Good Evening
I would like to get your guys opinion on a project that I have in mind. The project would be to put a cab over camper on an old fifth wheel trailer that has been torn all the way down to the frame. (I will give all the specs. Later in the post)

Now here is my issue I drive a 2001 Ford Sport trac 4x4 V6, I am not sure if I could get a universal fifth wheel hitch and mount it to the frame of the truck. I have done some research on this and cannot fine anything definitive. From what I have read most people are concerned with the turning radius on the trailer and it hitting the cab of the truck. To avoid this I could cut the corners of the frame to clear the cab. I have found that I would be able to meet the 80% rule on the GVWR.

The frame of the fifth wheel is as follows: Top is 5 feet and the bottom is 12 feet, so total is 17 feet. The axle is rated to 5200 pounds. Not sure on the weight yet.

Now the Camper (according to the title) weights 1800 dry, now I am saying more like 2000 dry, plus all of the stuff in it (I.E dish, clothes, ETC) max 2400.

Truck has a GVWR of 4900, a GAWR 2650, and wheel base of 125.9.

I am hoping that I will be able to tow the trailer for the summer then I will be buying a new truck in in fall. I will not be going far with the trailer or climbing any big hills with it. Max distance would be around 100 miles.
I should also add that I got the camper for free all I had to do was go get it, and the trailer I will be trading for. So both will be free the only thing that I will need to buy would be the rails for the hitch that comes with the trailer.

Your opinion is great appreciated






The trailer that I want to put it on





The Camper





My truck and the camper

 

Here is a quick drawing of what I am thinking

 

I set one on a bumper pull trailer , years ago . I think that is a bit much for your truck though .

 

Interesting project. However just giving you a word of advice about this project. The guys with short bed trucks seem to have turning angle issues with built 5ers. With that said, a SD short bed is about 6.5 feet vs the 4.5 feet in the back of the EST. In your last picture, it looks like you will need to go straight and limit you angle of turns.

Honestly, I am not steering you away from your project. If you can make it work, great. If not, sell the truck camper and look for a small Hybrid trailer. Something in the 3500 pound range would tow well on that chassis. My parents towed their trailer several times with my Explorer without a problem. When they bought their tow vehicle, mom found a V8 power 6 speed Explorer which will give them that much more in towing reserve.

Good luck with your build.

 

They make an offset for 5th wheel hitches, it is with the f150 short beds in mind. It push's the trailer back to give more of a turning radius if that helps.