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Pop-up Camper for 3rd Gen Crewmax?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by OPSteel, Mar 3, 2021.

  1. Mar 3, 2021 at 8:20 PM
    #1
    OPSteel

    OPSteel [OP] New Member

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    I really want a truck camper and cannot find one that will work with my Crewmax with 1190 max payload. This is the first thing that has seriously bugged me about my truck. I wouldn’t buy one again with less than 2500 payload. Does anyone know of a pop-up camper that is light enough and can fit a short bed?
     
  2. Mar 3, 2021 at 8:38 PM
    #2
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    I had a Northstar that was pretty heavy. Glad it was in a 3/4 ton.

    http://www.northstarcampers.com/products/pop-up-truck-campers-650sc

    Here is the lightest one for a Tacoma, but still over what you want.

    http://www.northstarcampers.com/products/pop-up-truck-campers-600ss
     
  3. Mar 3, 2021 at 8:52 PM
    #3
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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  4. Mar 4, 2021 at 6:51 AM
    #4
    ceebee

    ceebee New Member

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    The FWC Raven works and it is actually built for the 5.5 bed. I have an Outfitters Caribou 6.5 lite that hangs off the ass end of the bed. there are also older pop-ups that will/could/can work on a CM like skampers etc. Also, do not disregard roof top tents. Lightweight and your bed can be outfitted as a kitchen/storage. The options are limited but with a set of airbags, some 10 ply tires, certain things can work.

    Is your payload really only 1190? Why does that seem exceptionally low?
     
  5. Mar 4, 2021 at 6:54 AM
    #5
    Shuffler

    Shuffler New Member

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  6. Mar 4, 2021 at 7:09 AM
    #6
    Terndrerrr

    Terndrerrr guzzling dealer repellent

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    My payload sticker is 1270. GVWR is 7200. My GAWR is 4000 up front and 4150 in the rear with stock tires. I can keep those axle ratings with my LT tires at 45psi.

    If I beefed up the rear leafs (which would be absolutely necessary, to be honest), I would personally have no problem getting a lighter weight truck camper that might be a bit over payload but that kept me under my axle ratings. I would probably look into beefing up my brakes, if that's even possible. And I would travel with my camper's tanks EMPTY. I'm not recommending this specifically; just saying what I would do.

    If you want ultimate peace of mind, a GM 3/4T gasser will solve all your problems. Take advantage of that ultra high Tundra resale value while they are scarce.
     
  7. Mar 4, 2021 at 7:10 AM
    #7
    OPSteel

    OPSteel [OP] New Member

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    I do have a Tepui rooftop tent for myself, but my wife wants something cushier with heat...more like a camper. The truck campers fit the bill and we were all set to buy a Scout or a Raven as both fit a 5’6” bed until we looked at the payload. 1190 will not work for ANY truck camper. They are all over 1000lbs and unless we have zero gear and zero passengers, we are out of luck. Why would Toyota make a truck with such a major limitation?
     
  8. Mar 4, 2021 at 7:14 AM
    #8
    OPSteel

    OPSteel [OP] New Member

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    Either we opt for a trailer or I am selling my truck. Like Terndrerrr mentions, selling now will bring top dollar. Only have 42k on this 2017 Crewmax Limited.
     
  9. Mar 4, 2021 at 7:19 AM
    #9
    Warreng

    Warreng New Member

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    Check out Kimbo campers. Not a pop up, but way cooler.
     
  10. Mar 4, 2021 at 7:28 AM
    #10
    Shuffler

    Shuffler New Member

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    These trucks have pretty low GVWR numbers ... they can probably handle more than Toyota states. I went with a GFC for that reason ... it's around 350lb but I'm sure I'm going well over the GVWR when I load it out for trips. I still have all my bed space so I can use my truck to haul stuff ... I can install crossbars and the top will handle up to 500lb of cargo. Every part on it is replaceable and well thought-out. You don't get this kind of utility with the fancier popups like a Hawk or Raven. It all comes down to compromise I guess. I may add different leafs, but so far I haven't seen the need to.
     
    Terndrerrr likes this.
  11. Mar 4, 2021 at 7:32 AM
    #11
    OPSteel

    OPSteel [OP] New Member

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    These are cool, but still too heavy for my so called off-road truck, lol
     
  12. Mar 4, 2021 at 7:33 AM
    #12
    OPSteel

    OPSteel [OP] New Member

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    Good idea! I don’t want to have to do a bunch of mods to make this work.
     
  13. Mar 4, 2021 at 7:35 AM
    #13
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    @MTgirl


    She has some input on this topic. Like most people looking to be in the great outdoors, she ran into the same wall with little options concerning a Tundra.
     
  14. Mar 4, 2021 at 7:36 AM
    #14
    OPSteel

    OPSteel [OP] New Member

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    Yes, payload is 1190. Says so on the sticker in the doorjam. 1190 is very low...this is why none of the truck campers advertised for short bed half tons even come close to fitting once you add any gear, a passenger or two, etc. Crazy.
     
  15. Mar 4, 2021 at 8:09 AM
    #15
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    You could always do one of these Pop ups, no worries on payload and it is an easy tow with a Tundra. It is a large camper for a Pop up, 2 king beds.

    tow.jpg pop1.jpg
     
    Bigboitundra and HulkSmurf14 like this.
  16. Mar 4, 2021 at 8:58 AM
    #16
    Shuffler

    Shuffler New Member

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    Pretty cool but holy crap ...

    $19,999 - $29,999

    o_O



     
  17. Mar 4, 2021 at 9:14 AM
    #17
    Warreng

    Warreng New Member

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    At least the quality seems to be there. 95% of campers are complete garbage
     
    Shuffler[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Mar 4, 2021 at 1:13 PM
    #18
    friendlywithbears

    friendlywithbears New Member

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    The components of these trucks are remarkably well built and the payload limitations tend to come primarily from the light duty suspension system. Increasing rear suspension spring rating or introducing airbags are both great options.

    I'm coming from a Tacoma with a popup but have spent a lot of time with tundras running heavy pop ups as well.

    This of course helps with the mechanics of it but doesn't help if you're concerned with legal issues in certain situations
     
    Terndrerrr and pickeledpigsfeet like this.
  19. Mar 4, 2021 at 1:25 PM
    #19
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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    I with you in that payload is my only buyers remorse. My next truck will be a 3/4 or 1 ton just to be able to have a camper. Have you looked at off road trailers? There are a few out there.

    https://www.blackseriescamper.com/
     
  20. Mar 4, 2021 at 1:49 PM
    #20
    Terndrerrr

    Terndrerrr guzzling dealer repellent

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    I hear y’all about the low payload. But I just don’t need more than it offers. I will probably go over maybe once this year. I need to redo our firepit, and I’ll carry a lot of rock in the bed.

    Being primarily backpackers, we’re happy with a tent.
     
  21. Mar 4, 2021 at 2:51 PM
    #21
    Mallcrl

    Mallcrl New Member

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    We have an AT Overland Atlas on order... Their Summit model wasn't really in the running for us, but we went back and forth between the Atlas and Habitat for a while before ordering. Similar to the GFC, weighing in around 360lbs means it doesn't put a big damper on the payload

    FWIW, we have a hardshell RTT currently, and went with the Atlas (or any of them) so that we can have an enclosed space to stand (one of the aspects of our Gazelle T4 ground tent that we love)
     
  22. Mar 4, 2021 at 6:31 PM
    #22
    tundra121

    tundra121 New Member

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    The way my wife packs for camping there's no 1/2 ton out there that will let me put a camper in the box.
    Bikes/kayaks/chairs/padle board and gear then you have food /drinks/clothing and bedding on top of that.
    Personally I think a 3/4 ton with a longer box will handle a camper far
    better than any of the options for your Tundra.
     
  23. Mar 4, 2021 at 6:35 PM
    #23
    Skey44

    Skey44 GreenvilleOverland

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    I have a FWC raven shell and it’s great for what it is. Im a little over weight when fully loaded up, but I upgraded the tires and suspension and it hasn’t been a problem. 17533924-D6D8-4218-A895-212B743727B9.jpg12FF9357-21EE-46A5-8681-0425D6AA44E2.jpg71E4D47A-FC57-4A42-A9F5-9270C5267F87.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2021
  24. Mar 4, 2021 at 7:01 PM
    #24
    OPSteel

    OPSteel [OP] New Member

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    Right you are...I just incorrectly assumed. I’ll probably go with a teardrop Offroad trailer.
     
  25. Mar 4, 2021 at 7:58 PM
    #25
    Crowboy

    Crowboy New Member

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    I decided to go with OVRLND camper which will come in at about 350 lbs. I like the way they look and you can treat them like a standard cap for most purposes. To fend off the cold I plan on buying a diesel heater. But it’s more of a DIY solution than some folks may want...
     
    Skey44 likes this.
  26. Mar 5, 2021 at 2:56 AM
    #26
    tundra121

    tundra121 New Member

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    That's probably a good alternative they make some pretty nice units now.
     
  27. Mar 5, 2021 at 3:14 AM
    #27
    Medinasmoke

    Medinasmoke New Member

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    Absolutely love your setup. may I ask you your thought process when started to consider your camper purchase? Consider, larger camper, flatbed, being over weight why fwc......... thxs so
    much
     
  28. Mar 5, 2021 at 10:32 AM
    #28
    Skey44

    Skey44 GreenvilleOverland

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    Thank you! I enjoy simple(ish) dispersed camping and exploring with my mountain bike, hiking, and off road driving. I still desire security, heated sleeping quarters, and a comfy bed. It’s very easy to drive (do 75mph on interstate). I know it’s technically over weight but they also put these and heavier on Tacomas as mine is the “shell model” The Real world reviews and owners all say the tundra handles the weight fine with minimal upgrades and this was correct though I wanted more control and added the leaf pack which is awesome. I also didn’t do a flatbed for cost and didn’t want to give up the normal look and functionality of the truck bed when it’s off (also flatbed upgrade was off the budget). My Hoa also doesn’t allow visible campers so the fact that it fits in my garage is a bonus. It’s just a unique setup that has some drawbacks but for me those were less important and the overall package is great. Setup and tear down are fast. The king bed is huge. The furnace is great. I don’t shower or need to cook inside my camper. Only desire 12v power. It works for me and I enjoy carrying my tiny house in the bed. It’s also much more secure than a tent. I feel secure sleeping 8 ft off the ground with a deadbolt door in the back country or a parking lot. The unit is sealed unlike a bed topper or GFC which is so nice in dusty areas. It’s not perfect, nothing is. Would I do the same again? Probably for my style of camping, the wait was killer!
     
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  29. Mar 5, 2021 at 10:45 AM
    #29
    NoRcptn

    NoRcptn Better than mediocre poster

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    I posted this somewhere in another camping thread.
    Here is another option. I said I was going to check them out, but haven't yet...

    https://trailfort.com
     

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