Pop-up camper - weight limits

Not convinced it can be done legally. My truck for example.

1190lb payload
- Passengers (200 + 130)
- Truck accessories (100)
= 760lbs payload remaining.

A FWC Fleet with no options weighs 975lbs dry. There's a reason you see lots of regular cab 3/4 ton trucks with slide in campers.

 

I mean I'm looking at getting a small pull behind trailer for me and maybe a dog. Nothing really else coming with but you got me concerned about the weight of my bumper and such now.

 

Everyone throws around "legally" in discussion about weight limits. If you get in an accident that is your fault, there are numerous other factors at play that cause fault. Weight, at best, would be secondary unless you're doing something REALLY stupid.

My point here is, if you're reasonable, exceeding the limits is nothing to be concerned about. I regularly have exceeded weight and tow capacities of every vehicle I've owned, my Taco included. I've had over a ton of crap in the bed of my Taco to take it to the dump, and it was fine. I wouldn't hesitate to put a ton in there again, although I would install sumosprings or airbags and better springs first.

 

Excellent feedback folks.
After mulling this over I'm inclined to adhere rigorously to weight limits. I don't want to have a truck that's always at or exceeding its payload (or always stressed out thinking about it while I should be having fun off-roading). I even thought of upgrading to a Tundra to solve the problem (1200 lb payload -> 1500 lbs payload). A Four Wheel Camper (Fleet edition = 975lbs) would work very well on a Tundra but on second thoughts that's a lot of money to carry an extra 500 lbs! Also, even a slide in camper will mean the end to a career of tent camping i

Anyway I love my 2016 Tacoma.

 

Sorry accidentally pushed post there..

Anyway, we decided to go for an Adventure Trailers Habitat truck camper (http://adventuretrailers.com/campers/toyota-habitat/). Base mode is $8,500. An expensive tent you might say but for us its a nice step up from actual camping without becoming RVers. Also, weight-wise we're talking 340lbs so no problem adding water, gas, gear and people. Also, it will mean we can actually afford the extra weight of an off-road front bumper (we nearly ran into Tule Elk just last weekend!). Most importantly, being 50+ we really need some interior space for a potty for those midnight excursions! Will post picture when we are up and running. Thanks for all the advise!

 

Sweet, look forward to seeing the pics of your setup!

 

Far too many people feel that rules and laws don’t apply or are only suggestions. Drinking and driving, texting while driving and the list goes on. Justifying your reasons for ignoring the rules and laws doesn’t make what you are doing is right or legal.

The whole reason behind camping is to have fun. If your kill someone because your overloaded truck encountered a situation that caused you to lose control then what? What if it was a member of your family that got killed or seriously hurt? The overloading may not have even been a factor but if you are rotting in jail for vehicular manslaughter or criminal negligence will it even matter? How much of your intended fun will you be having then? I applauded you for stepping back and realizing the rules do have relevance and should be followed. Safety is the reason for many of these limits.

Trailer camping is evolving. Ready made travel trailers are no longer the only option. Many of us are turning enclosed trailers into toy haulers or tiny homes. Pinterest (yes I just said that on a manly truck forum) has some stellar ideas if an enclosed conversion is something you would consider.

 

I second Pinterest as a good place to find lots of great ideas. There are some really nice airstream renovations I’ve been pondering lately...

 

Pinterest! Hahaha you guys have no shame! That's funny! (by the way, does anyone know what this little face guy is doing?)

 

I’d have to say drooling

 

This looks like a direction my growing family might be going! How does the bathroom work out? Would just let my wife and daughter use it for late night runs when it's freezing outside

 

Here is base camp pop up. I have a rtt and camp gear also. No worries. Wife wants a poty so we might get a hard side feather light.

 

$104 Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet - Features Detachable Holding Tank w/Sealing Slide Valve & Bellow-Type Flush - Easy Transport w/Compact Lightweight Design & Carry Handle - Gray (41541)

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-41541-Standard-Recreational-Activites/dp/B004SFKJIQ

And

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Copper-River-Fold-A-Privy/2195317.uts

 

I bought this one in November, towed it from Austin TX to the middle of Florida - about 2500 miles round trip. It weighs about 2400lb. The truck bed had about 100lb worth of stuff in it. There was a little bit of rear sag... enough that I am pretty sure I'm going to install air bags. The truck had no problem towing the trailer. Plenty of power. I got about 15MPG the whole trip.

 

bathroom set up works but we opt to use camp ground facility bathroom. that way we have no associated cleanup to deal with. a cool walk in the dark teaches restraint!

 

Cool thanks for the info!