I see that many pop-up slide-ins are designed for half-ton trucks...but when I do the math, the wet weight of the camper hovers around the payload capacity of most pickups, and adding gear and passengers puts the payload at or above rated capacity. Suspension mods like airbags, helper springs, or sway bars help, but add to the cost and may void warranties (although I suspect the warranty thing isn't actually an issue very often).
Getting the higher payload ratings in a half-ton usually requires longer wheelbase models, which become similar to the 3/4-ton wheelbases, so it seems that maneuverability is a wash. After adding mods on the half-ton, prices are similar to 3/4 tons. Dealers claim the MPGs are pretty similar as well, although I'm skeptical. Please educate me if I'm wrong on any of this...I don't have much experience here.
And yet, I see lots of folks happily enjoying their campers on half-ton trucks...which tells me I'm missing something. (Or that this just isn't a big deal.) But the ones who have 3/4 ton trucks usually say they wouldn't go lower.
So...if I'm buying a truck soon to use as a daily driver (without the camper) and to haul the camper on trips several times a year, is there any advantage to getting a half-ton rather than a 3/4 ton?
Thanks in advance for your input!
Getting the higher payload ratings in a half-ton usually requires longer wheelbase models, which become similar to the 3/4-ton wheelbases, so it seems that maneuverability is a wash. After adding mods on the half-ton, prices are similar to 3/4 tons. Dealers claim the MPGs are pretty similar as well, although I'm skeptical. Please educate me if I'm wrong on any of this...I don't have much experience here.
And yet, I see lots of folks happily enjoying their campers on half-ton trucks...which tells me I'm missing something. (Or that this just isn't a big deal.) But the ones who have 3/4 ton trucks usually say they wouldn't go lower.
So...if I'm buying a truck soon to use as a daily driver (without the camper) and to haul the camper on trips several times a year, is there any advantage to getting a half-ton rather than a 3/4 ton?
Thanks in advance for your input!