slide in campers and 3/4 ton GVWR questions

[DMAX/KTM]

Hi everybody. My first post as a new member. I have been following this site for a long time, its the best one out there. My question is related to campers and 2500HD. I have a 2001 GMC 2500HD 4x4 crewcab short bed with the duramax and allison transmission (my first diesel). Unfortunately, due to the extra weight of 4x4, diesel, allison, and crewcab, the weight it can carry drops significantly from 3700 Lbs to about 2400 Lbs (assuming I am staying within the GVWR) It seems strange that if you upgrade your truck to stronger engine and tranny it is allowed to carry LESS. I am buying a Lance 820 camper (8' 6" size) that according to Lance is "designed for short bed HD trucks with GVWR of 8600 Lbs and higher". However, its weight is 3300 Lbs wet. Adding in weight of people and gear, I am well over the posted GVWR for my truck. I have verified with the axle manufacturer that my rear axle is rated for 10,800 Lbs but GM only rates it for 6084 Lbs which is exactly what the stock OEM tires are rated for. I am not interested in trading in my new truck to get a 3500HD as that would cost far too much money so my questions are:

-if I increase my tire capacity by putting on higher rated tires, does the axle rating go up?

-assuming the stripped down standard cab 2 wheel drive gas engine 2500HD w/o allison tranny is rated for 3700 Lbs, would this be a safe maximum for my truck?

-If I add overload springs, higher rated shocks, upgraded tires, and a sway bar, can my truck carry the extra weight of the camper safely?

-Is it possible to have your truck reclassified for a higher GVWR due to the above modification?

-how many of you guys and gals out there have a 2500HD and are carrying a camper similar to the one I am describing? If so, how much over the GVWR are you and what did you do to your trucks suspension to compensate for this?

-does anybody have knowledge of a 3/4 ton truck rear axle failure while carrying a camper such as the 820?

-any other positive imput is is appeciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read my long post

Casey Winningham
KTM 200 EXC lover

[Desert Diesel]

DMAX/KTM,

Welcome to the forum. :cool:

Don't forget to add the tongue weight of the trailer you will be using to tow that KTM :D :D

I'm curious as to what your cargo capacity sticker in your glove box reads? mine lists 1479lbs(long bed). Have you weighed your truck (each Axle)?
Sounds to me like your tires are going to be the limiting factor.

Regards,

David

[DMAX/KTM]

David,

Thanks for the info. I don't know if mine has this sticker your talking about, I'll go look but I've never seem one. It seems yours is too low at only 1500 Lbs or so. That means your truck weight is 7700 Lbs (7700 plus 1500 is 9200 GVWR) I have had my truck weighed and it is listed on the title also (6700 Lbs empty). I also had both the rear and front axle weighed and the rear is 2750 Lbs. Assuming entire camper weight on rear axle (According to lance engineering it is 70% rear, 30% front) my rear axle would be at 2750 plus 3300 which is 6050 Lbs which is just under the tire rating which should be OK. But this still puts me well over the 9200 GVWR. KTM trailer tongue weight is only about 50 LBS so no problem there.


Found the sticker under all the stuff in the glove box. Mine is even lower than yours, 1439 Lbs! That makes no sense since your truck is heavier than mine (LS version and longbed)and should have lower rating. Heck, both of our trucks are rated at LESS than your everyday run of the mill 1/2 ton Chevy! I reviewed many truck camper brochures, not one model is listed as weighing less than 1480 Lbs. Seems like if you use munufactures "recommendations" no 3/4 ton truck is suppose to have a camper on it. Doesn't matter whether its a Ford 250 "camper special", Dodge or the new GM HD. It would be interesting to look at a 3500HD sticker, I'll bet it is only "recommended" for about a 2500 Lbs camper. Anyway, thanks for the info and keep riding those KTM's (mine is a 2002 and lots of fun)

Casey

[ 05-17-2002: Message edited by: DMAX/KTM ]</p>

[Desert Diesel]

Casey,

You’re missing the passengers in your equation. Cargo carrying capacity (CCC) is the estimated max load you can carry not counting the passengers. GM Adds 150lbs per passenger, 6 X 150=900lbs.

Your truck will have a CCC around 1600lbs

My truck weighs 7290 W/84 gallons of fuel, subtract 469 for the extra fuel and tank. That should bring me to 6821 +- as purchased.
Take 6821 add 1479 + 900 and you get 9200 GVW

Unfortunately your passengers will take you over the max rating for your tires and GVW. I tried to make this same scenario work out on my truck.
You will need a 3500 Dually for that camper. :(

Regards,

David

[Colorado Kid]

You've pretty well done your homework, I don't know why you're asking us....

It does indeed appear that you'll be using rather to high a percentage of your rear tire load capacity, especially if you plan to carry any people, fuel, food etc. (Correct me if I'm wrong, but the camper wet weight includes full water and Propane, but not food, clothes, dishes, bedding etc.) So upgrading the tires would be the first priority. As far as I know there is only one upgrade available on the tires...to 265/75R16 Load Range E which will get you 3415 Lbs per tire. (6830 Lbs Total). That's still not much margin.

I would recommend all the modifications you listed, but none of them will technically increase your GVWR.

The rear axel strength, frame strength, brakes and drivetrain are the same between 2500HD and 3500 models, so you don't need to worry about those. I don't know what the rated load of the wheels (as opposed to the tires)is, you may want to research that. The rear springs are lighter on a 2500HD, so you should address that...airbags or heavier springs and swaybar.

If you descide to do this just be aware that you are using very nearly all of the capacity of the tires, even after the upgrade, so you should be very careful with them. Know that heat, high speed, heavy loads and low inflation pressure are deadly. Check those tire pressures as the manual instructs (Cold, before driving. DO NOT LOWER PRESSURE ON WARM TIRES) and keep them right at the max pressure (to carry max load). When it is hot out slow down to keep heat out of the tires, or even better stop and wait for the temps to cool.

If it isn't to late you might also consider buying a used 5th Wheel instead of the lance, so the camper can bring its own wheels, tires, springs and brakes to the party. At least in Colorado you could still tow the KTM behind the 5th wheel (although you'll be unhooking it before you back up). ;) It's not at all hard to find a 5th Wheel with a pin weight less than 2000 Lbs.

On Edit, I've got to learn to type faster...DD posted while I was composing. I don't think you need to count the weight of the extra fuel and tank because you can,t put a slide-in on with the tank there! But you're about out of capability even for a 5'er there DD. :( Oh well, you didn't really want to take that many people along on your vacation anyway, did you?

[ 05-17-2002: Message edited by: Colorado Kid ]</p>

[Desert Diesel]

Colorado Kid,

I put the tank in after I came to the realization that a camper or 5'er were out. :( It also seems like every trip out to the desert I end up with 5 passengers :rolleyes:

DMAX/KTM,

Where do you ride? I'm getting ready to head out to Johnson Valley this weekend to help break in my wifes new Suzuki LT-Z400 quad, I prefer a bike and ride a DR-Z400E.

Regards,

David

[slapshot44]

Hi Casey,

Don't listen to what the RV dealers tell you. One was going to put a Lance just like yours on my 1/2 ton! So I was in the same boat as you, except the suspension upgrades were not an option. (There are slide-ins on every RV lot that are too heavy for even 1-tons, too.) I now carry a slide-in of about the same weight as yours. Since I knew I was getting a camper when I went looking for trucks, I went with the Dually (Doolie, Dooly, Dooley ???) The 1-ton doesn't even care that the camper is there. The truck still doesn't sit quite level with the camper on even with the airbags empty. But it's a PITA that I can't go thru the car washes anymore, these trucks are TOO BIG to wash by hand!

Also check with your insurance provider about what their position is in the event of an accident with your truck being quite a bit over GVWR, and what their position on reclassifying is also (do this part anonymously of course.)

Have you considered a "toy-box" trailer? Might end up costing less than the slide-in also.

BTW guys, he only asked for positive input and all we're giving him is :(

[ 05-17-2002: Message edited by: slapshot44 ]</p>

[DMAX/KTM]

Thaks for all the imput guys, It was Lance the company, not an individual dealer that stated that their 820 is designed for the HD SB 8600 Lbs GVWR truck. Based on all my calculations I should be just under the axle ratings GM has given my truck but over the GVWR. There sure are a lot of 3/4 ton trucks out on the road with campers on them. I figure if it is OK with Lance it is OK with me (as long as I do the upgrades to the suspension.

By the way,***ut asking for people out there with the 3500 CC Dmax, what does your glovebox sticker say for max camper weight?

Regarding riding, I usually ride at Hollister hills OHV park, great place. about 1 hour south of San Jose

[slapshot44]

My glovebox sticker states a cargo weight of 3,817 lbs. My truck is an extended cab, the crew cab 3500 should be slightly less cargo weight.

Seriously, if Lance "designed" this camper for your truck, why does it put it over GVWR? One thing I have learned from my dealings with RV/auto/any kind of sales outlets... "if it ain't in writing, it ain't." Ask for written confirmation on the suitability of the camper for your truck.

[moisheh]

I dont think it is leagally possible for you to reclassify your truck. That is unless you want to pay for some sort of DOT tests. As far as what Lance puts in their brochures: Their only interest is in selling campers. They are NOT the experts on what a particular truck can carry. I dont mean to sound harsh, but this topic has been discussed on every Rv forum. One should try and do proper research before a purchase, The last place to seek knowledge is an Rv mfr, or dealer. Most of them were used car dealers in a former life. BTW: We carry an 11 ft. slide in on a 3500 with no problem. My gross weight is just over the max.

[SHOPMAN426]

Hey DMAX/KTM,

Good to hear other KTM riders own Duramaxes. I am to running a 2500hd with a Lance Camper. The only difference is I have a long bed and my '96 is 11'3". My dry weight is 3020 lbs. I pull my bike on a very light tounge weighted trailer. How many bikes are you hauling? If it is only one, you could go with a fith wheel and build a double reciever carrier off the back of the trailer frame. Most Fifth wheels can handle the exta weight of a dirt bike. This is only a suggestion, it may not be what you are after. If you stay with the camper plan you will want to go with the higher rated tires and I would go with air bags. I will say that the bags are the way to go and a rear swaybar should be installed also.

I'm still working on the bar at this time.

Good luck, and when in doubt, gas it!

SHOPMAN426.

Mike.

[BobNelson]

Last year we moved from the 2500 to the 3500 specifically because of a stability issue with the camper load.

Seriously consider going to a lighter camper, or as (someone up the list) mentioned, a 5vr with a toy box in back. There are some real nice ones that have the toy room seperate from the living space to keep the fuel smell out. Price is about the same. That would be my choice next time.

The most important part is that you are taking a serious look now and have done lots of homework. Check the specs close and maybe take ride/drive in a very similar setup. There are a lot of us out there that will gladly take you for a drive in a full hook up.

Good luck in your decisions.

[DMAX/KTM]

Shopman,

What type of Coopers do you have, Are the rated at 3415 Lbs p/tire? I think that may be my weak link. You have a truck and camper similar to mine (my dry weight is 2700 Lbs) How does it ride or any other info? The reason I like the camper idea is no DMV fees every year, almost no insurance cost, I can tow my boat or motorcycle trailer (which is why a 5th wheel or other trailer is out) and it comes off the truck quickly so I can drive it to work

Casey

[SHOPMAN426]

Hey DMAX/KTM,

I have the LT265/75R 16 D Load range Discoverer A/T. I am running them on 8x16" Weld wheels. They are rated for 3000 lbs. each. I haven't put as much research as you have because I will be going to a fith wheel when this economy gets better. They do make a wide selection of Cooper tires in the 265 range. And the E rated version is infact rated at 3415 lbs. each. One note I found on their page, Coopertires.com, is that they recommeded nothing smaller that a 7" rim. There are four models under the Discoverer, A/T, HT, M+S, and the ST. All have a E rating of 3415 lbs. Definitely go with Air Bags and I still think a sway bar is needed.

Sounds like you got a hole burning in your pocket! Thats a lot of new toys $$$! Me, I still ride a 2 stroke 440 MXC. Bought it new in Dec. '94. Had this Dealer in Gresham do all the head mods to make it ridable down low, but you better be ready when the power comes on. Looking at a 520 EXC next. The old mans got one, what a ride!

SHOPMAN426,

Mike. :D :D :D

[ 05-20-2002: Message edited by: SHOPMAN426 ]</p>

[SHOPMAN426]

DMAX/KTM,

Almost forgot, the D rated tires are smooth and quiet. I run 38 lbs rear and 40 lbs front when unloaded. With the full load I pump them up to their maximun 65 lbs. I run about 50 psi in the bags with the camper and 4 psi empty.

SHOPMAN426,

Mike. ;) ;) ;)

[SHOPMAN426]

DMAX/KTM,

And lastly, don't clamp that new camper to the truck's bed, it will bend. Take a look at Tork Lift, if you can aford it(Sounds like you can). Or if you are handy with a wire feed you can make your own for a fraction of the cost.

SHOPMAN426,

Mike. :cool: :cool: :cool:

[SHOPMAN426]

Had to add one more post, just so I could break my first 100 posts!

SHOPMAN426,

Mike. :D ;) :cool: tongue.gif

[Mike Colville]

To the same tune...I was thinking about a pickup camper because of needing to tow my jeep. But, with the camper weight + the tounge weight of the trailer + jeep...ouch! Any thoughts??? The jeep is 85" wide and 85" tall...too big for most enclosed trailers...and too much money for one that will hold it... :(

[BobNelson]

Most of us seem to be "slightly" overloaded (the american way). My GVW is 11500 and across the scales last week at 12400 (without the trailer). I understand the RCMP gets real serious on this but have never been stopped up there.

Does anyone have history on just what we can get away with (reasonable)? What is the key to getting stopped and how do we avoid it?

[ALLIMAX]

I purchased a 860 Arctic Fox slide in camper with a slide out. It is listed at 3383 lbs. dry. I added some riderite air bags and have no problem at all with it on the back of my short bed pickup. I first got it without having the air bags on and did not have any problems with swaying or bad handling. THe trip home was 200 miles with 60 mph winds the whole way. I added the air bags just for extra insurance. I already had 265-16 tires that are 10 ply rated.

[Colorado Kid]

Mike Colvill Said, "To the same tune...I was thinking about a pickup camper because of needing to tow my jeep. But, with the camper weight + the tounge weight of the trailer + jeep...ouch! Any thoughts??? The jeep is 85" wide and 85" tall...too big for most enclosed trailers...and too much money for one that will hold it... "

A small camper and flat tow the Jeep?
A 30'-35' Goosneck w/ camper on the front and Jeep behind?
A 5th Wheel and flat tow the Jeep behind (If that's legal where you come from, it seems to be here.)
(Warning, pure sacrilige...purists stop reading NOW!) An old RV to pull the Jeep with and leave the pickup at home?

[DMAX/KTM]

ALLIMAX,

What type of HD do you have, 2500, 3500, crewcab or? The person I bought my camper from said the week before a guy with a 2500 extcab Dmax/allison bought the Lance 821 (Bigger than mine and has a slide out) He said they couldn't believe the rear of the truck only dropped 3" with the camper on it (I think it was 3700 +- Lbs)and his truck was completely stock. So far the owner says he doesn't need air bags, rides fine. How much does you Artic fox/truck combo weigh fully ready to go camping?

[ 05-20-2002: Message edited by: DMAX/KTM ]</p>

[DMAX/KTM]

COLORADO KID,

I've asked a trailer shop and they told me a single axle trailer has 10% of total loaded weight on the tongue, dual axle trailer is usually 7%. Assuming your trailer and jeep is about 4000 Lbs, should only be about 280 Lbs so as long as you don't go overboard on the camper, you should be fine.

[56Nomad]

Hi Bob,

It was great to meet you at the conference. We did
the same thing... we sold our 2000 3/4 Ton HD Chevy
because our 9.6' Lance camper was not very stable
on the truck. I always was concerned with weight
and overloading problems. Airbags helped but did
not solve the problems. :(

All of the test vehicles for Lance Camper
Manufacturing Corporation are 1 ton duallys!

ANYONE CONSIDERING PURCHASING A SLIDE IN CAMPER
SHOULD REALLY THINK ABOUT MATCHING IT TO A
DUALLY TRUCK.

Just my thoughts.

BobNelson wrote:
Last year we moved from the 2500 to the 3500 specifically because of a stability issue with the
camper load.

Seriously consider going to a lighter camper, or as (someone up the list) mentioned, a 5vr with a toy
box in back. There are some real nice ones that have the toy room seperate from the living space to
keep the fuel smell out. Price is about the same. That would be my choice next time.

The most important part is that you are taking a serious look now and have done lots of homework.
Check the specs close and maybe take ride/drive in a very similar setup. There are a lot of us out
there that will gladly take you for a drive in a full hook up.

Good luck in your decisions.

[Wesley Briggman]

DMAX/KTM

I bought a 2500HD, Dmax/Allison to haul my "old" Western Wilderness slide in. Dry weight = 2400lbs.
I went over all of this in detail with the salesman before I signed the papers.

Two nights later, sitting in my easy chair reading the owners manual, it said look in the glove box to find the sticker stating the Gross Cargo Weight Rating(GCWR)for my truck. Seems like it was around 1884lbs. No sleep that night!! A $40,000 truck in my garage that I cannot use.

Next day (Friday) I informed the dealer I could not use the truck for the purpose of hauling my camper. I took a third party witness with me as I reviewed all the pertinent information with the salesman. The salesman confirmed all of the numbers he had given me when he sold me the truck.

After a lot of homework to figure out how the GCWR number in the glove box was calculated. The salesman could not or would not tell me. I had my truck weighed at a certified scale. I subtracted the curb weight plus the passenger load (number of seat belts times 150 lbs.) from the GVWR and got GCWR.

I reviewed all of this with a competitive dealer on Saturday. His position was that I was a victim of fraud and he gave me the name and telephone number of the California Fraud Investigator.

The dealer's solution (Monday) was to add springs to enable me to haul my camper. That is when I lost my patience. Obviously they did not understand the problem. If I add springs in INCREASE the curb weight and decrease my hauling capacity.

I called the 800 number in the back of the owner's manual Monday evening. After reviewing all of this with a customer service rep, he put me on hold and called the dealer. After a few minutes he came back and told me to take the truck back next morning. The dealer "unwound" the deal. Did not cost me a penny out of my pocket. I learned a lot.

If the salesman had acknowledged the error and offered to sell me a 3500 instead of getting mad at me, I'd have bought it from him. I do not believe he intended to sell me a truck that would not do what I needed. In fact, I made it a point to go to many dealerships in the area and quiz the salesmen on this issue. Not one of them could tell me how the GCWR was calculated.

Bottom line; do not exceed the GVWR of your truck. If you do, you might void your warranty. Also, if you have the mishap of an accident and it is determined that you were overweight, you are liable regardless of whom is at fault!!

I know own a GMC 3500, GCWR 3700lbs.

GMC4ME

[ 05-20-2002: Message edited by: Wesley Briggman ]</p>

[ALLIMAX]

My pickup is a 2500 HD extended cab short box. The truck handled it fine without air bags in a strong wind.

[Idaho Bassman]

Yo DMAX/KTM,
I had a problem like yours and used Wesley Briggman's solution and upgraded to the 3500 DRW. Also after looking at your camper specs (Lance 820) I noticed that is a very heavy camper for a short box. I also traded in my very heavy Big Foot camper for a lighter one, Summerwind, with slide out. check out

http://www.summerwindcampers.com/models.html

they have a short box camper (811) with slide out rated WET at 2435lbs My friend just bought one for his 3/4 ton dodge and has no problems.

See Ya,

[DMAX/KTM]

ALLIMAX,

Thanks for the info, is your truck a Duramax/Allison or 6.0 or 8.1?

I see a trend here. Most people with 3500 trucks feel I should not exceed my GVWR and buy a 3500 (not an option, too expensive since my truck is a year old and it would be hard to take it back to the dealer since I decided almost a year after buying truck that I wanted a camper) and that most guys with 2500 trucks think I should be fine. I don't know what Lance uses for "test" trucks but many of the pictures in their brochure (including the one on the cover!) are 3/4 ton Chevy HD's carrying their campers. It seems that since my rear axle is rated for over 10,000 Lbs from the manufacturer, the upgrades I am doing should be adequate.

Thanks for all the imput.

[SHOPMAN426]

DMAX/KTM,

I have looked at all the numbers for a few hours now and I have to amit I am overloaded as to GM's specs. However, if I had a dually I would still be overloaded. Having a crewcab with the possibility of carring five passengers pushes me over the limit with the camper dry. I can't amagine what one of those 11'6" Lance campers with the big slide weighs. I also have a hard time beleiving that I can only carrie 1591 lbs. in the bed of my 4x4 crewcab longbox truck. That means if I have five adults weighing 200 lbs each I would only be able to haul 591 lbs in the bed! I thought I bought a heavy duty truck! I also ran a search on Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings and came across some info on RVs. While adding overload springs or air bags you are in fact upping the weight carring capacity in truth, as long as there is no weaker link. But the tag on the door will always overide these ajustments. There are so many of these three axle fifth wheels going down the road being pulled by a one ton truck, they are the ones that really need to be look at, not the truck with a camper on back.


SHOPMAN426,

Mike. tongue.gif tongue.gif tongue.gif

[pinehill]

SHOPMAN426,

If the 1591 lb is off the sticker in the glove box, that number already includes the weight of 5 adults at 150 lb. So, you're not as bad off as you thought.

[Wesley Briggman]

DMAX/KTM

While it is true you can add springs, air bags, etc. to level out your rig, I know of no practical way to increase the braking ability of the vehicle. Are the brakes the same size on 3500s and 2500HDs?

By the way, the brakes are one thing I really like about my 3500.

Just food for thought.

Wes

[DMAX/KTM]

SHOPMAN,

Don't worry too much about being overweight. Your rear axle is rated by the axle manufacturer (not GM)the same as the 3500 one ton (10,800 Lbs). The front suspension of both the 2500 and 3500 is exactly the same and have the exact same weight rating. The difference is the springs in the rear and extra tires which allow it a higher rating. By upgrading your tires on the 2500 from the stock OEM tires which are 3042Lbs E rated tires to a 265 (or higher) brings the tire rating to 3415 Lbs p/tire which allows the axle to carry safely up to 6830 Lbs. I don't know how much your rear axle has on it but mine under worse case senario (fully loaded camper, 300 Lbs of gear/stuff, 4 people in truck, towing boat, full tank of gas, full water and propane, etc, etc will be about 6100-6200 LBS. Well within the 10,800 Lbs axle rating and still below 6830 Lbs with the 265 e rated tires. Of course this much potential weight means I need springs "similar to the 3500" which is where the Hellwig progressive overload 4 leaf spring pack come into play along with the sway bar and Rancho RS 9000 shocks. Yes I'm over the GVWR but I feel I have done what is needed to make my setup safe. I did have a member e-mail me a bulletin from Ford regarding aftermarket companies who modify ford trucks explaining how to have the axle carry more weight by changing certain things. Of course, for liability reasons, Ford says not to exceed the GVWR. This is similar to the above on our axle. The rating went from 6830 Lbs rear and 4000 Lbs front for a Ford F-350 to 5200 Lbs front and 9750 for the rear. In fact on one page, they give an example of changing tires which changed the rating on the rear from 6084 to 6830 (sound familiar?)

WESLEY,

It is my understanding that the brakes are the same for both trucks. This is true for many parts on both trucks (the rear axle and front suspension as an example) GM and any other manufacturer are always looking for ways to keep costs down and compete on the open markets. There is no way GM wants to put out the costs associated with having completely different parts for two similar vehicles. This is not to say the 3500 is no different than the 2500 and GM target markets them to different people If my truck was purchased with the original intent to haul a camper, I probably would have bought the 3500. I would still be putting on airbags or overload springs to make the truck ride level and be safer than stock. The way I see it, if the 2500 HD is rated to tow a 15,000 Lbs plus trailer (don't ask me why, but GM says the 2500 is rated to tow a heavier trailer than the 3500, go figure) then I think the brakes are up to the job of slowing down my 3000 Lbs camper. Besides, it gives me a reason to start using the tow haul mode. I've used it once carrying a lot of firewood over the Sierras to our cabin at Lake Tahoe, worked great, didn't even need the brakes going down the other side.

As always, I like all the imput from everybody, this is how to make educated choices and I'm certainly not perfect and may have forgotten something that someone else may think of.

[SHOPMAN426]

Thanks for the info on the passengers weight, I didn't know that was all ready included. As far as the brakes go, I had heard that the brakes are the same between 2500's and 3500's.


Thanks for the info, SHOPMAN426.

Mike.

[ALLIMAX]

DMAX/KTM I have the duramax/allsion combo in my truck. When I bought the ride rite air bags I got the 6,000lb versions. With the proper air pressure they will raise the load capacity of your truck up. Granted you do not want to go over the axle capacity. THe nice thing about having the air bags when empty is that they make the truck corner flatter without the sway that you get from the stock setup. Another thing to mention on tires is that a LT ( light truck)designated tire is rated at 75% of its true carrying capacity. A "P" (passanger series tires) are rated at 100% of capacity. CHeck out a P235/75 r15 4 ply tire vs a LT235/75r15 6 ply light truck tire. THe 4 ply will have a higher load capacity stamped on the sidewall vs. the LT 6 ply tire. THe government mandates that the tire companies rate them this way for safety. To get a true comparison you must add the other 25% to the 235/75r15 LT tire capacity. THe same holds true for any LT desiganted tire.

[DMAX/KTM]

ALLIMAX,

Interesting, I didn't know that about LT tire ratings. You learn something new every day. I think the stock GM tires are "LT" tires, I'll have to look. By the way, on the axle ratings, I was a little off, it is actually 10,900 Lbs, not 10,800 Lbs like I said in earlier post.

[8.1PWR]

DMAX/KTM are you sure about the wet weight on your 820? I have an 810 Lance 8'6" for the long bed with the extended cab over queen size bed. My wet weight sticker from Lance states 2574lbs. My glove box sticker states 1917lbs.
I have taken two trips with this combo. The truck handles the camper just fine, and it has stock springs. The camper sits the truck down exactly 3 inches which makes it look level. I use the torklift tie downs. I run my air pressure at 70psi front and 75psi rear. No problems so far.

[Big O]

DMAX/KTM
Just slide the camper on in there and don't worry about the weight. Your truck will handle it just fine.

[SHOPMAN426]

Well, now that I know that about my tires I think I will start carring more extra water for the dry camping.

Thanks ALLIMAX,

SHOPMAN426,

Mike. :D :D :D

[BobNelson]

Shopman..... I have a better solution.... I have a bottle of Freeze Dried Water (pure). Great stuff..

Origionally purchased at a backpacking store in SO Cal.

[DMAX/KTM]

8.1 PWR,

Camper weights are very confusing. The label on your camper is the average weight for that camper model with water and propane but WITHOUT any options factory installed. The weight listed in the brochure is average weight of that model camper DRY and without any factory options. The actual weight of your camper is the dry weight plus weight of all factory options installed (Lance's website lists the weights of each indiviual option) plus water (8.3 Lbs per gallon) plus propane (4.2 pounds p/gallon). As an example, the standard 820 is 2435 Lbs, plus 312 Lbs of water, 40 Lbs of propane, plus my factory installed options (about 463 Lbs) so the total estimated weight is 3250 Lbs. For your camper you can do the same calculations. Yours is 2574 plus weight of options (maybe 300 Lbs) so your total is probably about 2800 Lbs or so.

Big O,

I like your answer the best, short and to the point! I must say, I've learned a lot about campers in the last few weeks.

[ 05-23-2002: Message edited by: DMAX/KTM ]

[ 05-23-2002: Message edited by: DMAX/KTM ]</p>