a camper after fuel and my wife and I are onboard.

If I figure on 1,000 pounds for everything not included in the manufacturer's dry weight ratings, that means a hard shell of 2,200 pounds. So that means either going with a dually (which I really don't care for) or going with a pop-up (not out of the question, but I would rather not).

It just makes for an interesting situation!

Steve