2021 FOREST RIVER PALOMINO BACKPACK HS8801
Specifications
The 2021 Forest River Palomino Backpack Edition HS 8801 is a premium hard-sided, non-slide truck camper engineered for 3/4-ton or 1-ton trucks with a 6'6" or 8' bed. Built on a fully welded aluminum superstructure with high-density block foam insulation, it features a floor length of 9'0" and a dry weight of approximately 2,460 to 2,489 lbs.
Key Technical Specifications
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- Exterior Dimensions: 18'0" total length, 94" width, and 8'4" exterior height.
- Center of Gravity: 42".
- Fresh Water Capacity: 21 gallons.
- Gray Water Capacity: 5 to 8 gallons.
- Black Water Capacity: 6.5 to 7 gallons.
- Propane Capacity: Two 20 lb LP tanks (40 lbs total).
Layout & Standout Features
- Cabover Bedroom: Features a front queen bed with a wrap-around nightstand, storage chests, and an integrated closet.
- Main Living Space: Equipped with an L-shaped dinette/sofa combo that converts into a secondary sleeping area.
- Kitchenette Amenities: Standard configuration includes a 3-burner stovetop with oven, microwave, single-bowl sink, and a large 12V refrigerator.
- Rear Wet Bath: Offers a private foot-flush toilet, a vanity sink, and a built-in skylight/roof vent.
- Exterior Features: Fitted with remote-controlled electric jacks for easy leveling, an on-demand tankless water heater, an outdoor shower, and a distinctive molded front fiberglass cap with an integrated windshield.
To safely carry the 2021 Palomino Backpack Edition HS 8801, your truck must have a minimum payload capacity of 3,100 to 3,500 lbs.
While the unit's baseline factory weight sits well under this mark, the "real-world" weight increases drastically once you account for essential fluids, factory options (like air conditioning), gear, and passengers.
Camper Weight Breakdown
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- Unloaded / Dry Weight: 2,460 lbs (Base factory build without accessories, options, or fluids).
- Fully Optioned Weight: ~2,575 lbs (Average weight once common options like an A/C unit or electric jacks are added).
- Estimated Wet Weight: ~2,740 lbs (Includes full factory optioning, 174.3 lbs of fresh water, 40 lbs of propane, and a standard 65 lb battery).
- Total Loaded Weight (GVWR): 3,924 lbs (The maximum permissible weight of the camper when filled to absolute capacity with gear, food, and luggage).
Truck Compatibility Requirements
Do not rely on the generic truck classifications (like "3/4-ton") because modern truck payload ratings vary wildly based on trim levels and engine choices. Instead, check the Tire and Loading Information sticker on your truck's driver-side door jamb.
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- Payload Target: Your truck's specific yellow sticker payload capacity must exceed your total calculated camper weight (Wet weight + your personal gear + passenger weights).
- Bed Length Configuration: The camper is explicitly designed to fit 6'6" short beds up to 8' long beds.
- Center of Gravity (CG): The camper's CG is 42 inches from the front wall. This point must sit forward of your truck's rear axle to prevent dangerous front-end lifting and handling instability.
Recommended Truck Class
- 3/4-Ton Trucks (2500 / F-250): Compatible only if configured with a lightweight gas engine and a lower trim package to maximize payload. Heavy diesel engines drastically cut into 3/4-ton payload capacities, often leaving them overloaded by this camper.
- 1-Ton Trucks (3500 / F-350): The safest, highly recommended choice. A single-rear-wheel (SRW) 1-ton truck easily clears the payload capacity needed to carry this camper fully loaded with passengers and gear.
