Four Wheel Camper on Taco question

I am thinking of getting a Fleet model for my 4 door 2014 longbed. It has the towing package and the 4.0 V6. I built up what I want on their web page and the dry weight is at 1300lbs. This seems quite high for a Taco. I just want to hear from those of you with a camper on your Taco about things like how it handles, weight of your setup, changes to suspension, etc. Thanks in advance!

 

Is this a bone stock tacoma with a towing package and a camper shell? If so, you're fine.

 

1300lbs?
tandem axel?

 

No axle, it's an in bed pop-up

https://fourwheelcampers.com/model/fleet-model-pop-up-truck-camper-leader-mid-size-trucks/

 

Yes, it has a canopy right now. Tires have been upgraded to 10 ply and I am going to upgrade suspension and thinking airbags to level it with the camper in.

 

I have a 2010 DCLB that I had a loaded Eagle model on that we absolutely loved. I upgraded to 10ply tires and air bags before going to pick it up in Reno. On the ride back east we decided we were upgrading to Dakars with the AAL. The VSC system would go off constantly, and no matter when it always scares the shit out of you so be prepared to "disable" (hold in for 5+ seconds) as soon as you get in the truck. The other problem we had and I attribute this to the DCLB is that we were constantly popping one of the front turnbuckles anytime we were in a situation with the frame flexing and I wasn't over-tightening the turnbuckles by any stretch. I just think it's because the DCLB has a lot more flex than the Access Cab. There's a lot of information over on Wander the West so go check them out. FWC is a great product and they're great people to work with, we went to a couple of the SoCal Meets/Rallies while we were there and always had a blast. If it wasn't for the turnbuckle issue I'd still own it. I did have to have my rear wheel bearings replaced at 115K so whether the weight of the FWC contributed to that I have no idea. One more thing, make sure you use the Tacoma bed mat over their mounting system and it will save a lot of slipping around. Feel free to PM if you have any other questions or just ask here. Good luck and enjoy!

 

I was considering an ATC bobcat shell recently but due to the weight I opted to place a deposit on the AT summit. Personally I think the non-shell models are too much weight for the Tacoma and airbags just add another stress point on the frame. However many people run that setup on their Tacoma’s with no issues. If you are comfortable with that much weight, go for it, but you have to assume once you are loading with gear and passengers you are going to be pushing 1700+ lbs.

 

I think with the shell you're down around 800# loaded which probably wouldn't be too bad depending on what you're putting the truck through. There have been some air bag horror stories with people way over inflating them. But you're probably right with a loaded Fleet and all the bullshit you can pack into it you're going to be way up there. Good luck with the AT Summit, that's a nice setup.

 

The ready to go weight is what had me worried.

 

WOW!

 

My Tacoma has a payload of 1200 lbs, yours may be a little more, but there is no way you can put 1300 lbs in the bed and still carry a passenger or any other cargo in the truck. My wife and I combine for 360, that leaves me 840 lbs for cargo. Adding air bags, going to E rated tires or modifying the suspension doesn't change the payload. It will help things ride a bit better when loaded NEAR max, but is not a license to exceed max payload.

I wouldn't put that much weight in most 1/2 ton truck trucks.

 

We loved our FWC but the only way I would do one again would be on a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

 

tacoma is not a good platform for a true slide in camper. It just isnt.

 

1300# is way to much.
I have an Eagle that dry weight is 800#. I did considerable modifications to make my setup comfortable and safe. I'm sure 1300# is the dry weight as soon as you load up with people and gear and most of all water that's going to be way to heavy to go off roading with.
Target no more than 800-900# dry and you'll still be doing suspension and regear...

 

As many have said, 1300# is out of the question for a Tacoma. At that weight you are way beyond suspension upgrades, and flirting with major mechanical or structural failure. I do think the Tacoma can safely handle more than the factory rating with proper suspension and gearing. Since 2005, Toyota has seriously derated their trucks, mostly because of the anemic stock suspension. The gen 1 Tacoma and the new Tundra have virtually the same payload. That is ridiculous. With good suspension and gears, I think a 1,600# payload is perfectly fine for a Tacoma, but I doubt any Four Wheel offering would make even that limit once you add gear and a sack lunch. Remember that bumpers, skids, and all those other cool upgrades cut into that budget too! Better start looking for a 90# girl friend and an 8# dog

 

I sure wish we had tried a 4WC before we bought one.

We were lucky enough to find an old one from a friend for around $2500, but it needed nearly everything. I rehabbed it with new electricals, new floor, new lift panels, new exterior coating and updated cabinets before my wife and I lived out of it one summer while teaching skiing in Mammoth. A unique experience we'll never forget, but we won't be spending $30,000 on one of their campers anytime...ever.

Tacoma issues aside, if you get the chance, I'd say try before you buy.

Lastly, all of the GVWR comments are spot on. After the truck was built up to be capable of supporting us in the backcountry (bumper, winch, lift, tires, flatbed with utility boxes, aux. fuel, highlift, etc. etc.) and it was loaded with water, food, dog, skis, bikes and gear, we were steadily approaching the max GVWR...of a SRW F-350.