camper weights for K1500?

[tomnasty]

I've got an '85 K1500 4X4 with a 350 & Rancho 4000 shocks (not lifted). I'm planning on getting a camper and am wondering what size/weight I could handle? My tuck's missing the vehicle ID plate and the Heritage Center info is not helpful so I'm not sure of the the cargo rating. Should I plan on getting air shocks or some other load-handling device? Any other info would be helpful. Cheers!

[79gmc15]

I have been told the 1/2 tons shouldn't have campers. Too heavy, need a 3/4-1 to safely use. I was looking into it my self.

[bake74]

I have been told the 1/2 tons shouldn't have campers. Too heavy, need a 3/4-1 to safely use. I was looking into it my self.

     Besides a camper shell, correct.  You can always upgrade to heavy duty springs, over load springs, or upgrade axles to 3/4 ton if you want.  A lot of people have done this.

[tomnasty]

I was thinking I might have to put in some heavy duty springs, maybe air shocks? I'm looking at 8' campers & pop-up styles. Is the stock axle & driveshaft beefy enough to handle something like that?

[79gmc15]

Not exactly. Even with a pop up style those things can be well in excess of 1k#+. Air shocks are not made to really increase your payload like air bags do. The drive shaft is the least of your problem. You're asking for trouble if you put it on a stock 1/2 truck.

[audrima]

If it's a newer trailer say after 1995 a half ton could pull it. just stick to the sub 15footers. My dad pulls his 30 footer with his 2001 dodge ram 1500, and wonders why his trany keeps messing up n all. but he can pull my 20 footer just fine.

[79gmc15]

If it's a newer trailer say after 1995 a half ton could pull it. just stick to the sub 15footers. My dad pulls his 30 footer with his 2001 dodge ram 1500, and wonders why his trany keeps messing up n all. but he can pull my 20 footer just fine.

he's talking about one the goes in the bed, not a trailer.

[bake74]

     The 1/2 ton & 3/4 ton frames are the same with the frame being 6" tall, while the 1 ton is 8" tall.  So swapping at least the rear to a 3/4 ton suspension would be just fine. 
     If you wanted to go all out, like I previously stated swap axles and suspension over to 3/4 ton and you then will have a 3/4 ton wolf in 1/2 ton Sheep's clothing.   

[audrima]

O slid in camper, ya they have ones for 1/2 tons, they suck. was looking at them basically a fiberglass shell on the bottom and a tent on top with a bed and a fridge. blah. though I was looking in the sub 10K range too I say go with a pull behind. much better and you can put a bike in the truck bed that is what I do.


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