1969 Avion C11 Weight and Truck Question

[Pack Rat]

Looking at a local 1969 C11. I have a 1966 F100 with F250 rear springs with overloads. I am not new to trucks or slide in campers. I have owned 5 slide in campers. I currently own a 1993 F350 crew cab with 5.8 a 1968 F250 Camper special wtih a 390 v8 and a 1966 F100 with a 240 straight six. I have a 8 foot Sells slide in that I use with the F250 and I can close tail gate and truck does not drop much. It is an 8 footer with no bathroom. I havent looked at the C11 yet but I assume it is equip with one which I am looking for. I am wanting to haul this on the F100 if possible. I know it is not the preferred truck and the other two would be better. I am a vintage car guy and the show I go to are snippy about the trucks they let in to the shows. They prefer 1964 and older but a 66 will slip in since it is the same body style. I am wanting to tow my race car with the 66 and use the more vintage Avion looking camper to do it. F100 has a 3.89 gear. And I have other engines I could install so dont discuss lack of power because that is not what I care about. Actually my first truck was a 1965 F100 with a 300 six that carried a 12 foot slide in with a family of 7 kids. PO had a 3/4 ton rear axle and springs installed because it kept blowing out the axle seals. I bought that truck with 275,000 miles on it over 30 years ago. The Sells camper I have I think would work OK but I love the aluminum look of these campers. Has any one here carried a C11 on an F100 F150 C10 or c1500 with success? I have the 3/4 ton axle I could install but would not wish to. When I bought the Sells 3 years ago the seller also had a 11 or 12 foot for sale and I missed it by one hour. Then I did not have the f100. Seller said the owners drove it out on a D150. I am a mechanic by trade so that is not an issue. Ok I have ran at the mouth long enough so please tell me your experience.

[TG Twinkie]

My concern is the C11 weight, 1,600-2,000lbs and the bearing capacity of the 1/2 ton truck axle.
I had an 8' Travel Queen cab over truck camper. It weighed in empty at 1,600lbs. Took a 3/4ton truck to haul it safely.

[Pack Rat]

I have a 3/4 ton so I can use it.

[CDONA]

I had a '65 short step side, I did put a disc brake conversion on the front when I replaced all the front end bushings & kingpins.
I would look at the brakes too along with the axles, then there is the frame flex from the extra load, , ,

[Bob Cooke]

I think your weight estimate is way to low. I currently use a '66 C-10 on a 2500
Dodge long bed with trailer tow package. Have actually weighed truck and truck
With camper. Included propane, #27 battery, water etc. Weight is 2700-2800 lbs
No problem with the big Dodge but you will kill a F-150 with an outfitted Avion.
Goog luck though and hope it works for you. With best wishes I am Bob Cooke

[Pack Rat]

Nope dont want to kill my f100. I just had no idea what these weugh. My first camper was a 12 foot Trek and It was heavy.

[ijustlee]

I'm also a mechanic and I would start with a 3/4 ton truck to do what you are talking about. Maybe slide a modern 1 ton under an old body even? Those old Avions are heavy and then to also tow something along just seems like more truck would be a good idea. I have put a lot of weight onto a 1/2 ton pickup but not for long trips. Disc brakes on all 4 truck wheels are nice too!

[woodfox45]

I had a 66 C10 I hauled it on a 1 ton with 8ft. bed they are heavy .