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Slide in truck camper on 1st gen

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by 1stgentundradriver, Sep 2, 2020.

  1. Sep 2, 2020 at 2:16 PM
    #1
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    Hey all,

    Thinking about purchasing a slide-in truck camper for my truck. Probably would be too heavy to get something that’s not a pop-up. So the plan would be a pop up camper. Already have air bag suspension installed from firestone. So I know suspension wouldn’t be a problem. Just have never done this before so wondering if there’s anything I should know from anyone with experience.
     
  2. Sep 2, 2020 at 2:36 PM
    #2
    Kimosabe

    Kimosabe Slacker

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    Chris
    Sun Valley, Idaho
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    I can't say I have experience, but my truck has. The guy I bought it from used a slide-in with it for quite a few years. It came with the Firestone Airbags and there are some anchor points that are still attached underneath. They appear to be bolted on to the frame. I don't have one so I can't say how it changed the handling or anything, but it was definitely done for a few years by the previous owner.
     
  3. Sep 4, 2020 at 5:47 AM
    #3
    Gmillz85

    Gmillz85 Ski Bum Extraordinaire

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    greg
    Colorado
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    She's a Pro
    Check out the towing and hauling forum, albeit it's more 2nd and 3rd gen guys discussing towing.

    You are somewhat limited when it comes to slide ins especially hard side slide ins.

    I searched and searched and finally found a Lance 805. Originally my camper was stamped at 1320# but after a strict diet and jack removal she's down to 1080#.

    With my Toytec coils and AAL paired with my Firestones the Tundra handles the camper like it's not even there. I do drive like I have an 1100# load in the truck. That's key with any trailer or camper. I've even hit 75mph winds in Wyoming with little shake rattle and roll.

    IMG_20200425_183849_4.jpg
     
    shifty`, theblurry1, ezdog and 3 others like this.
  4. Sep 30, 2020 at 12:18 PM
    #4
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    Wow that’s awesome. Payload of our trucks is somewhat around 1400 correct? Thinking if I want to tow at all, I’ll have to go with a soft sided pop up
     
  5. Sep 30, 2020 at 12:40 PM
    #5
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    A few
    Just checked mine was 1365. With me in the cab somewhere around 1165. So for easy math I’ll say my truck payload is 1150. Not much room for a camper! Especially if I’m wanting to haul my four wheelers behind it. Seems like if you want a camper and want to haul stuff as well, get a three quarter ton, or better yet, a one ton.
     
  6. Sep 30, 2020 at 6:29 PM
    #6
    tmac58star

    tmac58star New Member

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    Whatever you wind up with, measure your total rig height from pavement to top then add 3 inches...then write this down and keep it in the cab where you can see/reference it all times. If there's ever any doubt about whether you can fit...check your reference and then get out and double check clearance. It's a very sad thing to see someone's investment in any kind of RV/camper/boat/etc. go down the drain from "guess-timating" clearance. Ugly stuff...ugly...
     
    shifty` likes this.
  7. Oct 1, 2020 at 10:07 AM
    #7
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    A few
    Thank you for that. That’s a good idea and I’ve heard of the in the truck camper magazine. Does this mean you’ve learned from experience...?
     
  8. Oct 1, 2020 at 10:39 AM
    #8
    tmac58star

    tmac58star New Member

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    No personal experience...except as a spectator arriving after the fact. Like when a so-called professional CDL driver tries to cram 15-feet worth of truck/trailer/load under a 13-foot overpass or bridge...even when the height is clearly noted and visible. That costs the taxpayers bookoo $$$ for repairs, and oftentimes the driver loses their job and sometimes their license...not to mention endangering others in the process of being "too smart to check."
     
  9. Oct 2, 2020 at 8:02 AM
    #9
    shifty`

    shifty` The Second Shortcoming of Christ

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    (see signature for truck info)
    RxR bridge in town had to be removed recently. At least half a dozen tractor trailers per year would sardine-can the tops of their trailers trying to fit it under a 100yr old bridge because they didn't know how tall their truck was. Multiple warning signs leading up to the bridge. Multiple girders under the bridge had been bent over the years, then an engineer discovered a crack, bridge came down.

    This was mostly newbie drivers who trusted GPS to give a shortcut but not realizing GPS doesn't tell you about low bridges. By trying to shave off 2-3 minutes, they result effectively ended their employment less than 3-4 miles from where they pulled out, and potentially compromised their loads.

    Can't recommend enough the advice being given here. You do not want to be that guy.
     
  10. Oct 2, 2020 at 9:55 AM
    #10
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    A few
    For sure. I will Definetly be doing this.
     

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