Weight

[oldguyokiehomer]

I currently own a 26' Keystone Travel trailer with load leveller but don't always want that much comfort so I would like to purchase a slide in pickup camper so I can leave the trailer at home. My question is how big of a camper can I go weight wise? I would like a camper with the over the cab sleeping area and not a pop up. The truck is a 2002 Ram 1500 4X4 stock except for 275 tires and a new transmission. I put new shocks on 5 years ago. I have been told I could put air shocks on the back or air bags. How much more weight would either of those options allow without being a burden on the frame or back axle?

 

[crash68]

The payload police will chime in that 1500s are not made for slide in campers because your limited to the payload sticker in the door jamb.
Weight will definitely be a concern, with a slide in camper you'll want air bags and set them up dual circuit in case one side is heavier than the other. You'll want to pay attention to your GAWR. I think there is pop-up style slide-ins that are not as heavy as traditional style ones.

 

[KSH]

I know, not helpful. but you'll be way over weight with a 1500.

 

[tron67j]

You're definitely going to need to be focusing with a pop-up slide in. Slide-ins on 150os can work, just keep an eye on the payload value on your door as previously mentioned. The hard part with slide in type campers is they tend to put a large part of their weight so far back that you lose steering and braking control up front. There is no way to fix this with springs, bags, etc. I have looked at a couple pop-up types and they are pretty sweet. And they are easier to load and store, could even put in a garage. Good luck.

 

[aces-n-eights]

Years ago we had a Hallmark pop-up camper. Really liked the construction and the mechanism to raise the roof.

Check them out here... http://www.hallmarkrv.com/

 

[randyr6]

I just purchased a Palmino Camper with over the cab sleeping and it is 2850 completely empty. It is also and average for the lower end rigid campers that do not have all the bells and whistles. You could consider what is called a "soft top". The side of the camper are rigid but you need to raise the top once you get in the camper. MAJOR weight difference. Just as a suggestion go to Parkview RV's website (they are in Delaware to see the difference in weight and looks).

 

[Smokeybear01]

Whatever you decide, don't go with airshocks--you'll be putting the load on your shock studs. Good luck