Let’s say you shell out more than $60k for a 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500, and then you want to add a slide-in camper. But after bringing the truck home, you notice a sticker in the glove box that says: “This truck should not be used to carry a slide in camper.”
In all caps.
What the heck? The sole purpose of buying the truck was for this exact thing.
A quick look at the owner’s manual shows you how to measure for a slide-in camper, so clearly, it’s possible to get a Silverado 1500 that can have a slide-in camper. But why not this specific truck?
The short answer: Payload.
Though we can’t pin it down to a specific trim or optioned-out truck, your best bet is to start with a long-bed truck and then consult Chevy’s Silverado 1500 e-brochure on page 11 specific payload information for the build you’re looking at.
Why can’t every Silverado 1500 get a slide-in camper?
“It is primarily related to payload capacity and whether engineers can get the center of gravity of a typical camper in a safe spot,” said Sean Szymkowski, the senior manager for Chevrolet Trucks Communications. “This can be more difficult to do on short-bed trucks.”
Payload can be confusing to towing and hauling newbies – and calculating it correctly can mean the difference between being safe and potentially voiding your warranty. So, we talk about this topic a lot because in addition to the actual weight of the slide-in camper, you need to factor in everything else you’re putting in the truck. This includes everything from the weight of the people to the water, food and gear you’re carrying.
So, before you order a truck to pair with a slide-in camper – do your payload calculations, and then do them again.
If you want to be 100% certain a truck you’ll buy can be used with a slide-in camper, According to Szymkowski, you’ll have to do it the old fashioned way. Go to the dealer, view the physical inventory and check for the sticker in the glove box before you buy it.
Otherwise, there might be a nasty surprise waiting for you.
Some people might be tempted to use a slide-in camper regardless of what the sticker says in the glove box. But what we want to say is: Please don’t do that. Do your homework before you buy the truck. Why? If you’re in a crash or damage the frame of the truck because of the weight of the camper, you are the one at fault. You.
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