Tc650 owners-Tundra/Silverado/f150?

ripperj

Explorer
As far as I'm concerned, don't bother posting unless you are in a Ram. :)
Obviously kidding, don't think you can go wrong with any of them, unless you are very overloaded


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doctorit

Adventurer
FWIW, Ford is the only brand that actually still offers a "camper package" as an option. From the 2015 model specs:

Camper Package (restrictions apply) includes front springs upgrade (unless maximum springs have been computer-selected as included equipment), rear stabilizer bar (SRW), slide-in-camper certification and auxiliary rear springs on F-250.
 

Terra Ops

Adventurer
Probably cheaper to upgrade with after market suspension parts that to buy "special package" from manufacturer.
I think this is what most of us do for all brands of truck.
So just go with the Ram 2500 diesel and add air bags, you won't regret it:)
 

doctorit

Adventurer
Probably cheaper to upgrade with after market suspension parts that to buy "special package" from manufacturer.
I think this is what most of us do for all brands of truck.
So just go with the Ram 2500 diesel and add air bags, you won't regret it:)
Wrong. Or, please tell me where you shop if you can do front springs, a rear leaf, and a sway bar for $160!

Nevermind the factory slide-in camper certification, which goes a long way in any warranty issue, something "most of us" could never expect. The original poster here is concerned about getting it right the first time, getting it certified, new, etc.
 

Terra Ops

Adventurer
If $160 is the "actual price" and not built in the overall total price, then I would agree that's a deal
for front springs, a rear leaf, and a sway bar!
Good point though, always look at the bottom line. Also, just because its "certified" does not mean it won't fail, however you will or should have some sort of outlined warranty that will have to pass the powers that be.
As for suspension shopping, I've always had a good experience with suspension connection and shock warehouse.
 

cninghm

Adventurer
Hi I'm back. I am officially a 1/2 ironman - hear me roar.
Back to truck business. I briefly reviewed the following truck camper guides for Ram and Ford (note that the ford one says towing guide, but it discusses slide-in campers, too)
https://www.ramtrucks.com/download/pdf/manuals/2015-RAM_15_25_35-Camper-Guide-3rd.pdf
http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/15RV&TT_Ford_F150_r1_Jan12.pdf
https://secure.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/15RV&TT_Ford_SuperDtyPU_Sep30.pdf

It looks like the key to getting this right is the center of gravity and the wet weight combined with all your gear and people not to exceed the cwr (cargo weight rating) of the vehicle. I need to look closely at all of these charts. I started with the Ram, and it looks like I'd be at least on Page 71, with a Ram 2500 4x4, 6.4l v8 mid duty hemi MDS engine, crew cab 6.4 box GVWR 10,000, CWR 2500.9. I need to somehow figure out the center of gravity for my camper that isn't built yet. But, alas, I'm too tired. and will have to return to these charts on Wednesday. THanks, everyone, for hanging in there with me. tty soon
 

ripperj

Explorer
I would not worry too much about trying to match CG to a specific truck, most camper manufacturers do a good job of putting the heavy stuff forward, like water tanks and batteries. It can become an issue if you put a camper designed for a 8' truck in a short bed, but even then you are usually good.
If it was me I would focus on a truck that I liked and make sure the cargo rating is high enough, most say more is better, but you will have a horrible ride with a FWC in a 550 :)

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doctorit

Adventurer
Ripperj is right. I'm always in support of good research and a careful approach, but realistically, campers don't get much smaller than the TC650 (in terms of sizes, by weight, yes). CG and such would be important if you were looking at a 10' camper, but spending a lot of time on it is going to drive you crazy!
 

Regcabguy

Oil eater.
Don't forget that out of CG and at max gross you are also close to max braking effectiveness...

Collision avoidance handling and braking are severely compromised approaching or exceeding GVWR.
I survived the lousy brakes on my '98.5 2500 Ram and sure appreciate the binders this '07 has.
 

cninghm

Adventurer
Well you guys nailed it. I generally go into analysis paralysis when making decisions like this. So thanks for the advice on the CG, truck I like, proper gvrw, and lightening up lol.
 

ripperj

Explorer
I looked at the ford F150 in 2012, you can spec it out with a 8200# GVW, the problem for me was the price, I could get a 250/2500 for similar money, and have a much beefier frame, brakes and axles

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