Camping can be an inexpensive and fun way to experience the outdoors and get some vacation time into your busy schedule. Many people find that they don’t want to sleep in a tent during these excursions. A camper that attaches to a vehicle is one of the alternatives open to anyone looking for a way to rest comfortably. However, finding a truck that is able to handle the added weight of a camper attachment is a crucial first step in this process.
Consider the Truck Style
Some people want a specific type or model of truck for their camping needs. They may prefer a vehicle with a specific body, engine type, or other specifications that are important to them. If you want a certain kind of truck, it’s a good idea to pick it out first. You can then narrow your options for a camper based on what the truck will be able to handle. Part of this process involves figuring out if there are any kinds of trucks you simply won’t purchase or drive for whatever reason.
Crunch the Numbers
It’s easy to find the base weight of the kinds of campers available out there. However, people can sometimes forget that many campers come with equipment or accessories already. Anything that comes with the camper will increase its overall weight. Once you check out anything that comes with your camper and add anything you want to install, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you can do. After you get the numbers, you can visit places like a Chevy truck dealer to find a vehicle.
Find Your Center
Choosing a truck that can handle a camper effectively isn’t about weight alone. The center of gravity on a camper can help you determine how everything in the unit is distributed and how it will rest on your truck once you connect the two. Most manufacturers will list the center of gravity on a sticker that provides you with additional specifications.
Check the Fit
A truck that can handle the weight of a camper won’t do much good if the two things don’t fit together. It’s a good idea to measure the dimensions of the camper before you go shopping for an appropriate vehicle. In many cases, manufacturers produce campers that are able to fit vehicles that truck companies produce around the same time. Truck models that are newer than your camper may not work with it.
With just a few steps of preparation, it should not be difficult to find a truck that can bear your camper and still handle well on the road. Keep in mind that when calculating weights, you’ll need the total dry weight of the camper and its wet weight. Wet weight is a total figure for the unit when factoring in things like propane tanks, bedding, and cargo supplies.