Forum Discussion

MT_Camper's avatar
MT_Camper
Explorer
Mar 18, 2018

Camper fit concerns on a 2017 Ford f 250

I understand Ford in 2017 raised thier bed rails and cab heights making some campers 2016 and older have problems fitting. Can anyone tell me if my 2011 Lance 855 will fit my 2017 f250 short bed without modifications? I have done the measurements and have 2 inch clearance above the bed rails and. 2 1/2 inches above the cab is this enough clearance? Do I need to be looking anywhere else for fit problems?

MT Camper
  • You can always put a 3/4" plywood and a rubber mat in the bed under the camper. But I would measure first anyway.
  • Two inch clearance should be sufficient. Consider a tie down system that is bolted to the frame. They cost a little more but will give you peace of mind.
  • I have Lance 1161 and had to shim it about 3" to clear the rails on my 2017 Ford.
    I just went to measure my Lance.
    Camper sides are at 20" height and truck rails show 21", but you can expect camper sides to sag a bit, so calculate 2" extra clearance.
  • I have a 2016 F250 carrying a Northstar Freedom. I have a 3/4" mat and a 2" frame under the camper which gives me about 3" -4" clearance over my cab. Highway seams,dirt roads,etc can cause some forward /backward rocking. I would be very concerned about the survival of my cab marker lights with any less clearance.
  • When I picked up my Lance 820 for my 2016 shortbed F250, the previous owner gave me a sheet of 3/4" plywood. It was not enough to prevent rubbing on the cab for a bit.

    The rubbing was not significant, but still annoying.

    I built a platform out of 2x4 with 5/8" plywood on top, 2 by 4s laid on the 4 inch side. That gives enough clearance.

    You will have to do the same thing, more than likely. It's not very hard. The 2017 trucks are even taller than the 2016s.