Need some Advice - Getting a camper for 2011 Tacoma TRD Off Road

have been throughly researching this site and thank you to everyone who posts i have learned a great deal. First time posting
I am wondering what truck upgrades you recommend with a camper?

i have a 2011 toyota tacoma trd off road all stock (with towing package - towing 6400 lbs and 1250 lbs payload)

I wish to get a used Import camper (Its All I can Afford - pop ups in my area are hard to find but many hard tops are available).

As a background i go camping (tent camping as of now) about 12-15 times a year (i'm sure with a camper i will go more)., mainly off road logging camping sites in British Columbia.
campers on CL range in weight 800-1000lbs. My trips are 400km to 1600km round trip. 90% are 400km round trips. and usually 2 days. but max a week.
I also tow a 12 foot aluminum fishing boat with 9.9hp motor with 60-80lbs tongue weight. I plan on filling up propane/wood/gas/water near camping site to reduce wear and tear and improve drivability on the road. I will keep my speed 80-110kmph. I live in the rocky mountains so moderate roads and some serious hill climbing.
My truck is used 95% as a daily commuter and 5% for a camping fishing fun.


I figure i can get weight to as low as 1400-1700lbs payload fully loaded and wet (includes family me gf and dog = 400lbs, camper 800-1000lbs , [gear,gas,water,propane] 300-400lbs ect)
Recommended according to manual - truck Payload = 1250lbs
So I am obviously over GVWR. but up on further investigation essentially everyone who camps is over GVWR...
(after going to the scales this weekend with my camping gear without a camper i was 350lbs under payload, i will be able to get rid of some of this weight with a camper- tent, mattress, tonnue cover, tailgate ect.)

I am wondering what truck upgrades you recommend with a camper?

I was planning on these immediate upgrades before i get the camper:
1. Firestones riderite air bags
2. Tork-Lift camper frame mounts and tie downs.

Then in 1-2 years when my P265/70R16 BFGoodrich tires wear out I will upgrade to LT265/70R16 "D" rated tires.

do i require any further upgrades or do i have my bases covered?
Do You think i will be OK?
i dont wanna bend or destroy the truck.

do you recommend getting the supersprings as well???
or any kind of truck bed reinforcement?
or will I be OK?

I know this is possible because i have been talking with a neighbour who has a 900lbs camper and regularly takes 4 men camping in it. he had an 96 tacoma and now a 04 tacoma. and only the rear suspension done. and states he has no problems.
Im not rich, i don't want to wreak my truck. but i see ppl with big setups on their Tacoma's. so any advice ideas are appreciated.

thanks so much. Trevor

 

Yes I do have the tow package

 

Well, you already know, but these trucks aren't the best for camper duty. I think the rear axle rating is around 3100lbs. I would stay under that even if the overall GVW is over limit. If you will be taking the camper on and off, then the airbags will work. With that much weight though, better springs are not a bad idea. Good ones will be physically stronger and less likely to break. Mine have a double main spring with a full military wrap. Stock Tacoma springs seem to break more than they should. I would install a Helwig rear sway bar as well. Be sure and run a top quality synthetic oil in the rear diff. Tacoma diffs are small and they run hot under load. Go easy on long steep grades. Be sure and keep those ujoints greased too.