Camper for an f-150?

[WSU]

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.

[BULLBLASTER]

Get a nice tent.

[WSU]

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?

[baker5150]

They are out there.  Maybe a pop up style camper 
We had a Lance growing up we hauled with a 1/2 ton Chevy and pulled a boat.

[6x6in6]

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...

[rover758]

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!

[6x6in6]

Lance's short bed models are the 825, 855, 855S and 865.
http://www.lancecamper.com/truck-campers.php

[andersonjk4]

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. 

[Encore 280]

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.

[JohnVH]

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..

[Gamehunter034]

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 

[gasman]

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.

[CAMPMEAT]

Eagle Cap
Lance
Pastime

.........they all make campers for a 6.5 bed.

[Fl0und3rz]

I have been stalking these for a while.

http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/

[cooltimber]

Hay I have a palomino,6.5.top crank's up.; seen blood.looks' good, inside nice! $2000

[CAMPMEAT]

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.

Just make sure you don't go over your GVW and your truck is set up for hauling. I mean tranny cooler, bigger radiator gearing etc. I had a 2010 Ford 4.6L 4x4 that I THOUGHT was set up for trailer/campers. It had none of the equipment to do it. It would overheat, derate ( loss power), gutless, you name it. I sold it and bought a truck that would. The truck was very nice, but it wasn't a towing/hauling truck.

[Buzz2401]

I've got a SunLite and it is crazy light.  There are plent of light weight alternatives out there just do a google search.  They may not have all the bells and whistle but it beats buying a new truck.  Mine is plain jane but has the best layout I've seen in a non pop-out camper.

[MacAttack]

WSU I saw this on CL, if you haven't bought one, looks like a good deal....

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/rvs/4519339160.html

[CAMPMEAT]

Here you go...............