etg052

We recently stayed at Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna.  No pool but plenty to see and do and it was pretty easy to get off and on I-10.  I'll camp there again when heading tot he Fort. 

The Fort.

Started camping in June and have been to state parks and RV Resorts from Louisiana to Florida and everyone tells me "all other RV parks are compared to Fort wilderness." Can't wait to see this place.

Hey thanks for all these Happy Birthdays! May 21st can't get here soon enough.

According to the Ford F-150 manual, the highest payload capacity is 2,090lbs for the 5.0L long-wheelbase, regular cab. You may want to review your source for your numbers if they say 3100lbs, cause that sounds like F-250 territory.

Yep you're right. I am looking at the towing guide and I found a chart buired that has cargo capacities for pickup truck / camper combinations - I've got the heavy duty payload package but I'm still over per these numbers. They figure in a lot more human weight per seat that I would have but this is still not working out math wise to have it in the back of the truck with the camper attached.

Again - this is why I came to this board.

Thanks.

It might, you don't know! :raspberry: I'm waiting to hear back from the seller what the dimension is front bumper to rear-wheel-center, and hoping it is basically a regular chassis with a lot of body hanging off the back. Truth be told, this is one of the least practical things I have ever wanted, but I've been wanting to make a sleigh-golf-cart for years

Just got my dimensions - I would have to drop the tailgate of my F-150 and honestly I don't know if I can drop it while hooked up to my TT. I'll be camping next weekend so I will check it out then. I know my buddy could ride with his tailgate down in his old Jayco 29BH but he cannot with his new Keystone Hideout. Payload capacity in the F-150 is 3100 lbs so I should be good there.

Well, I'm figuring based on my Tundra's 1600 lb payload capacity. And I had been told a typical steel framed 6-battery cart runs @1200 lbs, but let's assume 900 is right. Back out 450 lb for me and my wife, 250 lb for gas, and there is no capacity left for hitch weight or other payload in the cab. Figure a 6000 lb 24' travel trailer and figure minimum 10% tongue weight (600lbs) and even your more capable Silverado would be 300 lb overweight, as I understand it. Now, I have heard that payload ratings are figured without regard to gas weight and allow for a 180 lb driver(?). If that's right, you would be just barely in spec, and might be able to load the tongue a little more heavily for better handling. Like I said, though, I'm asking because I'd like to know, not because I'm an expert on the matter... where is Larry when you need him? LOL!

The guy I was looking to buy the cart from is a state away so I am taking his word that it will fit in the back of my F-150 - like the gent with the Chevy said - it would barely fit. He also mentioned that he has some aluminum framed carts as well which run lighter. My Apex is 4200 dry weight and I travel light as far as cargo - say 5000 lbs loaded. (no water in the tanks). With the package that I have I figured I was within my tolerances from Ford. You make an excellent point though - I would do a lot more research on my end before purchasing. I'm still new to this - thats why I came to this board. Thanks for the comments!

I bought the Coachman Apex in my picture from them. Like you I couldn't find a better price so I drove from Baton Rouge to pick it up. I did all the paperwork via email and fax and we agreed to a pick up date and everything was ready to go on the agreed to date. I was thrilled with my find and have nothing bad to say about Columbus Camper Center. They gave me all the basics (sewer hose, 30 amp cord, TP, etc) to get me started as this was my first camper.

I wouldn't hesitate to drive up there again for my next one. Hope this helps.

You have to understand Jim's sense of humor.

I'll learn. Thanks.

Thanks for all the responses. We would also have use for the cart here at home as well so I think it will eventually be a purchase for us. Interesting comment about outside carts being banned in upcoming years? Anyone else have inside info on that possibility?

Hi Folks - new member and will be a first time Fort camper in May - naturally I can't wait.

I have 2 young kids and I would like to camp at the fort at a minimum every 2 years - preferable every year if possible - maybe just go to the parks every other year. Anyway - I am looking at purchasing a golf cart - I found a very reasonable deal here locally and it fits in my budget. Reading these posts convince me that the Fort is quite sprawling and it you want to see it all a cart is just about necessary. There are a few other RV resorts here locally that allow golf carts where I could use it - so - is it worth it if you plan to go to the fort many more times?

Thanks.