When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Does anyone have any fit issues with a camper shell while 4x4ing? I flex the truck quite a bit while offroading. The front upper corners of the bed rub on the cab on ocassion. I can tell because of the chipped paint. I would hate to get a shell and destroy it 4 wheeling.I think the truck twists left to right to do this not fore to aft. If you have had any sucess with a certain shell I would appreciate the brand.
JimP
I took my truck (see picture to left) with the fitted canopy 4wheeling and the bed didn't flex. I'll have to verify that with a witness who guided me through a part that caused a buddy's 89 F250 to make some gosh aweful frame wrenching noises just to make sure. I'll see if they can make an appearence in this forum to give a visual account, as I was doing the driving.
Yeah, unfortunately that was me with the unholy sounds eminating from my truck. Fortunately, I drive a Ford, and can locate no discerable damage.
Best I can recall, I was impressed with the kind of suspension flex they get out of these newer F-150's. Kerry's rear axle moved quite well. I didn't see much in the way of frame flex, and I don't recall ever seeing his canopy hit the cab.
Kerry's F-150 was actually able to get through somethings more easily than my F-250 and Shannon's '77 Highboy, due I assume to a much smaller turning radius and softer springs that actually want to follow the ground.
The Law
1989 F-250 HD 4x4
460, C6, BW 13-56, Sterling 10.25" (4.10:1), Dana 44 HD (4.09:1), twin K&N's, no muffler, stock lo-flo cat, Bosch Platinum Plugs (0.060") MSD 6A and TFI Blaster Coil
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 09-Jan-03 AT 11:16 AM (EST)]I don't remember see any frame flex or the canopy hitting the cab. But then again I wasn't paying a whole lot of attention to that area, I was more concerned about the Nurf Bars and Rocker Panels on those down hill parts. I was very impressed with Kerry's truck, it handled just about every area of the park with no problems, The only hold back was traction on the steep hill climb exiting the park.
77 F250 Highboy 4X4
"The Money Pit"
"If it wasn't for Chevy's my tools would rust"
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=10344&.jpg
My 98 F250 LD has a shell on it. The bed has hit the cab a couple of times (puts small dents in the cab) but I have never seen that the shell hits the cab.
you guy's have been a great help. now if I can save the money to get a shell before hunting season this year. but then there's a bow, treestand, new rifle..........
JimP
I just bought a camper shell from a guy that had one on a 2000 lariat. paid 500 bucks for it. fits great, even though I had to remount it after the first time because it rattled on the third brake light assembly on some bumps. I don't know what brand it is, looks like the original owner de-badged it.
JimP