I'm 3 months in on designing a camper build, similar in size to an Earthroamer. I plan on using a Ram 5500 crew cab chassis, and will extend the frame by approximately 2ft. Dimensions are not final, but the Earthroamer XV-LTS is the closest comparison so far.
In designing the build materials, as well as tank capacities, components, etc. I have come to a crossroads, that will effect the cost of my build. I'll be staying well within the payload capacities of the truck regardless which components I choose. What type of impact does weight have on the MPG, sway, and overall drivability (on and off road). For instance, everything adds up, so if I spend 2x as much on a lighted skin for the camper, I can cut 50% of the weight for the camper shell. This would be a difference of approx. 740lbs. Last night I read on Lipo batteries (lithium) vs. AGM. Again, another significant weight savings can be achieved. Water and fuel storage is another consideration. With better designed systems I can save right at 1,600lbs of weight. While this is a substantial weight savings, if I am still under the payload capacity of the truck, regardless of which build I choose, is the added cost worth it? I've set a ceiling price to my build, and surely can't use the best of the best in every aspect of the build. I hope to gain any insight so I can save weight where I can see the most 'bang for my buck'.
I've exhausted the search function on Expo, but can't seem to find any worthwhile data on the topic. Any links to existing threads are welcome.
In designing the build materials, as well as tank capacities, components, etc. I have come to a crossroads, that will effect the cost of my build. I'll be staying well within the payload capacities of the truck regardless which components I choose. What type of impact does weight have on the MPG, sway, and overall drivability (on and off road). For instance, everything adds up, so if I spend 2x as much on a lighted skin for the camper, I can cut 50% of the weight for the camper shell. This would be a difference of approx. 740lbs. Last night I read on Lipo batteries (lithium) vs. AGM. Again, another significant weight savings can be achieved. Water and fuel storage is another consideration. With better designed systems I can save right at 1,600lbs of weight. While this is a substantial weight savings, if I am still under the payload capacity of the truck, regardless of which build I choose, is the added cost worth it? I've set a ceiling price to my build, and surely can't use the best of the best in every aspect of the build. I hope to gain any insight so I can save weight where I can see the most 'bang for my buck'.
I've exhausted the search function on Expo, but can't seem to find any worthwhile data on the topic. Any links to existing threads are welcome.