When it comes to camping, having the right camper for your truck is essential. The size of your truck will determine how large of a camper you can carry, so it’s important to understand the capacity of your vehicle before you start shopping for a new camper.
The first step in determining the size of camper that your truck can carry is to check the weight ratings for your vehicle. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum total weight that your truck can safely handle including its own weight plus the weight of any cargo and passengers. You’ll also need to check the gross combined weight rating (GCWR), which is the maximum allowable combined weight of your truck and all towed items, such as a camper.
Once you know these ratings, you can start looking at campers. The two main types are travel trailers and fifth wheel campers, both of which come in different sizes ranging from small pop-up campers to large park models. When selecting a trailer or fifth wheel, make sure its total dry weight does not exceed either GVWR or GCWR.
Here are some general guidelines when selecting a camper:
- For smaller trucks such as mid-size pickups, look for campers with a dry weight under 5,000 pounds.
- For full size pickups and SUVs, look for campers with a dry weight under 8,000 pounds.
- For heavy-duty trucks such as duallys and one-ton trucks, look for campers with a dry weight under 10,000 pounds.
Keep in mind that these numbers are just general guidelines and may vary depending on your specific vehicle. It’s important to double check with both the manufacturer and dealer before making any purchase decisions.
Conclusion:
When it comes to choosing how big of a camper your truck can carry, size matters. It’s important to check both the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross combined weight rating (GCWR) for your vehicle so you can shop for an appropriate sized trailer or fifth wheel. Keeping these guidelines in mind will help ensure that you get a safe and comfortable camping experience.
