Hello,

I just purchased a 1977 Ford F150 Trailer Special w/64k original miles.

I am wanting to purchase a camper to put on it, but have never owned a camper and would love to hear some advice from someone who is familiar with them. ANY advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott.

 

I haven't had a pickup slide in camper, but my experience with trailers (pop up and regular) leads me to favor the full trailer because the pop up is a pain in the neck. However, on a pickup slide in they offer a pop roof that cranks up about a foot. That actually sounds very good as the lower profile will not give you as much wind resistance and I would expect would be more stable in cross winds and I would think the pop up mechanism is much easier and simpler than in a full pop up trailer with its slide out beds.

 

Hi,
I am not sure if you are looking for a slide in popup camper or not. But if you are I own a Four Wheel camper for about 3 years now, if you have any questions let me have them. I also have a web site with some limited info on it (www.geocitites.com/joez3/index.html).
Since you have a F150 I think you are going to be limited to a popup type camper if you want to stay below your GVW.
Joe

 

Hi Joe,

You are correct. I went shopping for a camper and was told I was not able to get what I wanted due to the GVW. Now I am looking at a slide in pop up like you have. I will check out your site. I like the popups. I'm going from a Volkswagen Westfalia to a truck and camper. I had hoped I would be getting more room out of the deal, but it doesn't seem like it will be much more. Thanks for the advice.

 

You have one other option. Get a hitch and buy one of these new lightweight trailers. They have 21-foot trailers now that weigh in the low 2000 lb range. A lot easier to disconnect from the truck than the slide in camper, freeing up your truck for beer runs while the wife and kids stay at campsite cooking dinner. Then you can use the pickup bed for bicycles and if you have a cap, the wind resistance may not be so bad as I have it with only a tonneau cover.

 

Scott;

I have an '88 F-250 with a 9' Fleetwood Angler camper. This is their "low end unit", but it is lighter and less expensive than most other similar sized campers.

Your vehicle should have some information about the maximum weight and center of gravity for a camper. With a 150, unless it has some upgraded springs, sway bars, etc. will probably have a maximum weight of 2000# or less, probably less.

Based on what mine acts like with a camper that is 100# under maximum capacity, I certainly would try to stay under that maximum. I have installed aftermarket "air springs" and sway bars to improve the driveability, but you still need to drive cautiously, leave a lot of space between you and the vehicles in front of you, watch your overhang and pay attention so you don't get into curves too fast.

For what it's worth, unless the weight and size ( 4-wheeling with a camper?) are a major issue I would opt for the hard side, for more storage space, less heat loss, less moisture, less problems with leaks, it's quieter, better isolation from animals, etc.

For me, a 9' works great with my significant other and one 14 yr old, with more people, I would recommend it for sleeping and eating only, 3 people in it all weekend when it's raining will feel crowded.

Depending on how long you plan to stay out, what time of year you use it, your climate, the size of your wallet and your habits, an extra battery, larger or an extra portable holding tank, larger propane capacity or an extra tank, and a small (1000 watt) generator may be good options.

For me, 20# of propane will last at least 5 days in spring and fall, longer in summer, a 14 gallon gray tank lasts 3-4 days, 12 gallon black tank about the same, 30 gallons of fresh water lasts 4-5 days.

Good luck, Paul

 

Hello everyone! I need a little help in deciding which truck to buy. I recently bought a slide in cabover camper from a friend, used. I brought it home in a 77 F100 and this trucks suspension was not up the load. The unit I bought weighs about 1590 lbs. I was wondering if the new F150 would handle this load. The dealership where I usually buy, says that it will. I need to get some input from some of you out there that might have some experience in this matter. If the F150 can't do the job then I will look at other options, but am not prepared to pay $30,000+ for an F250.

 

Seems borderline to a tad heavy for a basic F150, but you probably could order with heavy duty springs and towing package and may pull it off. The dealer has data on exactly how much the truck with each spring package can carry. Just remember to figure in the weight of your gear and of you and your family or whoever goes camping with you. You probably want a few hundred pounds more capacity than you need just so you are not pushing the limit. And, get the more powerful engine option. Have you considered a used late model F250? You would certainly have the carrying capacity--and a better looking truck (IMHO).

 

Carver, an F250 doesn't cost all that much more than the F150. If you consider that you will end up paying more for the F150 by having it equiped for heavy loads. The F250 in minimal configuration will still have the F150 beat in load carrying capability and have better brakes and transmission. And like TallPaul said, you'll have a better looking truck! Buying used late model is good too.

Here's a link to Ford's website where you can compare the prices of trucks as you want them equipped. As you 'build' your truck, it talleys the price of each option you add.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/showroom/

 

 

Those were the days!