How much are you obsessing about weight as you build out your rig?
Posted by brainhack3r@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 39 comments
So right now I'm looking at a couple of products and the amount of weight adds up quick if you're not careful.
For example, I'm looking at the Lone Peak camper (400 lbs) versus the GFC V2 (270 lbs)
Now, I really like the Lone Peak because it has tons of options. The GFC V1 seems lacking, but I haven't really seen many reviews of the V2, and it seems like they fixed a lot of the problems with the V2.
The problem is, that's an extra 130 pounds for the Lone Peak.
And I have a Decked system which is 200 lb.
But that Decked system is really over-designed. It was made so that you could drive a 4 wheeler up on it.
So a lot of these seem like overkill.
If I just naively made a bad call that could have been like an extra 250 lbs.
Now I'm still not sure if I want the GFC 2.0, but the weight really adds up. I hated driving my truck with the rooftop tent because it always felt a lot more sluggish and top-heavy.
Has anybody out there obsessed about this and really optimized their rig to be more lightweight?
Another thing I think is keeping your center of gravity lower. Like, I've noticed that some people are mounting their batteries on their MOLLE panels that are like 2 ft higher.
That seems pretty silly too.
usernameS4@reddit
I drive a Tacoma with sliders, bumpers, and full skids so weight was a concern when planning the rest of my build.
Get rid of the decked system. It's way heavier than it needs to be, a poor use of space, and the added height of the bed floor sucks when paired with a camper like the GFC or Lone Peak.
FWIW, my truck feels much better on and off road with a GFC than it did with a leer shell and light RTT (iKamper x-cover).
brainhack3r@reddit (OP)
Yeah, the deck system right now is just way too bulky. I'm getting rid of it.
bill_bull@reddit
Keep it simple is my style to save weight. Google "storage bin rack" and build one for your garage so you can have prepacked bins of grouped items to put in or take out of your rig as needed. The biggest thing it does is make it quick and easy to remove gear you won't need for a particular trip, which is a huge part of pinching pounds.
brainhack3r@reddit (OP)
That's kind of what I do now where I have them labeled like "camping: main" and I can just swap out whatever I want.
usernameS4@reddit
I built a wheel well height bench out of 1/2" pvc sheets across the cab end of the bed that holds my battery, compressor, recovery gear, tools and other gear that stays in the truck then pack in bins with the rest. The bench is under 40lbs with carpeting.
Love_Rocket_650@reddit
What kind of truck do you have? I have an LP and I love it, incredibly liveable for the price, and the company really stands behind their product and are constantly trying to improve it. I have a 21 Ranger so it has a pretty solid payload for a mid sized truck, the camper, my home made storage system, all of me gear, water, my wife and I etc. and we are still about 245Lb's under GVWR. If you have a Taco you will probably max out your payload no matter what you do unfortunately.
Really go through your gear and think about what you actually use, and how often are you using it. Does a backpacking camping chair work just as well for you as a traditional camping chair? If so you just saved 5-8lbs. You can do the same with kitchen supplies, creature comforts that you really don't need, heavy bedding etc. Just lashing up a Kelty Noahs tarp instead of a deployable awning can save you a ton of weight and prevent the camper from getting more top heavy.
brainhack3r@reddit (OP)
Tacoma :-P
Yeah, I'm really trying to keep it as lightweight as possible.
I think the main things I'm going to have are:
I'm trying not to add things like armor, bumpers, etc. It's just too much weight.
Love_Rocket_650@reddit
Yeah honestly you can find a lot of fun places to go with stock trucks.
Personally I think you will give up some creature comforts with the GFC, and I have heard mixed things on their customer service, but they are definitely lighter than most. Have you checked out the Topo Toppers? Awesome owner and lots of attention to detail when they build their campers. If you are around Denver CO i'd be happy to show you my LP, if not I believe they have a map with owners who are happy to give you a tour in your area. DM me if you want a $500 discount code, but do lots of research on the smaller brands, lots of cool stuff going on in the industry right now.
brainhack3r@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the feedback.
I think the thing that has me sold on Lone Peak is that they've built a lot of integrated accessories.
The only problem is that the build I want is $15k.
That's pricey.
Shmokesshweed@reddit
This is the real value. Everything else you can do yourself with some YouTube and basic tools as time and budget allow.
Love_Rocket_650@reddit
Not silly at all, the bed platform that pushes out of the way was a huge selling point for us for Backcountry Skiing. A lot of their accessories can be bolted on later too or you can DIY your own, I built some pretty decent ski racks out of scrap wood and bolted them into the channels, only cost me an afternoon.
I have made a few youtube videos of small weekend trips and my build out if they can help you out: https://youtu.be/WSNBPO8V1D0?si=vxutvjr73mMlkLKQ
https://youtu.be/6gXPwoZ-6_k?si=mnyax_C2dKIcL453
Shmokesshweed@reddit
Ah, the number one most overloaded vehicle in America. 😆
eagle9er9er@reddit
I do light weight everything.
Although we have different setups I prioritized an ultra light rooftop tent, I skipped on the free standing awnings simply because they are 70+lbs and went with simple 6.5x6.5 that weighs 10lbs, keeping my lightweight rubicon wheels and just going to get pizza cutter 35s.
I personally can’t justify totally ruining my mileage. A lot of my trips involve long trips on the highway as well as long trips off the highway.
thatsradddd@reddit
Laughs in F-350.
In all seriousness though yes it was something I heavily thought about, hence why I'm now in an F-350 and not my old Tacoma. The Tacoma was an awesome build and very capable with full armor, a Vagabond Drifter camper with a bailed camp setup, and yet it was not only overweight, but it was slow and guzzled fel as a result. It was also slowly tearing itself apart under that weight.
The F-350 now is fully loaded with a way better camp setup, 37's, all the accoutrements I want and I've still got a 1,000 lb remaining payload buffer. It still fits on trails, despite what people try to tell me, and I can pass people uphill at 75-85 mph in 9-10th gear while getting the same or slightly better fuel economy as my Tacoma.
For those of you that don't have a vehicle yet and are about to buy what you think you want, go big. You won't regret it. Full size for the win.
losinator501@reddit
Mannnn I’m so close to picking up an F350. Scared about the size though but I don’t do any crazy wheeling anyways. Are you CCSB?
thatsradddd@reddit
Yep, CCSB. Honestly the size doesn't really limit me on most of the trails I've hit. If I were wheeling super hard sure, but as a travel rig looking to get off the road and away from people it's freaking awesome and does everything I need it to while carrying my studio apartment.
brainhack3r@reddit (OP)
I chose the Tacoma because I spend a lot of time in the cities, and I did not want to have to park my rig in a tight spot or deal with that.
I'm still trying to figure out if I have to go to the city because I might need to do that, go there for work sometime.
But I think logically the Tundra for me makes sense because, like you said, it's a full-size.
I just think it's a better total usage of mass/volume.
Plus the ten-speed transmission is hard to beat. My Tacoma is constantly gear seeking, which is a pain.
AccuracyVsPrecision@reddit
Don't get a tundra, just get a 3/4 ton or 1 ton. Seriously I get better milage than my 5.7 in a 7.3 F250 its way more comfortable, ford app is free, has 2700 lbs of payload, rear locker and front mechanical LSD. Its also only a few inches longer than a tundra and with the 360 cameras its super easy to park.
TheRealBowlOfRice@reddit
The tundra is not the right move. It's not equipped to handle lots of weight. The bed will splay because it's composite, the transmission will struggle, you don't have much payload in reality, and your gas mileage will suffer. If you have an idea that costs any amount of higher than average weight go for a 3/4 ton 1 ton. I spent lots of money and was still underweight ..just barely. Lots of concessions. Fifth Gen tundra with 6.5 foot bed and I had the same footprint as any super duty. I would have gotten better mpg and had a perfect load out with payload to spare.
AccuracyVsPrecision@reddit
I think you replied to the wrong comment, we agree.
TheRealBowlOfRice@reddit
Added a sentence to clarify I think you have the best comment! Just adding anecdote to your post. :)
LengthinessOk5241@reddit
12 years ago when I started I wasn’t to much. All the upgrades that I done or built in the last 5-6 years were all done with weight in mind.
Zetterbearded@reddit
I obsess over it. Every thing I decide to add to the build I try and find the lightest option available. Roof box is aluminum. Minimal weight on the roof rack. Fridge and tools kept as low in the vehicle as possible. Pizza cutters and light weight wheels. Titanium cooking gear from my backpacking days. I bring the general weight down so I can afford a couple luxury items like a nice chair and better mattress. Better drive, better fuel economy and less likely to be stuck due to an overweight rig. Not to mention the legalities of the gvwr.
brainhack3r@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I think I'm at the same spot now.
In the past, I was just building a regular truck. Now I'm building an overlanding rig, and the weight can just seriously climb if you're not careful.
I think most overlanding setups only add one or two pieces of gear, so if one piece of gear is bulky, it doesn't matter.
But if you add five or ten, you're screwed.
Zetterbearded@reddit
I had a 4th gen 4runner and had everything. Steel bumper, winch, skid plates, sliders and rtt etc. Move into a gx460 and it's basically stock besides a roof rack and drawers, tires and some qol upgrades. Learned a lot about what I didn't need on my first build.
CdawwgzWorld@reddit
Pizza cutters will be my next set too
Humble_Cactus@reddit
I personally care WAY more about organizing and simplicity than weight. But to be fair- I’m packing a Silverado with a 1970# payload capacity. So it’s not like I’m approaching my GVWR with some camping gear in the bed.
I choose gear based on how well it fulfills its intended purpose rather than weight. I choose a GFC SuperLite RTT because it’s aerodynamic; yes weight was an important factor, but primarily because it’s 7’ off the ground and weight matters a lot up that high. Not because I care about the GVWR.
I built a sleeping platform (for my 15 y/o and 2 dogs) with a drawer system under it, because I wanted everything to have a home and not have totes bouncing around in the bed. It’s solid. Entirely made of 5/8 or 3/4 plywood.
Crafty-Farm-8470@reddit
I don't really worry about it, my land cruiser doesn't seem to really care much, more or less. At one point with the rooftop tent it was around 7,000# and still drove pretty much the same as with nothing. I have all the usual armor, plus a winch, roof rack, tailgate storage, drawers etc. The benefits of car camping (aka overlanding) is not having to cut your toothbrush handles etc to save weight.
Crackerjack184@reddit
Weight is something that should be obsessed about and not enough people do. If you get in an accident and the other person suspects you to be over gvwr, you are up the creek.
SurfPine@reddit
F-350 here as well and I still obsess about what weight I'm adding. I have plenty of payload and don't really obsess directly concerning payload, it is more about what a lot of weight does to your truck in terms of functionality. Larger tires means a lot more rotational weight, heavier bumpers, winch, tools are seemingly items that many add to their truck and that is before even considering camping gear. Then you have racks, sleeping area, crap that people bolt onto racks/toppers before you start getting to more specific camping items.
I contemplated a slide-in for my truck but never cared for how much weight that would add which also does not address what kind of footprint it would add. So yes, even someone with plenty of payload is obsessing over how much weight will get added to my truck. I don't see how people with Tacoma's can do any sort of buildout and not be well over their small payload numbers. But more realistically, how enjoyable is it to be out on trail in an overloaded truck? I can't imagine it is confidence inspiring.
According-Tax-1433@reddit
decked was the worse purchase i made by far. its in the way and weighs too much for a overland rig. it makes a great tool box for non-camping though. I replaced it years ago with a light aluminum/wood drawer that only took 1/4 space of my bed. I could walk around again.
Zealousideal_Fee_491@reddit
Do you have pictures you could share? Is it pretty water and dust resistant? I’m trying to figure out an alternative to the decked as well, love the idea but agreed pretty heavy. I won’t be driving anything on it to warrant the heavy duty.
brainhack3r@reddit (OP)
Yeah, it's too inefficient and it's way too bulky.
They shipped a V2 version to save a lot of weight, but it's so goddamn heavy, and in the end I didn't think it was really worth it.
I removed mine.
I was thinking about adding it back in again if I get a camper, but I don't think it's worth the £200.
According-Tax-1433@reddit
also, if you can delete a rear seat to setup at least a 40%, it helps out a TON. I've managed to make a good setup that works for me. But i've also slimmed down to a 20l fridge. 45l took way too much space for fulltiiming for 4 years
brainhack3r@reddit (OP)
You're able to do full time with a 20L fridge? vs 45L? I need a freezer for fish I think so that limits me a bit.
I want to be able to go fishing and catch steelhead/salmon and eat them over a month.
Still working on that plan though.
According-Tax-1433@reddit
exactly... when i had a gfc style, i made the new drawer also a twin bed. easier for those gas station naps
MilitantPotato@reddit
Weight and wind resistance were extremely high on my list. I actually got a boondocking trailer partly because of that. If we're not doing an out and back, or might sleep on the trail we've a nice tent to bring along.
The truck bed has water, food, a diesel heater, and recovery supplies, batteries, and gas.
In a pinch it also has a bed rug so sleeping under the tonneau cover is totally possible, if not in the cab.
Being off camber on a single track with a 3000+ foot drop with weight up high is hell,
Scoobienorth@reddit
I enjoy technical wheeling and snow wheeling so weight is everything. That being said so is cost and being comfortable. Everything comes at a cost and compromise is easy to over obsess on.
CdawwgzWorld@reddit
I’m building a contractor cap camper and I’m keeping weight as low as possible. I also have a decked drawer and i love it because i snagged it for cheap and it lets me get out and camp asap and also built out the top half of the camper and focus on the sleeping platform after. I will be getting rid of it most likely though.