Paxford

Adventurer 80gs. Awesome little camper ... but not recommended with the 5.5 bed. I emailed the mfg and they advised that the center of gravity is far back enough that it will be behind the rear axle. They said the 80sk might work, but this model won't meet my criteria (porta potty only)

If I had a 6.5 bed I would go with the 80gs over all others due to less weight and the manual slide out, which makes it a bit roomier.

Can I put a truck camper on, yes. Will it have a bathroom/shower ... no. Guess the significant other is making this decision. No truck camper.

Anyone know how to get a 26 ft 5500 lb travel trailer up a steeply graded driveway and in to a spot just big enough to fit it ... in 2wd? jk, that's for another thread ...

spdmpo

Can I ask you how you like those Roadmasters? I'm debating on a set. I need to know how it rides when empty compared to not having them. Does it stiffen the rear up even if there's not a load?

Paxford

It ... straightens the rear end. I would not call it stiffening the rear end, there is no jarring effect. For example, driving on the highway I notice hardly any difference, but when I am city driving I notice that the rear end sways less in turns; the leaf springs just hold up better. Same when towing, but you can notice it on the highway as well then, which translates in to less worry about getting off track in your lane. Some might call this "better" handling. I prefer it to stock and am happy with the product. Only downside to the handling I then noticed was how much sway the stock front end has in quick around town driving because the rear end handles better. Oh well, I'll take better overall compared to worse overall.

coreyva

Hmm, not what I wanted to hear. I have a 4x4 Screw with the 6.5 bed that I plan on putting a pop-up slide-in into. I had planned to install airbags as well. I'm looking at ones that weigh less than 1500 lbs.

For others looking into slide-ins, here are a few manufacturers that make popups.
http://www.northstarcampers.com/onli...Id=11&catId=13
http://www.cheyennecampingcenter.com/floorplans_tc
http://outfittermfg.com/campers/new-campers

Here is the 80GS mentioned earlier.
http://www.amlrv.com/campers_model_80GS-80SK.php

Paxford

Yeah, interesting that the slide in manufacturers are designing units for short beds (6.5 ft) but Ford recommends against it. Payload is the achilles heel.

tonka

I agree with you. I bought my 2010 SCREW never considering the installation/use of a truck camper. Almost a year later I am kicking myself for not getting the scab with the 6.5'. I am not in a financial situation to just get a new/another truck for my 8-10k camper. I was looking at the Palomino Bronco until posting in another thread that reminded me my bed is only 5.5ft and I am SOL. There are so many light weight options that this truck can handle no problem with some airbags, its just a shame they are not for the 5.5. I really would like the working bathroom and shower for my travels.

Since I work in the metal/fabrication industry, I am considering building my own. I know how to fabricate everything, its making the time to do it that will be hard.

tonka

In my persistent searching I did find a place in vancouver washington called panther campers that does custom ones.
http://www.ourpanthercamper.com/

No potty it appears, but if they do custom im sure its do-able.

deepwater

I do not understand why someone even wants one of those things. Why not just get a nice used Travel Trailer. A 20-25 ft TT would be so much nicer and when you get to the park you can unhook it and take your truck around town and see the sites.

Loki 5.0

Ever go up a forest service road?

Toolmanbmw

Well I just slap one onto my 2011 F-150 ecoboost platinum. It's a lance 825. I have added timbren and getting some LT tires and rancho 9000s put in next week. It handles great with just the Timbren now.