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Message
camper experience requeated. towing recommendations.
Posted on 7/31/14 at 9:10 pm
Posted on 7/31/14 at 9:10 pm
Evening. I have a 2002 f150 supwrcrew fx4 with 3.55 LS diff. New baby coming so I'm looking to spend some more time with the3 kids outdoors. A camper would be ideal. What size/ttypecould I pull safely with this half ton. I have zero camper knowledge.tia
12
Posted on 7/31/14 at 9:17 pm to thejudge
See what your tow rating is. Don't get anything heavier than that.
It really is that simple.
It really is that simple.
Posted on 7/31/14 at 9:25 pm to thejudge
Have your transmission fluid flushed, brake pads changed and possibly upgraded, radiator checked and sealed if needed, go through your fuse box and make sure the trailer lights fuses are good. Probably have no problem with it but I wouldn't run the dog shite out of it either.
Posted on 7/31/14 at 9:29 pm to thejudge
What motor do you have and do you plan on pulling this rig over any western passes?
Posted on 7/31/14 at 9:34 pm to thejudge
just go to a camper dealership and they can help you with all of that...it is what they do...
fwiw, you do need to put some thought into just where you plan to camp (i.e. how far you want to tow the camper and what the terrain will be like)...
fwiw, you do need to put some thought into just where you plan to camp (i.e. how far you want to tow the camper and what the terrain will be like)...
Posted on 7/31/14 at 9:38 pm to thejudge
Buy a good book on the basics of campers and RVs. Take your time and do some research. You also need to consider the weight of the water and all the crap you will load into the camper and the truck itself. You have to know the truck's gross vehicle weight rating. Don't forget to add you and your passenger's weight in your truck. There is a lot to consider so take your time.
Do not rely on a camper salesman to help you.
Do not rely on a camper salesman to help you.
Posted on 7/31/14 at 10:25 pm to thejudge
We were in the same boat a few years ago.
We bought a popup. Many will disagree with those.
Easy to tow, and sleeps 6.
We mainly stay at state parks - Chicot, Fausse Point, Tickfaw
Now, if you plan on doing the typical bar room on wheels that many in this state do, buy the biggest 5th wheel you can find.
That crowd usually stays at Jellystone and Cajun Palms.
We bought a popup. Many will disagree with those.
Easy to tow, and sleeps 6.
We mainly stay at state parks - Chicot, Fausse Point, Tickfaw
Now, if you plan on doing the typical bar room on wheels that many in this state do, buy the biggest 5th wheel you can find.
That crowd usually stays at Jellystone and Cajun Palms.
Posted on 8/1/14 at 7:05 am to thejudge
How many miles on the 02, its a 12 year old truck so take that into a account. I would probably look for something around 5K. I would also look for a Bunk House model, that way the kids have a bed.
And remember everything you put in it for your camping trip adds weight your truck has to now tow and stop.
And remember everything you put in it for your camping trip adds weight your truck has to now tow and stop.
This post was edited on 8/1/14 at 7:46 am
Posted on 8/1/14 at 7:16 am to Shexter
I've been looking for a popup myself to tow behind the jeep. What brand did you get? Anything you'd want that your model doesn't have?
Posted on 8/1/14 at 7:36 am to Shexter
Looking to stay around my area. Swla. I wasn't sure they made good campers for a family than can be pulled by a half ton...
5.4l motor for the person who asked
5.4l motor for the person who asked
Posted on 8/1/14 at 8:08 am to Shexter
Popups are probably what I would suggest for someone's first RV. The low entry cost and light towing weight make it a great choice.
This post was edited on 8/1/14 at 8:09 am
Posted on 8/1/14 at 8:11 am to DLauw
I work in your area a good bit, I see pop ups for sale in front yards all around there
Posted on 8/1/14 at 8:14 am to SaltyMcKracker
I have been doing the same research lately, the limiting factor for a 1/2 ton is tongue weight. You need to look at what your allowable payload is (sticker on drivers door, or go to a CAT scale). Once you determine that subtract the weight of yourself, 3 kids and whatever else you have in the truck. What ever you have left is what you can use for tongue weight. A weight distribution hitch will help you adjust for sag, so going a little over your payload won't hurt as long as you don't go over your axle GVWR. I have a new 1/2T Ram CC with a Hemi - these are the 2 largest and heaviest trailers I have looked at, I won't go anything above what these 2 are weighted at:
2702SS
2703WS
2702SS
2703WS
Posted on 8/1/14 at 8:22 am to thejudge
I honestly would quit camping if I had to do it in a pop up.
I pull a 5th wheel with large slide with a 1/2 ton chevy with zero issues. On my second 5th wheel actually. You can pull a heck of a lot of trailer if you search right and keep tongue weight low. I see half tons all over the camp grounds.
I pull a 5th wheel with large slide with a 1/2 ton chevy with zero issues. On my second 5th wheel actually. You can pull a heck of a lot of trailer if you search right and keep tongue weight low. I see half tons all over the camp grounds.
Posted on 8/1/14 at 8:30 am to AlxTgr
quote:
I honestly would quit camping if I had to do it in a pop up.
Camper snob!
Posted on 8/1/14 at 8:46 am to jorconalx
By up grading your truck with 10 ply tires and air bags, that will help a lot on towing.
Posted on 8/1/14 at 8:47 am to AlxTgr
how in the hell is that camping? I don't need a TV or a kitchen when i'm camping.
all i need it for is bunks and shower. i cook outside and don't spend much time at the camp site other than chow and sleep.
all i need it for is bunks and shower. i cook outside and don't spend much time at the camp site other than chow and sleep.
Posted on 8/1/14 at 8:52 am to DLauw
quote:Huh?
how in the hell is that camping?
quote:me neither.
I don't need a TV or a kitchen when i'm camping.
quote:OK?
all i need it for is bunks and shower.
quote:Same.
i cook outside and don't spend much time at the camp site other than chow and sleep.
Posted on 8/1/14 at 9:04 am to thejudge
If you can find the lightweight models that are usually aluminum framed vs wood they will be about 25% lighter. I used to have a 29' spree bumper pull that weighed in the 5,000 lb range. By comparison a 27' puma will be in the 7,000 lb range. Expect to get around 7-9 mpg pulling with a gasoline engine. They have started to make lightweight 5th wheels that a 1/2 ton can pull. I went from a bumper pull to a 5th wheel and towing the two is night and day. The 5th wheel is much easier to tow and also hook up unless your truck has a back up camera then a bumper pull will be easy as well. Also keep in mind that with the bumper pull you still have your truck bed to bring crap along for the trip. It is amazing how much crap you will end up toting with you.
Posted on 8/1/14 at 9:43 am to DLauw
quote:
I've been looking for a popup myself to tow behind the jeep. What brand did you get? Anything you'd want that your model doesn't have?
I bought a 5 year old StarCraft for $3000. Much better than $30-40K on a 5th wheel. We started out tent camping in the spring and fall, so that's just not camping to us. The popup with heater and A/C just extends out camping season a little longer.
For $40K, we could go on a lot of very nice hotel vacations, and I'm not dragging a 8,000 lb camper to Colorado.
The only thing I wish it had was a permanent mounted cassette toilet with a septic tank. The porta-potty isn't horrible, but can be a PITA at times.
I didn't want, and still don't want, a popup with a shower. The shower takes up too much room.
Next popup, I'd like one with a storage bin up front, and maybe a slideout for the kitchen table.
When we camp, we stay in state at Louisiana State Parks most of the time. We use their comfort stations to take showers. Brush teeth at the sink in the camper. Cook outside. The only thing we do in the camper is sleep.
This post was edited on 8/1/14 at 9:44 am
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