Anyone use a camper that exceeds payload capacity?

Since no one I talk to seems to know the difference, payload capacity refers to the weight your truck can carry, not the weight it can tow. I'm not asking about towing a trailer. I'm asking about carrying a slide in camper in the bed of the truck. It's nearly impossible to find one that doesn't max out the payload before even adding gear and supplies, so I am wondering if anyone carries a camper that goes over the payload limit - and if so, how does your truck take it?

 

Most slide in campers are WAY over capacity for a Tundra and most half tons. Most of them would be far more than even a few hundred pounds over. The lightest I have seen were still over 1400lbs empty, which is already over for many of us with half ton trucks. And as you probably know, hauling such a camper way overloaded, with your family in the truck and driving on public roads is a poor idea.

There are some lightweight versions of that style camper, not cheap, you would need to research more and see if any of them will work with the low payload of half ton trucks. This may help get you started https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/8-best-truck-campers-for-half-ton-trucks/

But hit any interstate at any time and you are likely to see someone hauling or towing way over capacity. I have towed way over capacity before, when I was younger and didn't know any better. It was a miserable and unsafe experience and caused some transmission issues with the vehicle. Capacities are listed for a reason and if the camper you want is over available capacity, it is time to move to a HD truck.

 

There’s lots of threads about payload and going over. You won’t find many campers that will fit a tundra and be within limits, esp if you want to carry people or gear. It would be something like a Capri camper.

And people on this forum know what payload means. Don’t really need to explain it to us in bold letters.

 

Thanks for the reply! I'm looking at some small pop up campers that come out around 1200 lbs. when fully loaded with water, propane, etc.. However after adding additional supplies it would definitely put me over the ~1400 lbs. payload capacity of the Tundras I'm looking at buying.

I wouldn't dare try to use one of the larger, heavier campers marketed toward 3/4 or 1 ton trucks, but it seems that so many people do get away with running these "small truck" pop up campers around 1200 lbs. (the marketing is dumb because they're all still overweight for the Tacomas they're marketed toward, but alas) on their Tundras and loading up to a few hundred lbs. over capacity.. I just would hate to buy the Tundra and the camper just to find out there's major issues these people aren't talking about.

For example, check out @OverlandNomad www.instagram.com/p/CRNZXy6B_5x/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

And he loads this thing up with 3 kids and a wife and all their gear along with himself. Capacity is for sure long since passed and he seems to love the setup. I DM'd him on instagram for his own experience but I guess he's too cool to reply

 

Yeah. Trying to talk to used sellers about it is a PITA though. I'm amazed how many people buy a truck like these and never bothered to understand what payload even means.

 

Check out Kimbo campers if you are rich

 

More like if I'm dumb, those are cool but they're far from $30k cool, I think the whole market for new campers is a bunch of greedy jackasses right now. Planning on buying an old piece of shit pop up camper for maybe $2,000 and fixing it up.

Edit: But not to say I'm ungrateful for the suggestion. I do appreciate it!

 

haha, ya they are too much $$ but the quality seems to be there.
Helped my friend revive an old pop up this year, rot is their biggest downfall but for $1700, she is super happy with the outcome!

 

These guys are currently pre-order and they start at $21700. I’d rather get a RTT.

https://www.scoutcampers.com/scoutolympic

 

Payload is my only buyers remorse in my tundra. There’s a YouTube channel with a couple that have a four wheel camper. Never seen it but there was a thread saying they regularly travel around at over 9000#.

 

Go Fast Campers for the win here!

 

Yeah, they also said they spent over $100k on it which is wild. I think you're talking about BoundForNowhere. I'd be happy if I can get away with 1800 lbs haha

 

Those are super cool, but I am actually planning on living in mine full time. I am able and experienced in living minimalistically, but I'd like at least the space and amenities of a camper similarly sized to the FWC pop ups. I did consider just putting a GFC in my Tacoma but I know I'd come to get annoyed at that small of a space. I've lived in full size RV's before and it was more space than I needed so I think a small slide in cab-over will be the perfect middle ground

 

There's also Super Pacific. A friend of ours just bought one. I haven't seen it in person , but here his Youtube walkthrough...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa4m-Y_2SPQ

 

Camper weighs in at 1320 wet as configured (full propane and 9 gallons water). Heaviest things are the 3-way Dometic fridge and a/c, absolutely wanted to keep the a/c but also added fantastic fan. Camper fits in the bed perfectly and I can even close the tailgate which allows the use of the backup camera and sensors. I have the TRD front and rear sway bars, air bags/on board compressor, and Bilstein 6112's/5100's. Trailer (with brakes) is loaded with one 500# motorcycle, two bicycles, camping chairs/various camping gear, and cassette toilet in the v-nose. I have zero issues driving/hauling, truck does absolutely great. I'm older, have a CDL for work and drive sensibly. It's been over a year now with over 10,000 miles traveling the west with the wife, we couldn't be more comfortable.

I would say over 80% of the truck camper set ups you see out there are far too heavy for the manufacture's payload capacity. I myself, am right there at the quoted limits, but knowing this and driving with a bit of care and respect for the weight, you'll be fine.

 

Excellent! This is what I was hoping to see! I assume once you've got food, dishes, clothes and other supplies packed up in the camper you're at least over 1,500 lbs right? Not to mentioned two adults would probably get it up to around 1,800 lbs altogether. Either way, I really appreciate the info and photos, it's very helpful to hear from someone who's done it. Are you traveling and living in this full time? You're living my dream!

 

Also couldnt hurt to find one like mine maybe?
Amazing space behind the seats and higher limits too.

 

That camp ground looks like Nehalem Bay?

 

Here’s that thread. They’re in a double cab, which probably has a GVWR of 7100lb. It now weighs 9k with the flatbed conversion and camper. Been at it a few years. No problems so far.

 

Yes, most of the heavy clothes and some food go in the trailer on the coat rack/shelves (coats, shoes, boots, etc.). The driver's weight is already configured in the payload capacity, and we do spread the weight of gear between the camper and trailer which does help. We are long weekend campers, camping about 2 times a month. We have enough battery to boondock for 3-4 days, but we mostly camp with hookups to keep the wife comfortable. Yes, it can be done.

 

Grayland Beach I believe, or might be Cape D

 

I would love to find a regular cab long bed - I believe someone said they have an 1,800 lbs payload capacity. But I also want 4x4 and you can't have both It's impossible to find a regular cab 2nd gen long bed, I've been looking. And someone correct me if I'm wrong that they don't make them in 4x4

 

That's a great thread! Thank you!

 

Mine is a 3rd Gen,sort of and has 4wd and the big engine!
I agree it is not easy to find one but I am glad every day that I found mine!

 

Wow, that would be literally the perfect truck for me. I wish I could find one! It would solve every problem I'm having here

 

I feel your pain for sure.
I had a guy drive from Florida last week with the exact same truck as mine but Red and he picked up a matching Red Topper that was the first one I found for a Long Bed Tundra when I got mine and started looking.
They are out there for sure and most people dont seem to want them as everyone wants more Cab but not me!

 

That is a beautiful setup you have there. Nicely done.

 

I am looking to do a similar build using a 2022 Tundra. That one has a lot of suspension mods.

 

A empty Tundra when you put a 2 person tent in the bed it goes over weight.