TRUCK SLIDE IN CAMPER?

Understood, most guys on here don't really have any experience with campers on Tacomas. It's understandable to be concerned with how your Tacoma will haul the weight of a camper around. In my opinion, if you keep the weight of the camper around 1k lbs, use E Rated tires, and install a quality suspension system that includes a higher spring rate front and rear, then your truck will be able to haul the camper around just fine. Just don't expect it to go anywhere fast.

Air bags are great for leveling but not so much for actually aiding in increasing the vehicle handling the weight better. In Australia where they can actually authorize GVM upgrades, a GVM upgrade would consist of new leaf springs, upgraded front coils and new shocks and struts.

Hope this helps!

 

The 2.7 is what you have, but if you can see a way to swapping the 2.7 for a V6 truck, that opens up a lot of options, the V6 tow package being the main option-opener for fulltime living.

 

I've been (casually) following Kimbo since (I think) I saw them at a recent OEW. If you're willing to drop top dollar on a super-nice camper, then maybe you should rethink the truck you're putting it on. What you can do and what you should do are different things. If you have the money to get such a nice camper, maybe you should just do it right. It's just scrap aluminum once it's flipped on the side of the road.

But I'm totally not an expert, just throwing my 2-cents out there. I didn't see anyone phrase it this way, so I did.

 

They definitely don't weigh only 200 pounds

 

They also project a ship date of March 2020 of you order today ....

 

270ish, which isn’t much compared to some campers but still large amount (35%) more than what you posted.

A 4WC flatbed model might be the best option for a live in camper that’s limited to the Tacoma’s size and payload. Personally I’d find a travel trailer to tow or buy a different truck that can carry a decent camper.

 

I was just quoting the number I had seen on the GFC website a while ago. But that doesn't change my point that the weight of the GFC is much more in line with the capability of the Tacoma than a 1000 lb dry weight camper.

The 4WC flatbed model will also easily exceed the GVWR of the Tacoma, depending on what else is carried. Their website lists the lightest flatbed model at 1295 lbs, and I assume that doesn't even include the flatbed structure. Add a the bed structure and a driver and it's overweight. Nevermind carrying any actual gear, accesories or water and fuel.

I'm not saying these aren't good campers. I'm saying the Tacoma isn't the best platform for them.



Nice looking set up on their website. Anyone want to calculate how far over GVWR this one is? I'd be interested in hearing from 4WC owners that actually off road with this setup. I WISH a Taco did well carrying one but I'm skeptical.

 

I think for the money, you could have a more efficient & better finished unit. find the local finish carpenter and pay him to build what you really need.

 

you don't want honest feedback, you want people to agree with you.

you're truck is not rated to carry the weight and your engine is underpowered. that's honest.

 

Just about everyone on this site exceeds their payload rating, it's not hard to do with a small truck, a couple passengers and some gear, much less added armor and fun stuff. The truck can handle it fine if the individual decides the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

A GFC is light but it's not liveable compared to a FWC. Like I said though, in my opinion the OP would be beter off to tow a trailer or buy a new truck.

 

That's what I did! (Got a trailer)

 

I would consider a single axle tear drop like camper.

 

This, all day long. I'm not worried whether the truck can or can't, I'm worried about the quality of life. Living full time in a 36 sq ft box will make even the toughest of hermits miserable. People have done it before, but most of those people did it out of desperation, not by choice. Hell, El Chapo's future supermax cell will be way more spacious than that. Get yourself an ultra-light trailer at a minimum, a 12x8 foot box on a 15 foot trailer frame doubles your livable space.

If it were my life, I'd get rid of the taco and buy a used diesel with a gooseneck camper. I bet I could do it for the same net out-of-pocket cost that you're looking at spending now.

 

Wow it 4cyl haters are coming in hot! Don’t let anyone bring you down man. The 2.7 is unbelievably reliable and overbuilt. Im thinking of throwing a kimbo on my truck too, sure it’s gonna be slow but I’m not concerned of “hurting” my truck. The kimbo looks so badass and the layout it awesome in my opinion. If you can pull it off I’d say go for it!

 

With a 4 cyl.,that's pushing the limits.

 

Super cool idea, also super expen$ive came across this on Instagram. Guess Instagram isn't pointless after all

 

I'm not a 4 cyl hater. I believe the GVWR is the same as the 6 cyl. But most of these truck campers exceed the capacity of either.

 

With the 4 banger and livability for full time you'd be better off with one of these.

https://www.rvconnections.com/rv/2019-Forest-River-Rockwood-Geo-Pro-G15TBG-15540D

Or if you just like smaller then:

https://www.rvconnections.com/rv/2019-Forest-River-Rockwood-Geo-Pro-G12RK-15541D

 

Payload on your truck is only 1175 lbs. Be careful!

 

1+ to this. I already have a camper trailer but I've looked at these. It's amazing how many nice small trailers there are out there now.