northstar 600ss on double cab 6' bed tacoma?

Hi,

I'm looking to purchase a Northstar 600ss. After lots of research, my wife and I like the amenities of the Northstar. However, I do get nervous about payload. I'm wondering if anyone out there has experience with hauling a Northstar 600ss in a double cab 6' bed tacoma. I have a 2016 so its gen 3. It'll be me, wife and baby daughter. Two bikes and one set of skis.

I do not have the specific experience that you ask for but I did look up the dry weight of the Northstar 600ss: 1258lbs. Then add in propane, water, all your camping gear, bikes and skis and people and my general RV experience tells me that you will be over weight by more than just a little.

Truck Camper magazine lists the wet weight at 1985 pounds with full water, propane and one battery. That figure also includes 500 pounds of stuff. I’m with DanoT, too heavy.

A truck can carry the weight when going in a straight line. You have to consider when something goes wrong like traffic suddenly slows in front of you or you enter a curve going just a little too fast. Things can get ugly when you're overweight, top heavy, and you're braking and swerving at the same time.

I truly believe in the long run you won't be happy with this combination and you'll either sell the camper or sell the truck to buy a full-size 3/4 ton. I'm speaking from experience because I found a Grandby on a short bed 1/2 ton put way too much weight behind the rear wheels. Everything was fine until i had to make an emergency maneuver. I got out of it okay, but it was close and I realized I was flirting with disaster.

Espresso said:

A truck can carry the weight when going in a straight line. You have to consider when something goes wrong like traffic suddenly slows in front of you or you enter a curve going just a little too fast. Things can get ugly when you're overweight, top heavy, and you're braking and swerving at the same time.

I truly believe in the long run you won't be happy with this combination and you'll either sell the camper or sell the truck to buy a full-size 3/4 ton. I'm speaking from experience because I found a Grandby on a short bed 1/2 ton put way too much weight behind the rear wheels. Everything was fine until i had to make an emergency maneuver. I got out of it okay, but it was close and I realized I was flirting with disaster.

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MaxSand said:

Truck Camper magazine lists the wet weight at 1985 pounds with full water, propane and one battery. That figure also includes 500 pounds of stuff. I’m with DanoT, too heavy.

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DanoT said:

I do not have the specific experience that you ask for but I did look up the dry weight of the Northstar 600ss: 1258lbs. Then add in propane, water, all your camping gear, bikes and skis and people and my general RV experience tells me that you will be over weight by more than just a little.

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Thank you all for your input. I do see the appeal of having a larger truck. At this point, I'm not ready to replace my tacoma until I know for sure that my wife and I like the truck camper scene.

I'm having a hard time reconciling the rated payload capacity of tacomas with the anecdotal evidence of people hauling a loaded 600ss in their tacoma with no problems. Any stories out there of failures or safety issues?

Espresso, was your 1/2 ton outfitted with airbags to distribute that load?

I also have a heavier camper on a Tacoma (in my case a Fleet Flatbed on a 2016). And yes it can be done, and the end result is great for our application. However, this camper is mounted full time, I have replaced the entire suspension system of the Tacoma, upgraded the tires, and added airbags to fine tune. Even with this it is still a compromise. For us, a smaller more nimble and capable camper is important - both for parking in the city and on trails. So we were willing to spend significant time and money on modifying the truck and accept that it is heavy, drive accordingly and increase the maintenance.

If you are not sure this is for you, either rent a truck camper for a few days and try it out or start with a lighter camper that is better suited to your truck and won't necessitate a bunch of suspension work. A used Eagle/Fleet shell model would be a good place to start.

rando said:

I also have a heavier camper on a Tacoma (in my case a Fleet Flatbed on a 2016). And yes it can be done, and the end result is great for our application. However, this camper is mounted full time, I have replaced the entire suspension system of the Tacoma, upgraded the tires, and added airbags to fine tune. Even with this it is still a compromise. For us, a smaller more nimble and capable camper is important - both for parking in the city and on trails. So we were willing to spend significant time and money on modifying the truck and accept that it is heavy, drive accordingly and increase the maintenance.

If you are not sure this is for you, either rent a truck camper for a few days and try it out or start with a lighter camper that is better suited to your truck and won't necessitate a bunch of suspension work. A used Eagle/Fleet shell model would be a good place to start.

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rando, great suggestions. Thank you!

Anyone have a toyota tacoma 6ft bed with Northstar 600ss truck camper? How is the driving ability with it?

I have had two different northstar campers.
Yes they are heaver than 4wc.
Yes you need to upgrade ,at least air bags, springs or both.
Yes you need to use frame mounted system to secure and also add blockage
between camper and truck bed to keep camper from shifting.
Yes you have to change your driving habits, but you should with any camper
because of added weight.
Yes it has some great features that 4wc does not have, full size mattress that, better ventilation,
a nice grey water tank,17 gal fresh water, great under bed storage.
Yes the roof is stronger for mounting rack for kayak's etc.
Yes comes pre wired so you can charge camper battery while driving (if your truck has the large connector)
my 2020 tacoma does.
Yes a good idea to up grade tire rating.
I have had a 4wcamper in the past went with Northstar next time sold it went with another rig for awhile,
then went back to another Northstar.Have gone another direction now, but have no problem with another Northstar.
Rides great on the road, have gone everywhere that i have gone with 4wc,including Baja,Saline Valley,etc.
The newer Nothstare use a electric lift for top, both of mine were manual.whitch i prefer.
So in my view i have no regrets,
Les,lqhikers