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Camper and Truck, Weighing, Loading
Matching Camper and Truck
Selecting the right combination requires understanding a few guidelines. Your
Pleasant Valley
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
Pleasant Valley
dealer for proper installation.
Federal Certification Label
Located inside the wardrobe door.
A Federal Certification Label is required by law on all trucks. 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/Axle Weight
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.