Northern Lite 610 for 1/2 Ton PU

[McCarthy]

I have spent 5 years looking at a half ton/ truck camper combo, it just doesn't work. A pop up FWC type deal, on the correct half ton sure. The 610 is as close as it possibly comes to working, however the payload on the door sticker (not the payload in the brochure...) of a 6.5' bed, basic half ton is 1750lbs in a ford, less in a chevy and even less in a ram.

610 is 1490 dry- I would estimate ~1800lb's wet?

So 1800lbs, plus EVERYTHING else. heavier wheels and tires, bumpers, extra fuel, luggage, passengers, pets, supplies etc- I would say for two people, supplies, gear, truck uprades etc you're easily 500lbs, and probably much more.

2300lbs approx.

Can it be done? Sure, airbags, 10 ply tires, careful driving.

However- not safe. I wish it worked, I just don't think it does.

 

[simple]

I have spent 5 years looking at a half ton/ truck camper combo, it just doesn't work. A pop up FWC type deal, on the correct half ton sure. The 610 is as close as it possibly comes to working, however the payload on the door sticker (not the payload in the brochure...) of a 6.5' bed, basic half ton is 1750lbs in a ford, less in a chevy and even less in a ram.

610 is 1490 dry- I would estimate ~1800lb's wet?

So 1800lbs, plus EVERYTHING else. heavier wheels and tires, bumpers, extra fuel, luggage, passengers, pets, supplies etc- I would say for two people, supplies, gear, truck uprades etc you're easily 500lbs, and probably much more.

2300lbs approx.

Can it be done? Sure, airbags, 10 ply tires, careful driving.

However- not safe. I wish it worked, I just don't think it does.

What do you think of the Scout Yoho? 1000lbs base. 1200lbs after adding a couple things like fridge, camp stove etc.

 

[rruff]

However- not safe. I wish it worked, I just don't think it does.

GVWR has nothing to do with safety. It's the manufacturer-set CYA warranty and liability number, based on the bone stock vehicle.

If you make intelligent upgrades to a decent 1/2 ton, it will quite safely handle more weight than the sticker says, and ride, handle, and stop better than the majority of larger vehicles.

In the US the driver is responsible for making sure that they are in control of their vehicles. If you are over GVWR then you cannot pass the buck to the manufacturer, and claim it was their fault.

 

[McCarthy]

What do you think of the Scout Yoho? 1000lbs base. 1200lbs after adding a couple things like fridge, camp stove etc.

Looks good depending on all the other factors.

GVWR has nothing to do with safety. It's the manufacturer-set CYA warranty and liability number, based on the bone stock vehicle.

If you make intelligent upgrades to a decent 1/2 ton, it will quite safely handle more weight than the sticker says, and ride, handle, and stop better than the majority of larger vehicles.

In the US the driver is responsible for making sure that they are in control of their vehicles. If you are over GVWR then you cannot pass the buck to the manufacturer, and claim it was their fault.

At no point did I say GVWR = safety.

 

[rruff]

At no point did I say GVWR = safety.

You gave payload numbers which are GVWR minus empty weight, and then you said 2300 lbs was "not safe".

The great majority of Tacomas with a camper of any kind, overland built, and loaded for a trip, are going to be >2300 lbs above stock weight. Lots of them are out there...

 

[NoDak]

GVWR has nothing to do with safety. It's the manufacturer-set CYA warranty and liability number, based on the bone stock vehicle.

If you make intelligent upgrades to a decent 1/2 ton, it will quite safely handle more weight than the sticker says, and ride, handle, and stop better than the majority of larger vehicles.

In the US the driver is responsible for making sure that they are in control of their vehicles. If you are over GVWR then you cannot pass the buck to the manufacturer, and claim it was their fault.

Yup best thing to do is look at the GAWR(gross axle weight ratings) to see there is usually more wiggle room on the weights than you'd think.

You gave payload numbers which are GVWR minus empty weight, and then you said 2300 lbs was "not safe".

The great majority of Tacomas with a camper of any kind, overland built, and loaded for a trip, are going to be >2300 lbs above stock weight. Lots of them are out there...

To be fair the overweight Tacoma build you referenced earlier if i remember correctly was the same one that had a thread about fixing the rear R&P he blew up.

 

[rruff]

Yup best thing to do is look at the GAWR(gross axle weight ratings) to see there is usually more wiggle room on the weights than you'd think.

The axle rating may have more to do with springs and tires, especially on a 1/2 ton. It's still a CYA warranty/liability number, not related to any standard or testing.

To be fair the overweight Tacoma build you referenced earlier if i remember correctly was the same one that had a thread about fixing the rear R&P he blew up.

The AT Overland camper build?

 

[NoDak]

The AT Overland camper build?

It looked very similar. Of course I'm having no luck finding the thread now.

Edit: Found it. Different Tacoma. https://forum.expeditionportal.com/...ht-taco-and-a-slip-off-a-rock-get-you.235000/

 

[rruff]

Edit: Found it. Different Tacoma. https://forum.expeditionportal.com/...ht-taco-and-a-slip-off-a-rock-get-you.235000/

Ah yes. Considering that he was carrying about 2600 lbs when it failed, and previously 1,000 lbs more (!) for 80k miles and was "rock crawling" when he had the failure, I don't think that speaks poorly of Tacomas carrying high payloads. There are several other anecdotes in the thread regarding Tacomas with higher loads.

Anyway, the NL 610 would go on a full size half-ton.

 

[FreedomTraveler]

Just over 30,000 miles since adding the NL 6.10. Lots of bad roads. Still going, now in Turkey...

 

[vintageracer]

You can always build a Ford Maverick!

 

[M1SF1T]

GVWR can certainly give you a fair idea of safety and reasonableness. Of course breaking GVWR by a pound isn't changing anything, but as the pounds add up, as the road gets rougher, as the hills you need to stop on become steeper, you certainly reach a point. What's your personal risk tolerance?

Unless you're an engineer and do an analysis of what your upgraded brake pads, springs, and tires have done for your rig's capability, you are on your own and guessing.

Exceeding GVWR is against the law in some, if not most, jurisdictions. Some insurance companies are going to walk away from a claim on an overloaded rig. You are risking not only your vehicle, but other people when you overload and hit the road...

Anyway...

I had asked of any new 610s real world on this thread and since have checked them out and was impressed. I put the order in with an expected arrival end of next month or March. Hopefully get at least one dawn patrol powder day with a camper this season! Can't wait for the pre lift nap in a heated rig.

Now shopping for a new trailer to pull 2 quads and some other gear. Will be packing this 610 with a diesel F350 short box. I'm way under GVWR, should barely notice 'er...

 

[simple]

Sweet. Give us a tour when you get it.

Exceeding GVWR is against the law in some, if not most, jurisdictions. Some insurance companies are going to walk away from a claim on an overloaded rig. You are risking not only your vehicle, but other people when you overload and hit the road...

Can you site any sources for this information?

 

[rruff]

Exceeding GVWR is against the law in some, if not most, jurisdictions. Some insurance companies are going to walk away from a claim on an overloaded rig.

It's not illegal in the US unless you are a commercial hauler, and insurance companies do pay, because that is what insurance is for.

I know, some people like neat and tidy numbers, but reality isn't like that. And I am an engineer, BTW.

 

[M1SF1T]

You may have done an analysis based on your expertise but most people are guessing and most people are clueless.

Where I live (BC) it is a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act to operate a vehicle over GAWR or GVWR. CVSE which is commercial enforcement but has jurisdiction on the matter will pull over obviously overloaded rigs, doesn't matter if it's a personal vehicle you'll be leaving stuff at the side of the road.

Vehicles are certified at GVWR. People can be assured that their vehicle systems will perform as intended. You start overloading on gut feeling, where's does it end?