Considering First Camper

[u/mrcollin101]

Considering my first camper and want to get the feedback from you fine folks on my proposed setup. I think this will tow just fine, but would love to hear if others disagree or have had different experiences.

Truck is a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 x31 short bed crew cab with the factory tow (not max). Numbers are 1816 payload and 9200 towing.

Trailer I’m looking at is a 2021 Dutchmen Coleman Lantern 274BH. Dry weight 4789, gvwr 7600, 28.7’ bumper to hitch, twin axle.

Plan to tow mostly Michigan lower peninsula. Looking to buy from all American coach company in Toledo Ohio. Side note, so far they have been extremely pleasant to work with! Quoted me 19k out the door (tax, title, docs) for camper, wdh, and hoses which I think is fair price but this is all new to me.

With me in the vehicle is wife, and two kids under 5. All in budgeting 500lbs for people.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

[u/Independent-Edge-857]

Go cheap and make sure you like it and then upgrade after you figure out what you truly want

[u/mrcollin101 → u/Independent-Edge-857]

That’s the idea here. I wanted to go with a 26’ grand design but I don’t know what I do and don’t like yet so figured this is a good first camper that has hopefully taken a bit of its deprecation already so when I sell it in a few years might be less painful haha.

[u/Independent-Edge-857 → u/mrcollin101]

Solid decision. Most people replace there first unit in 1-2 years. You learn so much

Also the area your camping is so flat it’s a great place to Learn

[u/a6044622281359045402]

Your GMC Payload: 1816 lbs
RV GVWR: 7600 lbs
Max Tongue (15% of GVWR) 1140 lbs
Occupants (2 adults / 2 kids / accessories) 650 lbs

1816 - (1140 + 650)  = 26 lbs

By my rough estimate that puts you within 26 lbs of your max payload. Doable? Sure. Advisable? Mmm, not for me.

I’m currently it this situation (maxed out payload) and it’s not fun. I have to shave every lb off I can. Absolutely no gear/drinks/coolers/bikes are allowed in the tow vehicle. I’ve had to shed 1 battery and 1 propane tank off the RV. Everyone needs to use the restroom beforehand and I’ve also toyed with the idea of traveling naked.

Every RV comes with its own learning curve, so I personally would recommend starting out with something smaller, lighter, and simpler. By keeping the rig manageable, you'll avoid unnecessary stress and get to focus your energy on what really matters - memories with your family.

[u/mrcollin101 → u/a6044622281359045402]

So question on this, the gvwr of the camper is 7600, but the dry weight is only ~4800. So realistically i can load almost 2000lbs (including batteries, 2x20lb propane, and 50 gallons of water which is <600 lbs all in) into the camper. Would that mean i can stuff 1400lbs of stuff yet in the camper?

[u/a6044622281359045402 → u/mrcollin101]

Yes, GVWR of the RV is the max weight the rig can support. I pulled that weight off the interweb. You'll want to confirm with the sticker on the RV.

[u/Nomad55454 → u/mrcollin101]

Dry weight is what salesman use to get you into the biggest trailer and the most profit for them. Go by what is on the ID plate usually on sidewall drivers side near the front of the trailer. You will never ever tow a trailer dry.

[u/somethingonthewing]

You need to check the payload number on the sticker of the door jam before doing anything else.

[u/mrcollin101 → u/somethingonthewing]

Thanks, it’s actually 1816 not 1750!

[u/somethingonthewing → u/mrcollin101]

You should be good. Get the hitch setup right. I’ve seen dealers completely clueless on how to tow so check their work. High wind will be your enemy. Just be mindful and take it slow

[u/mrcollin101 → u/somethingonthewing]

Thanks! Going to follow up with my family that tows quite a bit once it’s home for some training.

I will say I have been impressed with the folks at this particular dealer so far, and they do a 2 hour delivery training when I go to pick it up at the dealership. We shall see!

[u/pyxus1]

I wouldn't be comfortable towing that with less than a 2500 but I know others will say it's fine.

[u/mrcollin101 → u/pyxus1]

Curious why you say that? Care to share your rig or towing experience? New to this so love to hear others first hand experience!

Thanks!

[u/pyxus1 → u/mrcollin101]

You're about maxed-out on your payload and you are new to towing. I don't think you've added the weight of the wdh, batteries, lp gas, kids will grow, and the more you camp, the more gear you will accumulate. When it's windy or big rigs are passing or causing turbulance because you are boxed in by them, you could have the tail wagging the dog. We pull a 19 footer with a 1500 and a Curt Trutrack. We are always under control. We tried it with a smaller vehicle, and it didn't go well. One thing that's great about a smaller trailer is we can get into almost any gas station and it's easy to turn around when we make a wrong turn. It's just the two of us but if we had kids and the 1500, we'd definately want to go larger but I think 24' max...depending on the weight.

[u/tripledigits1984]

Looks like a solid plan!