[RockyMtnRay]

Originally Posted by dkocol

New to tundrasolutions.com but been finding lots of information, great site, definitely one of the best. The one thing I haven’t been able to find was if any one has specifically talked about slide in truck campers? I have found lots of information on towing, but unsure how much of it applies. I just got a new 2005 Tundra DC and was wondering if anyone out there was hauling a slide-in truck camper? I have been thinking of getting one of the small 6.5' pop up types that seem to range in weight from 1000-1400lbs depending on MFG. I have a couple of question:

Has anyone had issues with Tundras and Truck Campers (the small ones)?

What’s your opinion on Air Bags? I hear they help handling when hauling something like a camper.

What type of Camper tie-downs are you using, Happijack, torklift?

Other general issues concerns?

I have come across a used Northstar 6.5’ dry weight 1200lbs. I am trying to find out more before I take the next step. Obviously the lighter the better and I am trying to balance the amenities with overall weight but also interested in just how much a Tundra can handle and what helps.

Sorry about all of the question, but a newbie to Tundras as my previous truck was too small and wimpy to mention. Been loving the truck, love the ride, and it definitely beat all of the competition!!!

I hate to tell ya this but your "full size" Double Cab is NOT anywhere close to a typical full size truck when it comes to towing or hauling. Toyota made the Double Cab bigger and a lot (like 500 lbs) heavier than the Access cab models (which aren''t all that great for towing or hauling either) but neither the frame nor rear axle was strengthened. Basically you've got a Tacoma frame and axle under your truck. Which is why your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR...the most that the truck and all cargo/passengers should ever weigh) is a pretty light 6600 lbs and your Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear axle is only 3760 lbs.

A normally optioned and full fluids with 2 pax...but no cargo or backseat passengers...2WD DC will weigh around 5600 lbs and a 4WD DC will weigh around 5800 to 6000 lbs. That means the most a loaded (not empty) truck camper could weigh before exceeding GVWR is only 1000 lbs if you have a 2WD and only 600 lbs if you have 4WD. And even with those light weights, there's a good chance you would be exceeding the GAWR.

And don't even think about trying to fix the problem by "beefing up" the rear suspension with air bags, overload springs, etc. Sure, you could get the truck off the bump stops but you still haven't fixed the real weaknesses...namely a very light duty frame and light duty rear axle. And in case you don't believe me, take a real long look at this picture of a broken frame on an '03 Tundra where the owner stupidly thought he could carry a mid weight (1500 lbs empty, 2500 lbs loaded) truck camper by just beefing up the suspension with overload springs. And remember this idiot's Access cab had about 500 lbs more available load capacity than your Double Cab.

Bottom line is you're very likely to either break your frame or rear axle if you try to carry a camper with a dry (empty) weight much over 1000 lbs. That would be a real fast way to turn a $35000 truck into a $3000 piece of salvage...and no, overload damage is not covered under your warranty.