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Problem is, weight doesn't tell the whole story with add-on campers. You're adding something that has a lot of weight up high, dramatically altering the center of gravity. Let's say you go HDPP and find a 1500# camper to put back there, it's likely that the truck will handle extremely poorly (especially in any sort of wind) thanks to the CG shift.
You'll notice that the Dodge pictured above is a heavy duty model - probably a 3500 - and appears to be a dually. There's a very good reason for that.
Problem is, weight doesn't tell the whole story with add-on campers. You're adding something that has a lot of weight up high, dramatically altering the center of gravity.
First that's a pop-up so the travel weight isn't high. Second why would it be any different than the my current slide-in camper, it handles fine? Been running a slide-in for over 25-years, never fell over.
That's an interesting project. Let us know how it turns out. It looks like that is on a one ton rig in the picture but a HDPP package with a 3.5 ecoboost might be able to handle that.
As far as selling the bed, check with a body shop. Priced out they could give you 80% of the cost of parts and come out ahead.
Problem is, weight doesn't tell the whole story with add-on campers. You're adding something that has a lot of weight up high, dramatically altering the center of gravity. Let's say you go HDPP and find a 1500# camper to put back there, it's likely that the truck will handle extremely poorly (especially in any sort of wind) thanks to the CG shift.
You'll notice that the Dodge pictured above is a heavy duty model - probably a 3500 - and appears to be a dually. There's a very good reason for that.
^ THIS.
Ford did some extensive testing with a 5000 lb simulated box camper to test the high center of gravity and rollover, but only with the SuperDuty. Not a good fit for a 1/2 ton. Article : https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/...truck-campers/
Pic
EDIT: I'm aware that nobody would try to put a 5k lb camper in a half-ton, I'm just linking the article on the tests.
Last edited by BlackBoost; Jul 5, 2018 at 01:53 PM.
First that's a pop-up so the travel weight isn't high. Second why would it be any different than the my current slide-in camper, it handles fine? Been running a slide-in for over 25-years, never fell over.
Then you have more of a clue than 90% of the people I see running slide-ins. It's a rare sight seeing one that's on a 1/2 ton truck and isn't grossly overloading it. And yes, I have seen more than one roll over.
People get the idea that "it fits by weight" and never take into account the affect the height will have.
Then you have more of a clue than 90% of the people I see running slide-ins. It's a rare sight seeing one that's on a 1/2 ton truck and isn't grossly overloading it. And yes, I have seen more than one roll over.
People get the idea that "it fits by weight" and never take into account the affect the height will have.
I checked and it's within my payload, so strap it down and let's go to the lake!
None of the above. I'm exploring the possibility of installing a chassis mount camper. Very preliminary. Don't know the weight yet so unsure if the F150 will carry the critter. Don't want a 462 V8 6-speed on a F250.
That photo is all I know, sent an email for more photos, no reply yet.
If you are going to do something like the above photo, check with dealers that customer base is farming. I have bought in the last 30 years 3 one ton chassis cabs. I have used the same flat bed on the last two. Most dealers around here keep 2 to 6 chassis cabs on their lot. They can be quite cheap. More bells and whistles the more money you pay. Best of luck.
Edit to add. I have only seen them offered in the one ton.
Last edited by 2018 reg cab; Jul 5, 2018 at 06:17 PM.
Reason: Only in one ton.
They’re a company that specializes in this type of lightweight, pop up, ruggedized camper with a cantivered sleeping platform above the cab. They offer two model types, a more typical slide in that afixes to the bed of your truck, and the type you’re referencing which bolts down to a “tray”. This is just another way to say a flatbed though. As far as weight, I wouldn’t worry too much about that, these are designed to be light. Although slightly smaller, Tacoma guys are using similar models with little more than upgraded rear leaf springs and LT tires. Those smaller models are only about a hundred pounds less give or take.
