Looking for a true 1/2 ton camper.

[benbrookjohn]

Good day,
I've searched numerous models and have had no luck finding a true 1/2 ton truck camper that doesn't require mods to truck.

The Four Wheel Campers look promising, but I'm seeking knowledge from actual owners.

Thanks for sharing with a hopeful future camper.

John

 

[AWG_Pics]

Sounds like you may be in the market for a shell from either Four Wheel Campers or All Terrain Campers. Both high quality.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

John, I’ll also endorse the shells from ATC and FWC. However, I would recommend one truck mod, and that would be to add airbags. They help level out the truck, both front to rear, and side to side.

If I were to buy another pop up, it would be a shell with furnace, and very few other options. I’d probably go with an ATC, because of their willingness to do custom work, and their great customer focus.

 

[goinoregon]

John, I’ll also endorse the shells from ATC and FWC. However, I would recommend one truck mod, and that would be to add airbags. They help level out the truck, both front to rear, and side to side.

If I were to buy another pop up, it would be a shell with furnace, and very few other options. I’d probably go with an ATC, because of their willingness to do custom work, and their great customer focus.

So, WS, i am going the atc shell route, adding a propex furnace, and a 12v fridge, oh, and a 360 shadow awning. trying to keep it as light as possible - would u still think my gmc 1500 would need airbags??
thx

 

[Vic Harder]

Yes. You will need airbags, if for no other reason than to level it back out and keep your headlights aimed properly.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Go, yes I do think you will need them. You can get by without, but you won’t like oncoming traffic flashing brights at you. The air bags level the truck.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

John welcome to the cult.
On the truck mods make sure you at least have LT truck tires "C" rating or better.
Air bags are a definite.
My first truck with the Bobcat was Ford Ranger.I went with supersprings on the rear,
but when I mover the Bobcat to a 2002 Tundra I went with air bags.
I really like the idea of adjusting the pressure side to side.Levels out great.
Frank

 

[goinoregon]

Yes. You will need airbags, if for no other reason than to level it back out and keep your headlights aimed properly.

Thx !

 

[goinoregon]

John welcome to the cult.
On the truck mods make sure you at least have LT truck tires "C" rating or better.
Air bags are a definite.
My first truck with the Bobcat was Ford Ranger.I went with supersprings on the rear,
but when I mover the Bobcat to a 2002 Tundra I went with air bags.
I really like the idea of adjusting the pressure side to side.Levels out great.
Frank

so, how do you re-pressure your bags??

 

[AWG_Pics]

so, how do you re-pressure your bags??

Mine are 'plumbed' separately. Each has its' own valve just like a tire valve. You just give it a little shot from your air compressor.

 

[Vic Harder]

so, how do you re-pressure your bags??

I carry a super small bicycle pump, one designed to be attached to your bike for on the road repairs. Only needs a few pumps to change the pressures of the bags.

 

[benbrookjohn]

Thanks to all for your input. I'll take a look a ATC.

 

[rubberlegs]

Take a look at Sumosprings.. ours work great, no air needed like air bags. Get black version.

 

[penner]

I have an ATC Ocelot shell (72"wide) on a Silverado 1/2 ton. Only options I got on it were the furnace and awning so it,s fairly light weight. On the truck I have added E rated tires and Timbrens. I have recently traded trucks and I am going to give the air bags a try on the new truck. Thats if I get the camper put on next spring,this covid thing sure threw a wrench into a lot of plans this year eh.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

so, how do you re-pressure your bags??

I have a 12v air pump that I plug into the 12v outlet near the sink.
The two air valves are located near the license plate area.
Very simple to use.
Frank

 

[eyemgh]

I have a Raven Shell with a heater on a Silverado 1500. It has a Hellwig leaf on each side and doesn't squat at all.

 

[oldhotrod]

What model of truck, ext cab, crew cab, long or short bed? Makes a huge difference on available payload for the camper. I have a 16 Sierra reg cab 1500 with long bed and didn't have to do anything to it to carry a fwc grandby shell...i did add e rated tires..