Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Pickup Cab/Bed size tradeoff, Bed/Cab space choice

[bbobich]

I have a family of 3, planning on 4 (2 children under 7), I would probably camp mostly within state, maybe a little out of state, and I'm trying to weight these two options...

1) Crew cab GMC Sierra 2500 pickup with short bed camper.

2) Extended cab GMC Sierra 2500 pickup with long bed camper.

Extended cab long bed trucks just seem too huge to me.

I'd be curious to know if you have 1) and after some years of ownership would prefer 2) or if you have 2) and now think you could have gotten by with 1).

I also have a question about camper options... is anyone aware of a slide out camper model that can sit on a 1500 series pickup without violating the Payload? I searched a lot on this but haven't seen anything that comes close. Lance 825 can go on a 1500 series truck, but it's pretty small inside without the slideout. I've ruled out anything related to 1500 series trucks so far, but if I've missed one please let me know.

Thanks,
Benjamin

[luibob]

I have a family of 3, planning on 4 (2 children under 7), I would probably camp mostly within state, maybe a little out of state, and I'm trying to weight these two options...

1)  Crew cab GMC Sierra 2500 pickup with short bed camper.

2)  Extended cab GMC Sierra 2500 pickup with long bed camper.

Extended cab long bed trucks just seem too huge to me. 

I'd be curious to know if you have 1) and after some years of ownership would prefer 2) or if you have 2) and now think you could have gotten by with 1). 

I also have a question about camper options... is anyone aware of a slide out camper model that can sit on a 1500 series pickup without violating the Payload?  I searched a lot on this but haven't seen anything that comes close.  Lance 825 can go on a 1500 series truck, but it's pretty small inside without the slideout.  I've ruled out anything related to 1500 series trucks so far, but if I've missed one please let me know. 

Thanks,
Benjamin

I have a 2004 Chey 2500 HD, It is a good truck with a great motor. If you are carrying a family I would suggest a crew cab model. This will give you more room and the kids will be a lot more comfortable for the long trips.

Be aware that the heavier the truck is the lower to available GVWR is. I dont know what the GVWR is for each model but you can check on the Chevy web site to find out.

A good camper option is the Wolf Creek made by Northwood Manufacturing, this is the same maker of the Arctic Fox Line. The Wolf Creek 850 is a non slide, hard side camper that will sleep six. The weight of the camper dry and in stock form is 2008 Lbs. They have the same model for long or short bed trucks. Also for information on diffrent models and general camper info www.truckcampermagazine.com

[elkhornsun]

You will have more interior room and find it a lot easier to find a camper for a long bed. GM and Chevy provide long beds with extended cab and crew cab trucks. With a crew cab the only other option is a short bed that is shorter than the standard bed that is available with an extended cab truck but only for the 3/4 ton 2500HD trucks.

The crew cab adds about 10" in length to the truck but with a long bed the overall bumper to bumper length is 30" greater than for an extended cab with the standard bed.

The issue with the length of the bed is where the center of gravity should be with the camper. The longer the bed the further back the rear axle is positioned and the further back from the cab can be the center of gravity for the camper.

A camper to look at for your family that will fit a truck with a standard bed (6.5') is the Lance 830which has an optional fold down tent that folds out from the rear of the camper and extends the sleeping space very conveniently for the camper. It has a dry weight of 2300 lbs. so will easily be carried by a 3/4 ton truck.

[Electric Don]

Be careful with your choice of truck; the GVWR is the key. If you have a camper with a dry weight of 2300 pounds you need to add the weight of water, propane, food, gear, and all passengers to find out what it really weighs. Then subtract the curb weight of the truck from the GVWR and you will know what you can carry. Forget about putting a camper on a 1/2 ton; the GVWR will not be adequate. Your best bet is to go bigger on the vehicle and keep the camper size down if possible.