I am thinking of buying a 2011 f-150 super cab long box. I am putting a 8 foot camper on it. I also like to buy the tailgate step set up, but am scared when i close the tailgate for traveling the pole or something else used with tailgate setup will rub on the camper. I think you can take the pole off but it seems the tail gate is thicker than a normal one.

 

first off i have never seen one (camper) with the tail gate on the truck still. most of the time you remove the gate when camper is in

if you look at my old truck you can see how the rear of the camper hangs out theres no way you could use a gate!
now on to the pole question yes it can be removed and replaced with the stock flat tailgate piece off of a stock gate with out the pole.

 

Welcome aboard, mooser!

You are correct in that the tailgate equipped with the tailgate step option (63T) is considerably thicker than a regular tailgate. In essence, the handle & plastic guard around the handle (when folded down) probably extends about 2 1/2" from the "front" of the tailgate when in its up/closed position. (Hopefully that makes sense.)

EDIT: I am not sure if you have the camper already, if you do, I would get measurements from it to make sure that it would fit in the bed with a tailgate. I know that in many cases, an 8' camper will go to the very edge of a long box...thus not leaving room for the tailgate to close. Although, there are a few that leave a couple inches so that the tailgate can be kept & closed.

 

You really must look at the weight of the camper.
Even the light wieght ones will likely be way over.
Before I bought my F150, I had a Dodge Cummins 3/4 ton...with the idea of getting a camper.
I was surprised that only the lightest of campers would be appropriate.
Be informed and look at the weight numbers.
Remember that passengers and all their junk count in the load.
I never did get a camper, the wife wanted something else.
Really if you want anything more than an entry level light weight, you should skip the 3/4 to and get a one ton, and if it is a heavy camper get a dooly.
BTW, if you go to the RV NET site you will find that many are useing F450's.
Some of these upscale campers weigh 4000 pounds.
You really need to crunch the numbers and get the appropriat vehicle.
Don't listen to the salesman who says your truck, whatever it is, will do the job.
They are interest in your money, not your safety.
You don't want to modifying an under rated truck after the fact.
Some of these mods do help but they do not comply with the GVW sticker on your door post.
Not trying to preach...just my thouts on the issue.
Anyway, sorry for the long post...do your research and go in eyes wide open.

PS.You can get an F150 with the extra heavy duty package, but I think only in a reg cab...not sure...but still you gotta do your numbers

 

Also Super cab

 

There are F150 combinations available with over 3000lbs of payload capacity, so you can get a pretty nice camper.

 

Thanks guys for the info. The ford dealer here does not have any 150 super cabs with 8 foot boxes in so i cannot measure to see if my 8 foot camper would fit with the step up tail gate. I will just get a regular tail gate. Blueovalboy i like your rig but up here in Canada the gas prices are high and there are mostly 8 foot campers up here.And yes you can close the tale gate on them ( almost acts like a small deck when down)Do not see many trucks up here like yours because if driven in the winter the road salt would eat it up before you could eat a snickers bar.Toto yes i am getting the hd and trailer tow package( camper weighs 1300 pd.)On the sheet it says 8200 pd gvwr. mooser