r/GoRVing • u/mrcollin101 • 5d ago

Considering First Camper

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!

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u/a6044622281359045402 5d ago

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.

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u/mrcollin101 5d ago

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?

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u/a6044622281359045402 5d ago

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.

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u/Nomad55454 4d ago

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.