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Author Topic: Camper for an f-150?  (Read 10528 times)

Offline WSU

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Camper for an f-150?
« on: May 12, 2014, 02:08:12 PM »
I'd like to get a camper but currently have an f-150 with a 6.5' bed.  I don't want a trailer because I want to pull my drift boat.  I also don't want to spend the money to buy a bigger truck.

Does anyone have experience using an f-150 to haul a camper?  What camper models would work?  I know I really need a bigger truck but am hoping I can make this work until I feel like spending a bunch of money.

Offline BULLBLASTER

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2014, 02:10:41 PM »
Get a nice tent.

Offline WSU

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2014, 02:14:44 PM »
Get a nice tent.

I have little kids (2 at 1.5 years old) and would like a camper.  I have a wall tent but would like something that requires less effort but is still comfortable.  Not possible?

Offline baker5150

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2014, 02:28:02 PM »
They are out there.  Maybe a pop up style camper  :dunno:
We had a Lance growing up we hauled with a 1/2 ton Chevy and pulled a boat.

Offline 6x6in6

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #4 on: May 12, 2014, 02:29:37 PM »
Lance makes a short bed pick up model.
I'm sure there's other manufacturers  out there too, just not thinking of one off the top of my head...

Offline rover758

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2014, 02:30:09 PM »
I tend to agree with bullblaster.  That being said ....

Being a F-150 weight will be your biggest challenge along with it hanging over the rear bumper or not.  Check out this review for a CampLite that was on a 2012 F-150.

http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/camper-reviews/2012-camplite-review

Just out of curiosity I did a google search on "truck campers for f150 short bed" and got quite a few returns.  Check it out 'cause it might help in your decision.

Good luck!
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Offline 6x6in6

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #6 on: May 12, 2014, 02:32:13 PM »
Lance's short bed models are the 825, 855, 855S and 865.
http://www.lancecamper.com/truck-campers.php

Offline andersonjk4

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #7 on: May 12, 2014, 02:49:10 PM »
I have a 2007 F-150 with the 6.5' bed and use it all the time to haul a camper.  I have a 1994 Cascade Import camper.  The camper is right about 6.5' long .It is built to fit on a midsize pickup (think Dodge Dakota or Toyota T-100 or similar size).  With the deep bed depth of the F-150 I have to block up the camper to clear the bed rails.  I built a frame out of 4x4 and 2x4 that I set into the bed and then the camper sits right into the frame.  Makes it really easy to get lined up when putting the camper on.  I also hade to add some "outriggers" to get the front tie down connections out away from the side of the pickup.  I ended up adding airbags under my rear end last year and that made a huge difference when I have the camper on. I think airbags or the Timbren suspension helpers are almost a must.  If you are going to be using the camper mostly in warmer weather you could look at the pop-up campers.  You can save some weight and significantly reduce the drag.  I use a belly-bar type tie-down system for my camper, but I would pony up the cash and get the tork-lift tie-downs if I was to do it again. 

Offline Encore 280

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #8 on: May 12, 2014, 02:57:50 PM »
Mines an '04 F150 STX 4x4 with 6 and 1/2 ft. bed. The camper is a Lance 815 (8.5'). The only thing I did was add the Timbren/Tembrin(sp) helpers and they work great. The engine is the 4.6. The 815 weighs in at just over 2,000lbs. The RV place I bought it from built the spacer for the truck bed. It also has the two storage spaces at the back on the sides that come in handy and they can be removed for an 8' bed.
« Last Edit: May 12, 2014, 03:13:14 PM by Encore 280 »

Offline JohnVH

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #9 on: May 12, 2014, 03:07:45 PM »
7.5' camper in my old '98 F150 with the 5.4L v8, I just put airbags on it so I could make it ride close to level, Best truck Ive ever owned..


Offline Gamehunter034

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #10 on: May 13, 2014, 04:23:53 AM »
You just have to put in the time to search and find what you want that will fit in your truck. I too spent time looking trying to decide camper vs travel trailer, ultimately travel trailer won cause of more space and (wife) I'm pulling with a 2006 sierra 5.3L short bed. Lance campers are good and past time makes short bed campers as well. Goodluck  :tup:
"A bad day hunting or fishing is better than a good day at work"

Offline gasman

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #11 on: May 13, 2014, 08:15:17 AM »
Most all manufactures make an 8 foot camper to fit short box trucks.

Look for the lightest you can find and you will needd to stiffen the suspention, either air bags or overload springs.

There out there. Had one for years on my short box dodge half ton but I just put a regulat 8 foot camper on it because I knew I was going to be upgrading to a bigger truck with an 8 foot box.
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It's 5 O'clock somewhere.......

Offline CAMPMEAT

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #12 on: May 13, 2014, 08:20:14 AM »
Eagle Cap
Lance
Pastime

.........they all make campers for a 6.5 bed.
I couldn't care less about what anybody says..............

Offline Fl0und3rz

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #13 on: May 13, 2014, 10:36:58 AM »
I have been stalking these for a while.

http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/

Offline cooltimber

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Re: Camper for an f-150?
« Reply #14 on: May 13, 2014, 11:09:07 AM »
Hay I have a palomino,6.5.top crank's up.; seen blood.looks' good, inside nice! $2000
rvn 69-70 11 b 2p 173rd
rmef
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      one's by sword,the other is by debt.
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