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...