Camper for 1st Gen - Payload & GVWR

After many years of searching, I finally found a Cheetah (made by Panther) slide in truck camper to sit in my 1st gen taco (2004 xtra cab, V6, manual, 4x4). The reason for choosing this camper is that the posted dry weight of the camper is 620 lbs, a strong consideration for being aware of the Tacoma's puny payload capacity.

So i carefully calculated that even with anticipated gear/truck mods, and my body weight, I'd still be 200-300lbs under GVWR/Max Payload. The truck has add-a-leafs, upgraded shocks (bilstein 5100s), ride-rite airbags, torklift tie downs and e-rated tires. Basically everything (within reason) I can think of to make this work well.

I went to the truck scales the other day, completely empty of any extra gear (besides myself), and I was 100 lbs over GVWR! (5200#) I guess the camper's dry weight on the sticker was WAYYYYY off.

I was planning to spend the summer (3 mos) living in this camper in the mountains, and obviously would have some gear with me, but I'm bummed. I've seen posts with people carrying huge campers in small trucks - but does anyone have experience/advice about carrying something like this (over the GVWR)? I know the standard answer is "get a bigger truck" but that is not an option for me right now. And I'm aware that the risk for burning out bearings or axles is higher, as well as the braking needs.

Is this a mistake, or huge detriment to my truck? Any thoughts would be much appreciated...

 

The sticker weight on the camper isn’t off. They have to be damn accurate. If it wasn’t the company could face law suits. I think your truck is heavier than what you thought or the scale is inaccurate. If you can find another scale weigh just your truck without the camper and see what it weighs. Unless your camper has had some major modifications the sticker weight should be accurate.

 

In addition to what I said above I think your truck is heavier than what you calculated. Those after market wheels and tires may add a couple hundred pounds. Plus the nerf bars and every single little add on adds up. Weigh the truck by itself and see what you get. Lastly that camper looks like more than 600lbs. Can you post a pic of the sticker with the weights.