Hi all you Tundra owners. I have a 91 4runner but want to venture into the camper world. We where thinking of a camper van but the 4runner is getting old and tierd and might be time for a up grade. Was thinking of a new Tundra and get a camper for the back does any one have experience with a camper on a tundra if so how does it drive, and gas milage,

 

But I *liked* it as thundra, dangit! Thought that was pretty darn funny! Sorry, can't help on the question though.

 

dog:
Putting a shell on most any pick-up usually helps gas mileage. A pick-up with an open bed and closed tailgate creates awful aerodynamics. A tonnaeu(sp?) cover, open tailgate, or camper shell will help gas mileage. However, depending on if you build out your camper section you may add a lot of weight. For instance a storage system with lots of gear may add weight that bogs your gas mileage a bit. I would imagine you won't have a net loss though.

 

He's probably talking about an actual RV Camper not just a camper shell

 

I really doubt you could find a true camper light enough to be copmpatible with the Tundra. Perhaps a pop-up one of some sort. Campers are extremely heavy. I had an Diesel F350 Crew Cab Long Bed and according to manuals and camper loading there very few that would be under the truck's limits. I know people overload their truck with campers but I think it is a bad idea. I think you would be better off finding a light way travel trailer.

Good Luck

 

Yes I was looking for a Rv style camper. I did some research yesterday and found out that the smaller campers are about 200 pounds heavier than the payload of the Tundra. If you want to put a camper on a half ton you need to a 2004 f-150 FX4, dealer told me the payload was about 2500 pounds vs. the 1500 pounds of the Tundra. I heard rumbles of the Tundra becoming a 3/4 ton next year.

 

My dad had a camper and had to special order our 1978 F-250 with the camper package, it came with a stronger suspension, and dual batteries.

You will need to get at least a 3/4 ton to haul it with confidence.

 

I've personally "seen" two Tundras (2000 to 2002 models) with campers - they were access cab models and had the tailgate down in order for the 8' camper to fit. I looked them over in a mall parking lot and I do know they both had "custom" spring packs. I know National & Alcan (there's probably many others as well) make progressive spring packs that will handle the weight in the bed. I don't remember the brand name of the campers but the camper slide in portion had to be smaller than the "normal" 8' campers because of the Tundra's slightly smaller bed dimensions. Sorry I'm not much help here but there is one or more camper models out there that will slip into the bed of a Tundra.

Take a look here: http://www.outfittermfg.com/models.htm

 

You could definitely do one of those with a Tundra. Joe is right on the money pointing out that you'd need to upgrade the suspension. I think for most any truck you'd want to do this though if you are going to have the camper on long term/long distance. Sorry I was a bit confused on what you were looking for.

 

You could always add air bags.

 

Even if you made the suspension capable of the load you would over load everthing else. Things like rear axle and transmission and GVW. I really don't think an RV camper is an option for our Tundras.

 

Well thank you all for your input. It has given us lots of food for thought. We are in no hurry yet for the camper the research has just started I will let you all konw what I find.

 

Why not get a Tent trailer? Easy to tow (light ~2000 lbs), frees up your bed space for other things, won't exceed any weights or capacities, and you won't need to spend any $$$ upgrading the suspension. Plus if you aren't actually camping you won't need to haul it around thus you can save $$$ on gas mileage b/c you won't have this big camper up there causing wind resistance or stressing your engine with more weight to lug around. Probably end up being around the same price too. However I bet you'll be more comfy in a tent trailer. Only disadvantage is you'll have a little more to watch out for when driving as you'll be towing instead of hauling.

 

There are several options out there for lightweight slide-ins for the Tundra. More than likely you will want to add air bags as suggested or a helper spring. The ride handling and mpg's will be determined by the weight and profile of the exact camper you chose. The mpg's could be as little as half of what you would regularly get. Here's a few manufacturers to get you started in the right direction -

Hallmark Milner MX

Four Wheel Campers

Sun Valley Campers

Lance Camper

Northern Lite

The Truck Cabin

 

You might also look at Pastime Campers made in Oregon. Light and well built.

http://apachecamping.com/products/pr...&prodpage=home

 

the towing capacity of an 05 tundra is 7100 lbs.....with a GVWR of 6300 lbs....

That can pull a heavy ass 25' Airstream Safari camper....it depends on what you want to get as far as campers go....