It is likely that the truck, as optioned, doesn't have enough available payload for a truck camper. A lesser optioned 2500 MAY do, but I'd recommend a 3500 at the minimum.

 

It has nothing to do with payload. The pickup camper calculation has you over FGAWR. You need to order trucks with F60 Heavy Front Suspension or VYU Snow plow prep if you want to haul pickup camper. These two options increase your FGAWR and you have more load capacity on front axle.

#iworkforGM

 

I know I will get blasted for this, but I don’t understand why anyone would buy a 2500 when they need an HD? I know some states have different rules for 3500’s, but for a little more money you have that cushion plus resale value.

 

I can provide some explanation. In 2022, my 2001 2500HD with the 8.1L and Alison transmission needed to be replaced. When I considered my towing and hauling needs (13400 lbs three horse gooseneck trailer) and my budget (60000ish) I began looking for options. At the time I wanted a 3500 but the used truck market was insane. When I looked at new trucks, the Chevy 2500 and 3500 worked. When I looked at Ford and Ram, I would have needed a 1 ton truck based on their towing specifications. At this time, truck manufacturers were prioritizing fully loaded trucks which were not an option due to my budget constraints. Fortunately, Chevy was still producing a 2500HD Custom which matched my towing needs and budget. The total price was 59000 out the door.
I am happy to drive a 2500HD because the truck is a tool. I have no interest or financial ability to purchase a huge 5th wheel or camper requiring a 3500.

So, the short answer is that a few people, like myself, will purchase trucks they can responsibly afford that meets their needs. For me, it was a 2500HD.

 

Available payload and length of box. Also, how those two interact and where that puts the center of gravity so your front wheels stay on the ground. Look at the dry weight of slide-in campers. Dry weight alone makes it impossible in most cases.

 

Is it a 6.6ft bed or an 8ft bed?

(I'm to lazy to decode the vin....)

 

High contented crew cab trucks have the least amount of load reserve on the front axle. The camper calculation puts 150 lbs in every available seat and most of this goes on the front axle.

 

Bingo!

I'm 200#, my wife is 120#. My daughter in the back (30#) with our dog (60#). Minimal gear in the cab. Stock wheels and tires, stock front bumper, etc. No sunroof. Firewood and a 20# propane bottle in the bed. Hitch is actually behind the back axle by a few inches.

With a full fuel tank (heavy) I have 120# left on the front axle. Even/especially on my older truck, a slide-in that extends over the cab (CG forward of back axle) would not stand a chance of being within factory front axle rating. I think there was a 4800# FAGWR rated version back then, which would be a whopping 130# extra.

 

A 2024 short box Northern Lite Sportsman Plus has a dry weight of 2560 lbs. Their 610, a “half ton” model has a dry weight of 1500 lbs. Their 8-11 (9’ length) Limited comes in at 2900 lbs

Depending upon what a person might plan on loading in their pickup and camper the 610 may work. There’s only 684 lbs to load.

 

3500HD SRW... No other comments need to be made, or this person will spin every number to satisfy their goal.

 

I have the same one in my '21 2500, considering the angle its at I'm surprised you even saw it.

Can you use a slide-in camper with the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500? - Pickup Truck +SUV Talk

If you want to pair a 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 with a slide-in camper, here's how to find a truck that will let you do it legally.

pickuptrucktalk.com

 

My truck is a 2024 2500HD with a long bed. Camper is 9ft (doesn't hang past the tailgate) and weighs about 2400#, way less than the max payload listed. Is there an aftermarket package to upgrade the front suspension to the F60 Heavy Front Suspension standard?

 

My truck is a 2024 2500HD with a long bed. Camper is 9ft (doesn't hang past the tailgate) and weighs about 2400#, way less than the max payload listed

IIRC max camper weight and max payload can be two different weights with max camper less than max payload. My pickup isn’t handy so I can’t check it.

Do you have the camper sticker in your glovebox?

 

I found this comment on the article I linked to:

Scott Bullis March 3, 2023
I found a 2023 Silverado 1500 that apparently can carry a slide-in truck camper.
Just checked my new 2023 Silverado 1500 High Country with 3.0L Duramax (LZO), Crew Cab, Standard Box and Max Tow Package and it’s “Truck Camper Loading Information” sticker does not say “This truck should not be used to carry a slide in camper.”
Instead it’s sticker says “Cargo Weight Rating = 362KG (797LB) Dimension “A” = 41CM (16IN) “B” = 0000CM(0000IN)
It’s “Trailering Information” sticker lists it’s GVWR at 7300LBS, GCWR at 19000LBS, RGAWR at 4150LBS, Curb Weight at 5753LBS, Max Payload at 1547LBS and Max Conventional TWR at 12900LBS

 

My glovebox sticker, for reference.

 

$1100 difference between a 2500 and a 3500 LT duramax for the purpose of a slide in camper, 3500 all the way. Or at least once you drive one and feel the stability difference that will most likely be your answer..

Or you can make it safe and strap the slide in down on a flat bed trailer and tow it anywhere with the 2500. 😁

To each his own

 

OP: asking reasonable question about glovebox truck camper sticker.

Everyone else: 2500 vs 3500 debate

 

Post #6 already answered the question. Might as well talk about something. It has little to do with payload and everything to do with center of gravity and distribution of weight between the front and rear axles and side to side.

This is also why most people will recommend a 3500 for stability. F60 package and extra suspension on the rear help

 

I have an '06 2500 that I won't load with a camper for many reasons.
My buddy had an '07 3500 single axle that he attempted to load with one.
Even after he bagged the suspension, it was not stable due to the Center of Gravity.
It wore out a set of Michelin's within a year with the load.
It took him buying a 3500 dually to resolve his situation.
My issue now is that I don't like pulling trailers or fifth wheelers either.

 

Significant frame / suspension / brake changes came for 2500/3500 came with the 2011 model year when the LML was introduced.

Next frame change was for the 2020 model.

Yes, 2011 did not have body changes that year.
Yes, there were body changes mid-20teens without frame changes.