Payload capacity

[love2byke]

I purchased a Forest River camper in 2015 that was advertised by both the dealer and FR brochure as being suitable for a half ton truck. In actuality, at 1750 lbs completely empty and dry, there's not a half ton on the market that will carry it by the time you include passengers and any gear. My insurance agent has told me that I will not be covered in an accident while driving overloaded either for my truck, camper, or worse yet liability. I've also read that upgrades to my truck don't legally change the payload capacity, and only move the potential failure point to some other component.
Is anyone else dealing with this issue? Any recommendations? The camper is fairly new, but of course under water for value due to depreciation. I'm stuck with a camper I can't use or sell. Thanks Forrest River.

[fonzie]

Tell us what model trailer and truck you have to be able to provide info.................

[PhoneDude 8289]

Originally Posted by love2byke

I purchased a Forest River camper in 2015 that was advertised by both the dealer and FR brochure as being suitable for a half ton truck. In actuality, at 1750 lbs completely empty and dry, there's not a half ton on the market that will carry it by the time you include passengers and any gear. My insurance agent has told me that I will not be covered in an accident while driving overloaded either for my truck, camper, or worse yet liability. I've also read that upgrades to my truck don't legally change the payload capacity, and only move the potential failure point to some other component.
Is anyone else dealing with this issue? Any recommendations? The camper is fairly new, but of course under water for value due to depreciation. I'm stuck with a camper I can't use or sell. Thanks Forrest River.

There is a Ford F150 (1/2 ton) with the heavy duty payload option listed with a GVWR of 7850 lbs and payload of 3270 lbs.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by love2byke

Thanks Forrest River.

I feel for these posts as I often wonder where does responsibility lie. I can see your point that there should be some truth in the marketing materials. But, I can also see FR's point in that, like PhoneDude indicates, there are SOME 150s with crazy high amounts of payload capacity (though, it's likely such a stripped down truck that no one would want it).

At some point, you wised-up and realized that you needed to check weights. Why not do that before committing the money?

As for the insurance question- this is long debated. Kudos to you for actually asking your agent. Since they say you wouldn't be covered, can you also ask them what they'll do if you drive drunk? Or aggressively? Or run a red light and hit someone/something?

[Seachaser186]

So what is 1750? Is that payload, if so what is the weight of your trailer loaded and towing capacity of truck?

[Shawn.O]

what type of camper is this? a travel trailer? or something that sits in the bed of the truck?

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Seachaser186

So what is 1750? Is that payload, if so what is the weight of your trailer loaded and towing capacity of truck?

Originally Posted by Shawn.O

what type of camper is this? a travel trailer? or something that sits in the bed of the truck?

I think it's a truck camper based on them saying "that will carry it".

[Shawn.O]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I think it's a truck camper based on them saying "that will carry it".

yeah, makes sense, 1750lb TT would be pretty light...

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Shawn.O

yeah, makes sense, 1750lb TT would be pretty light...

And would have a tiny amount of tongue weight.

[raspivey]

I just assumed that was pin weight on a 1/2 ton towable fifth wheel....

[bikendan]

ALL RV manufacturers advertise their so-called "half ton towable" units, not just FR.
Just like "minivan towable".

It's up to the consumer to research their purchase and not believe the marketing hype OR the dealer/salesman.

[raspivey]

Looking at the OP's other posts, it looks like it's a Palomino cab-over. Not half bad looking. It does look heavy though.

[porkchopjack]

You need to get a better insurance company. What the agent is telling you is not correct talk to lawyer about it.

[dcheatwood]

Read exclusions in your policy or ask agent to show it to you. Like ependydad alluded to, it's probably not so.

[mopwr4me2003]

Very vague on the info for any kind of real help. We would all like to know the TV and model of the camper. I as well as a few others think it's a truck bed camper but we are not sure. Please help us out so we can help you.

[dbarr]

I thought truck camper but now think pin weight.

[dodosmike]

Originally Posted by porkchopjack

You need to get a better insurance company. What the agent is telling you is not correct talk to lawyer about it.

Im not the OP of this thread but will chime in.

I asked my insurer and broker the same question regarding payload and liability in the event of an accident.

The insurer can (and I have friend in the auto insurance industry who had this exact thing happen) and have denied claims because an individual "knowingly exceeded the payload capacity of their truck as determined my the manufacturer". Accident report and photos proved it.

2009 F150 (don't recall the trim level), ATV in the back, 29' TT, 2 kids, spouse, camping stuff. High wind blew the TT over and took the truck with it, a lady in a small car plowed into the roof of the truck, Killing the driver of the car. Ins Co denied the claim due to "negligence on the part of the truck owner". The family of the driver of the small car is in the process of suing the driver, the insurance broker, insurance Co, Ford, hitch manufacturer and the TT manufacturer for about 10million. This was 3-4 years ago and no idea if it was ever settled.

I traded my F150 (1050lb payload) for a Ram 2500 (2075lb payoad).

Your life, your gamble.

[325BH]

Originally Posted by dodosmike

Im not the OP of this thread but will chime in.

I asked my insurer and broker the same question regarding payload and liability in the event of an accident.

The insurer can (and I have friend in the auto insurance industry who had this exact thing happen) and have denied claims because an individual "knowingly exceeded the payload capacity of their truck as determined my the manufacturer". Accident report and photos proved it.

2009 F150 (don't recall the trim level), ATV in the back, 29' TT, 2 kids, spouse, camping stuff. High wind blew the TT over and took the truck with it, a lady in a small car plowed into the roof of the truck, Killing the driver of the car. Ins Co denied the claim due to "negligence on the part of the truck owner". The family of the driver of the small car is in the process of suing the driver, the insurance broker, insurance Co, Ford, hitch manufacturer and the TT manufacturer for about 10million. This was 3-4 years ago and no idea if it was ever settled.

I traded my F150 (1050lb payload) for a Ram 2500 (2075lb payoad).

Your life, your gamble.

That is kind of a freak accident that would have happened if the truck was lighter.

Can't go through life worrying about freaks of nature.

I would bet there is overloaded and then there is OVERLOADED. It is for this reason many of us just <sigh> when the weight police chime in when a TV is a few hundred pounds over. (Note: I'm not accusing you of anything. Just added on to my reply.)


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[dodosmike]

Well, I agree. But if the payload estimate is "over" by the insurers estimation, and they decide not to pay the claim, then is "a few pounds over" really worth it?

Not to me.

It's called risk assessment for a reason, everybody's "assessment" will vary.