[ Outline ] · Standard · Linear+ 2003 Arctic Cat 860, truck size

[bill]

Hello folks,
Recently joined here and have a question that hopefully someone can answer for me.Presently have a GMC Sierra 2500 with a Travel Hawk truck camper on it.I'm thinking of buying a
2003 Arctic Fox 860 with a slide out and wondering if my Sierra will be up to the task?If not I will probably stick with the Travel Hawk and look for a lighter camper.I have seen positive feedback from other owners on this unit and the fact that I can use at least 3 seasons is a bonus.Any info you can offer would be most helpful..thanks ...Bill

[RV_Tech]

Here is the dilemma as I see it. It is relatively easy to determine whether or not a camper is likely to be over a truck's ratings. On the other hand, how satisfying a combination is, in my experience, is a highly individualized variable. And, with any given combination some folks will be quite content while others insist on any number of negative descriptors. Thus I am relatively comfortable commenting on weight ratings and stating what I would do or would not do.

What I have found however is there seems to be very little if any relationship between weight ratings and what the majority of TC owners consider in choosing truck and TC combination so it boils down to two choices. Either you go with the manufacturers' weight ratings or you decide on your own criteria, load the TC, and see if it suits you.

[SidecarFlip]

Here is the dilemma as I see it. It is relatively easy to determine whether or not a camper is likely to be over a truck's ratings. On the other hand, how satisfying a combination is, in my experience, is a highly individualized variable. And, with any given combination some folks will be quite content while others insist on any number of negative descriptors. Thus I am relatively comfortable commenting on weight ratings and stating what I would do or would not do.

What I have found however is there seems to be very little if any relationship between weight ratings and what the majority of TC owners consider in choosing truck and TC combination so it boils down to two choices. Either you go with the manufacturers' weight ratings or you decide on your own criteria, load the TC, and see if it suits you.

Problem with that is simply... You buy it, it's yours and I've never seen any dealer that will allow you to 'test drive' a TC.

Far as TC going on a 'diet'. All I see is fantasy weight stickers. Don'r see any industry wide weight reductions at all. If anything, they are getting heavier, not lighter.

Sure you can modify suspensions and install rated for load tires but the under lying components remain the same and those components will eventually fail.

One thing that is never addressed is rim capacity. Overloading can be visually corrected but if a rim fails because you have exceeded it's DOT wight rating can be a life threatening situation.

It's all about what you don't see that really counts. You and I have both 'been there and did that' and is why we have what we have.

Experience is always the best teacher.

[RV_Tech]

Problem with that is simply...  You buy it, it's yours and I've never seen any dealer that will allow you to 'test drive' a TC.

Far as TC going on a 'diet'.  All I see is fantasy weight stickers.  Don'r see any industry wide weight reductions at all.  If anything, they are getting heavier, not lighter.

Sure you can modify suspensions and install rated for load tires but the under lying components remain the same and those components will eventually fail.

One thing that is never addressed is rim capacity.  Overloading can be visually corrected but if a rim fails because you have exceeded it's DOT wight rating can be a life threatening situation.

It's all about what you don't see that really counts.  You and I have both 'been there and did that' and is why we have what we have.

Experience is always the best teacher.

My ending wasn't clear. I was just trying to make a point about what folks now are doing. They either know their weights and accept what the manufacturers say are the limits or they decide for themselves what goes on what by whatever means they choose. Lots of times I think they decided based on what they see others are doing. There's a lot of so-and-so does such-and-such and it works fine for them.

Rim capacity is in the specs sheets online.