Camper and Truck, Weighing, Loading
Matching Camper and Truck
Selecting the right combination requires understanding a few
guidelines. Your Nücamp RV dealer can be a valuable source
of information when matching a camper to your truck.
The truck bed is mounted to the frame of the truck with
mounts that allow for some movement. It is important to allow
enough clearance between your truck and camper to prevent
damage due to normal racking, twisting and bouncing during
driving conditions. The cab-over of the camper should never
be closer than 1-1/2” to the tallest point of the cab of the truck.
This could be cab marker lights or tracking system antennas, if
installed. Also, ensure that there is a minimum of ¼” clearance
between the truck bed side rails and the camper wing. Some
truck models have a tapered bed, meaning the bed depth is
different between the front and rear. This can make the camper
look tilted (front higher than the rear) along the bed of the
truck.
It may be necessary to place a bed mat in the truck bed to raise
the camper to the minimum clearance requirements. There
must also be a minimum of ½” between where the truck and
camper meet at the back of the truck taillight. Adding a spacer
at the front of the camper or in the front of the truck bed can
help ensure proper clearance. Refer to your Nücamp RV
dealer for proper installation.
Federal Certification Label
Located inside the
wardrobe door. A
Federal
Certification Label
is required by law
on all Campers. It
lists the Gross
Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR),
the maximum
weight at which the vehicle may be operated. It also provides
a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), the maximum weight
allowed for each axle. The GAWR, divided by two, is the
maximum axle rating for each end of an axle.
Truck Payload
Truck ‘payload’ is the amount of weight a truck is designed to
carry. Campers are considered “truck payload”. New trucks
have their payload capacity posted in the glove box or on a
specification sheet supplied with the truck owner’s manual.
Trucks that have many options and/or a 4-wheel drive option
have less payload. To calculate payload, the truck
manufacturers assume all seat positions are filled with persons
weighing 150 pounds each.
Optional Weights
In addition to occupant weight, optional equipment and dealer
installed accessories will change the weight load. As well as
items, you purchased on your trip.
One way to determine the actual payload available is to weigh
the truck full of fuel and with the number of passengers you
will normally be carrying and subtract that weight from the
GVWR.
Tires
Tires are available in a variety of load ratings and sizes, and if
the tires you currently have cannot handle the load, it may be
possible to replace your tires with tires of higher pound
capacity. Bear in mind, that the ultimate capacity of the truck
is determined by the weakest link in the system. This could be
the tires, wheels, suspension, or brakes.
Be sure you also know the load and inflation pressure ratings
for your wheels as well. Often, these are stamped on the inside
of the wheels, but if not, your dealer can help you find out
what they are. Never exceed the maximum load or inflation
pressure of your wheels. The maximum ratings are molded
into the side of the tire. The sidewall of the tire shows
maximum and minimum inflation pressure for that load.
Driving on under-inflated tires can cause the tires to overheat,
which leads to the breakdown of the tire’s internal structure.
Improper inflation also can reduce your ability to control your
vehicle. Tire blowouts occur more during summer months
than any other time of the year. Properly inflated tires last
longer, run quieter, grip better, increase fuel mileage and
safely support and control your vehicle.
Check your tire pressure once a month and each time before
you take a trip with your truck and camper. Use a quality air
pressure gauge to check the pressure. Do not under-inflate or
over-inflate your tires. Inspect your tires for uneven or
excessive wear. Look for bulges, cuts, blisters on the
sidewalls.
When you’re traveling, do as professional commercial drivers
do: inspect your tires regularly and check and adjust cold
inflation pressure every day that you travel.
Individual wheel position weights must not exceed the
maximum tire load capacity. Maximum tire load capacity can
only be achieved utilizing the maximum allowable psi as listed
on the sidewall of the tire.
Axle Weight
The correct way to be sure the camper weight is properly
distributed is to determine the weight on each end of each
axle.
Failure to properly match the camper and truck can result in
undesirable handling characteristics and create a safety hazard.
DO NOT load your vehicle beyond its gross vehicle weight
rating (GVWR) and/or gross axle weight ratings (GAWR).
Weighing Your Truck & Camper
Weighing Your Truck
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