Truck Camper Forum [Powered by Invision Power Board]

Posted by: RV_Tech Feb 19 2017, 11:00 PM

I have a 2012 F350 SRW 6.2 long bed supercab (camper package and plow package.

I have scaled it loaded with everything except the camper including fuel and have available payload of 3328 pounds to stay withing GVWR for the truck. I will be way under both my tire and axle ratings on both ends at that number

Our priorities are thus. We value mobility more than space. We do not want to go over 9.3. We will never increase our size. We like Northstar Igloos, but would consider alternatives. I know an Igloo will take us up to our payload and maybe over (Northstar says 2,670 dry). Have heard 3,600 actual from someone with similar package.

Do not want dually or diesel. Been there done that. Anyone running 6.2 with something similar.

Thanks

Posted by: SidecarFlip Feb 20 2017, 10:04 AM

The camper / unit choice will be predicated on where you plan on camping. If you plan on camping mostly in campgrounds and improved sites, any camper will do. If you plan on serious boondocking, off road camping or wilderness camping, then you need to stay well under your GVW because a heavy unit becomes an anchor off road. It adversely impacts traction and the height of a hard side becomes an issue with tree limbs and such.

Why I run a soft side pop up. Low height equals better fuel mileage and better handling on road and off and sof sided units are lighter.

The downside to a soft side is, while they work as a 4 season camper, in the winter thay can be a royal PITA whereas a hard side is easier to deal with in cold weather.

You have to narrow your choice a bit first....

Posted by: RV_Tech Feb 20 2017, 01:13 PM

QUOTE(SidecarFlip @ Feb 20 2017, 11:04 AM)

The camper / unit choice will be predicated on where you plan on camping. If you plan on camping mostly in campgrounds and improved sites, any camper will do. If you plan on serious boondocking, off road camping or wilderness camping, then you need to stay well under your GVW because a heavy unit becomes an anchor off road. It adversely impacts traction and the height of a hard side becomes an issue with tree limbs and such.

Why I run a soft side pop up. Low height equals better fuel mileage and better handling on road and off and sof sided units are lighter.

The downside to a soft side is, while they work as a 4 season camper, in the winter thay can be a royal PITA whereas a hard side is easier to deal with in cold weather.

You have to narrow your choice a bit first....

Thanks,

Obviously I was expecting folks to read my mind because I didn't complete my thoughts.

We know we are going hard side and although we will be doing the National Parks this summer and Alaska the next, living east of the Mississippi mostly means camping in state parks. I was looking for folks who were using campers comparable to Northstar's Igloo and SRW 1 ton gassers just to get a sense of what others had done with similar match-ups on like weighted trucks.

Posted by: SidecarFlip Feb 20 2017, 03:12 PM

We may cross paths next summer (not the one coming up), we are doing Alaska ourselves with another couple with a TC as well. Not just a trip but a trip with a destination in mind. The couple we are going with, their son lives in Alaska so we will be visiting him. Going to be a 2-3 month trip.

Posted by: Freespool Feb 25 2017, 12:16 PM

I would continue to consider Northstar and I would take a close look at Bigfoot and Northern Lights, they both make campers that will satisfy your requirements.

Posted by: RV_Tech Feb 25 2017, 01:16 PM

QUOTE(Freespool @ Feb 25 2017, 01:16 PM)

I would continue to consider Northstar and I would take a close look at Bigfoot and Northern Lights, they both make campers that will satisfy your requirements.

All hard to find used for sure, but will continue my search.

Thanks,

Steve

Printable Version of Topic