Forum Discussion

JGug1's avatar
JGug1
Explorer
Apr 13, 2019

8' Jayco J

I'm brand new to the forum.

My issue is with length of bed. I was treated very kindly by a guy who lives not far from my house. He sold me his F250 with an 8' bed and a Jayco J pop up camper on it for a very gentle price. The only problem is that the truck, a 1988, though having exceedingly low mileage (90K), is 2X4. I go to Colorado in all seasons and like off road camping. I really want a 4X4 but am having a lot of trouble finding an 8' bed truck. I don't want to buy new. I have done a bit of research and it appears that center of gravity is not an issue on a 6' bed (or perhaps any bed). I'd just have to put the tail gate down instead of carrying it up.
I'd like to see that thoughts of people here.
By the way, is there a way to post a picture on here.
J
Truck Campers

8 Replies

  • kohldad's avatar
    kohldad
    Explorer III
    Apr 14, 2019
    If the truck was well cared for, I probably would just convert the truck to 4wd. With it being a Ford though, not sure how much work it is to change out the front axle, swap transmission for a transmission/crankcase unit and then install the shift linkage. All the parts should be able from junkyards for under $1k. Of course, I'm mechanically capable so would do the work myself but may not be justifiable for to pay someone to do it.

    You could also search a larger area like Texas or Oklahoma as they tent to work their trucks more which means more of them will be long beds. Also, search only for 1-ton trucks as they are almost exclusively long bedss.
  • JGug1's avatar
    JGug1
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2019
    Craigs, FB market place, Car Gurus......Very few 8' beds listed. While you are probably right about them not being rare, they seem to be less common than 6' beds and even WAY less than 5.5' beds. I had a perfectly good 2007 4X4 F150. I could not find a used slide in that would work with a 5.5' bed. Or at least that was my perception. If I had owned this slide in, it would have stuck out over the tail gate by at least 6". I really don't want that. I can live with camper being on tail gate. I can get an extension if I choose to tow. I really do appreciate the comments.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Apr 13, 2019
    burningman wrote:
    Chains are a pain...
    I find it very unusual that you can’t find long bed four wheel drive trucks. They aren’t rare.


    I cannot either. Problem is most of the older ones like you and I have can have cancer issues.

    Mine don't because it sleeps in the winter but most don't.
  • burningman's avatar
    burningman
    Explorer II
    Apr 13, 2019
    Chains are a pain...
    I find it very unusual that you can’t find long bed four wheel drive trucks. They aren’t rare.
  • JGug1's avatar
    JGug1
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2019
    I'm looking at trucks back to about 1995. Yes, Car Gurus and Craigs and Facebook marketplace.
    I'd consider a truck from the late '80's on. The F250 I have is an '88 and I'm pretty comfortable with it except for its bench seat and 2 X 4. I'd probably prefer something a little newer.

    Here's the rig: http://photoposting.is-great.net/?i=3

    and thank you for the tip.
    J
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Apr 13, 2019
    I don’t think you’ll have any issues with a short be on a newer pickup, but if you are talking about old pickups, it would be good to have more information.

    What year range pickup with what options have you looked at? Have you looked at CarGuru, Autotrader, and Ebay?
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Nomad
    Apr 13, 2019
    Why wouldn’t a 4x2 with chains available get you most places easily? I off road but I’m careful.
  • wanderingaimles's avatar
    wanderingaimles
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2019
    Try this for photo posting
    Link

    If you go to a short bed and leave the tailgate down, remember that you will need an extension if you wish to tow.

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