What can I do to mitigate issues while exceeding payload?

I’m planning to build out my truck into a long term, long distance, off roading camper. As is, the plan is to accommodate two people (350 lbs) as comfortably but functionally as possible. I’m looking at a few options like bel airs, four wheel, roamin chariots, etc., but am concerned about payload capacity. With anything besides the bel air, I’m certainly meeting or exceeding the payload, which is about >2000lbs. I was wondering what I can do mitigate any issues this would cause, and keep the truck functional off road. Im also unfortunately on a budget, so upgrading my suspension will hopefully be avoided or kept as simple as possible. I’m also happy to hear feedback about a pop up v. hard walled overcab campers.

 

I'd go with a trailer. Just better in many ways. Most importantly if something happens to the truck, you still have the house and grab a different truck.

 

Appreciate the advice. Trailers are interesting but I wouldn’t remotely considerate for my specific needs. I already live out of a (immobile) trailer.

 

No mods will increase payload capacity.
Reduce as much weight as possible and build out the lightest camper possible. Try to stay within payload cap. Especially if it's in the truck full time.
You can mod the suspension (springs) and stuff air bags in it until the cows come home, but that doesn't change the axles, brakes, lugs, bed, bed mounts, body mounts, etc, etc, etc.

 

Are you saying the truck has a 2000 lb payload capacity, or the camper weighs 2000?

 

Trucks payload is about 2k. The campers are vary in weight, with the bel air being the lightest at >500 lbs.

I was thinking FWC could be a good choice, but their ‘wet weight’ is basically 2000lbs.

 

Holy crap.

 

I'll be damned... I would not have guessed there were Tundras topping 2K payload.

2WD Regular Cab Longbed, 4.7L V8

 

Not familiar with the first gens, but I see you have the rclb. That would explain the high payload. These first gen folks will be able to help with specific suggestions, but I use 80% as a general rule. 80% of max payload, 80% of max towing, etc.
With that much payload available, you should be able to build out a nice rig and be under 2k wet and loaded with gear.

 

I need to double check my actual truck, but the internet said my 05’ RCLB V8 was under 2k payload.

 

FWC Slide in's show about 1,300 dry while the FWC Topper models are under 500... but then it's a question of how much you build it out for comfort and utility inside. Weight adds up fast.

https://fourwheelcampers.com/model/project-m/

 

Interesting that you're asking this now. See this recent thread where the member has had two wheel bearings fail prematurely (one at 20K one at 5K). With no other obvious causes, the speculation is that it's the weight of his 1300+ lb camper may be the cause.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/rear-wheel-bearings.127982/

 

Haha this is why I come here. I’m trying to gain an idea of the whole picture before I start spending all my money on a camper. The balance between comfort and function is certainly at play (and then money).

someone suggested GFC to me, but I’ve never been a fan. I love flippacs, but both of these seem like like a huge step down from from something like a pop top slide in

 

The people above are right about not being able to easily/practically increase payload. I went through this with my truck and camper. You can upgrade brakes, gearing, and suspension (airbags, springs, etc.) to help the drivability while the camper is on. Try looking into ways to reduce weight on the camper. These are just some ideas that I've considered, but I'm sure there are more.

- Solar- so you can reduce the size of a battery. Battery can easily weigh 60 pounds. Solar panel and setup is under 20 pounds
- Fresh water- some campers come with a 18+ gallon freshwater tank, plus grey water tank. Look into a smaller tank depending on how often you can refill.
- Propane- We have a furnace and fridge which runs off propane and have a 20 gallon tank. We only do shorter trips since we have a baby. Look into a 5 gallon tank and mount it on the outside. Removes weight, and gives you more outside storage.
- Hot water heater- We aren't going to be using it in winter for a while. Take out the water heater and that will cut weight and add outside storage.
- Jacks- If you're leaving it on the truck, remove the jacks to make the truck narrower, and remove another 100 pounds (25 lbs/ each).

 

Here's some interesting 'what happens when....' you load up the rear ... https://www.tundras.com/threads/rear-wheel-bearings.127982/

 

I consider my 2006 DC a '3/8 Ton' . . .LOL.

 

Seriously. For such a large truck (at least for the time), you’d think it could handle more.

 

Check these out:

 

The big danger with overloading the payload is that it won't present any obvious or immediate problems. Do a search for "Ram broken frame" and you'll get a bunch of pics. The really recent one was a 1 ton dually that broke his frame with an in bed camper. The kicker, he got about 20K miles overloaded before a sudden catastrophic failure. You might stack it on your truck and be fine for a long time, and then not be.

 

Doubtful, IMO. Lots of guys running well beyond that in abusive situations. Folks also forget that Toyota rates their axles capacity higher than the payload capacity of the vehicle. Destroying bearings in 5k, as the gentleman in that thread, requires either some serious abuse or some other issue.

I would honestly put suspension and tires at the TOP of your list for budget. Next would be traction aids. New wheels, fancy paint, fender flares, big bumpers and armor, winches, etc - those can all wait or just be kept off the list entirely depending on what kind of off-roading you plan on doing. And they are all HEAVY. I know the bumpers, armor, and winches might cause a bit of grumble, but it's true. If you plan on doing some backcountry exploring on high clearance 4x4 trails, those things aren't really necessary except for maybe a good set of skid plates. If you are rock crawling... with a camper... one a budget... well, that's a tough one.

Off roading is about traction. Tires are obviously important in that aspect, but so is a good suspension as it helps keep the weight planted on top of the tires. It also keeps everything above the tires from self destructing, including your spine and kidneys. The tires are a part of your suspension; they act together to support the load and give the traction needed to move it. Traction aids such as lockers or a a limited slip differential will also help transfer power to whatever wheels have traction, leading to less liberal application of the throttle and momentum to overcome obstacles. This helps everything live a longer life.

As for campers, pop up cambers such as a Palamino Bronco or Backpack and such appear to be more popular with the folks I've talked to. They keep the center of gravity lower than a hard sided camper and are more fuel efficient than a taller unit while driving down the highway. They also allow more clearance under tree branches an other low hanging obstacles. The biggest downsize is the hobbit-sized or two piece door, compared to a taller hard sided unit. They also force you to pack a little lighter since you can stuff as much junk in them when they are collapsed.

 

Here is what Basil's Garage did to their severely overweight 1st Gen Tundra. You can find more on the Instagram page or YouTube.

 

@Nick244 he says he specifically built this for Mexican surf trips. Right up your alley.

https://youtu.be/MsFIlO8vCBw

 

I love those 'Stralian style flatbeds. Looking forward to building something similar.

The suspension gussets (shock tower, spindle, cam tab, crossmembers) and boxing the frame and are low hanging fruit if you can weld . I'm considering some of that stuff.

I found a quarter sized defect in my frame last week on the passenger side in the partially boxed area behind the front wheel. The gaping hole pointed at the rear tire is a pretty poor design choice unless their goal was to collect mud and water I'll be doing a little repair work in that area at the very least.

 

My buddy’s ‘05 AC 4x4 says 1500 lb on the door jamb. Higher than my ‘21 lol

 

I'm a big fan of Basil's Garage. I've been meaning to reach out to them with questions on suggestions, but I'm assuming I'll just be wasting their time due to the costs they'll ask for labor. It's a really cool garage that does amazing builds, but I've never seen a beater car they've worked on.

 

Yeah I'm assuming he's charging SoCal prices that would not be in my budget either.

 

Here some inspiration for you Nick.

 

Damn, isn't that a tad topheavy?!

 

If you rollover, it just rolls alllll the way over back into its wheels.

 

This would look great with a working inboard propeller sticking out the back.