I've got a 1999 f250 super duty 7.3 diesel short bed extended cab pickup. I am looking for a cabover camper, my bed is 6'6" and with the tail gate down its 8'6" and have found this camper for sale locally; 1999 Fleetwood, Elk Horn 9Tthe guy says it weighs 2300 lbs wetI would like opinions about the compatibility of the two, is the camper just too long, too heavy or any other potential problems?

Most TCs require removal of the tailgate. Even if you can leave the tailgate down, it really cannot support much weight and rocks will beat it up pretty quick.Your primary concern is the Center of Gravity (COG). Very bad idea if it is behind the rear axle. Easy to tell. With no TC, measure from the front wheel wells to the ground. Do the same in the rear. Load the TC and remeasure. The front and rear both should measure less. If the front is the same or more, the COG is behind the axle. Not good, the steering will be bad. I really question the COG being acceptable with a short box and a 8-foot plus long TC, unless the TC is designed for a short bed.Wayne

I've got a 1999 f250 super duty 7.3 diesel short bed extended cab pickup. I am looking for a cabover camper, my bed is 6'6" and with the tail gate down its 8'6" and have found this camper for sale locally; 1999 Fleetwood, Elk Horn 9T the guy says it weighs 2300 lbs wet I would like opinions about the compatibility of the two, is the camper just too long, too heavy or any other potential problems? Being a previous Elkhorn owner (2000 10V) the weights you were cited are probably low. Mine was minimum of 3000 pounds and upwards of nearly 4000 when fully loaded. Also, check for water leaks as the Fleetwood campers were notorious for leaking especially in the rear just under the roof. Run, don't walk, from this camper if it has had a leak. You did not share any prices but I would guess if it is in perfect shape that it could bring $2500-3500. More than that and I would walk. I had mine on a Ram 3500 dually and it still needed air bags and overload spring bumpers to adequately carry the camper.

That 2300 lb. Wet weight is a huge stretch. Probably dry weight with no options. My camper in sig is similar camper and weighs 2800 lbs dry with ac, micro and electric jacks. That long bed camper advice Reddog gave is good. I would keep looking and pass on that one. Good luck to you!

I bought my 11.5 Fleetwood with F250 short bed, but it was flatbed with 7-6" bed.When the bed extension is easy doable, I multiply the weight and weight distribution concerns. The first stop I made after picking up my Fleetwood was the scales.The 3800 lb rated camper tipped scales at 4200 lb winterized and even I bought HD tires for the trip, the rear overload was pretty scary. If the seller agrees, load the camper and head to scales.Per my experience F250 even with long bed can handle camper with no tanks. Once you get one with bathroom, you better start with dually.

Ok, I pretty much figured this might be a pretty big load. I have seen a few 8'6" campers with tail lights and with no tail lights. I have been told the campers 8'6" with tail lights are good for short beds, I am thinking for the ones with out tail lights, the lights could be added. The only reason I haven't just went for a camper designed for short bed, is that they are in short supply and lot more expensive, now I am not trying to "cheap out" but trying to be reasonable. So with your experience, can I go with a 8.6" camper w/wo tail lights, and just important what would be a good camper to look for, brand model etc.

Fleetwood, Elk Horn 9T Short bed truck? | Good Sam Community

22 Replies

jmtandem
Explorer II
Sep 18, 2015
I've got a 1999 f250 super duty 7.3 diesel short bed extended cab pickup. I am looking for a cabover camper, my bed is 6'6" and with the tail gate down its 8'6" and have found this camper for sale locally;
1999 Fleetwood, Elk Horn 9T
the guy says it weighs 2300 lbs wet

I would like opinions about the compatibility of the two, is the camper just too long, too heavy or any other potential problems?

Being a previous Elkhorn owner (2000 10V) the weights you were cited are probably low. Mine was minimum of 3000 pounds and upwards of nearly 4000 when fully loaded. Also, check for water leaks as the Fleetwood campers were notorious for leaking especially in the rear just under the roof. Run, don't walk, from this camper if it has had a leak. You did not share any prices but I would guess if it is in perfect shape that it could bring $2500-3500. More than that and I would walk. I had mine on a Ram 3500 dually and it still needed air bags and overload spring bumpers to adequately carry the camper.
Reddog1
Explorer II
Sep 18, 2015
Most TCs require removal of the tailgate. Even if you can leave the tailgate down, it really cannot support much weight and rocks will beat it up pretty quick.

Your primary concern is the Center of Gravity (COG). Very bad idea if it is behind the rear axle. Easy to tell. With no TC, measure from the front wheel wells to the ground. Do the same in the rear. Load the TC and remeasure. The front and rear both should measure less. If the front is the same or more, the COG is behind the axle. Not good, the steering will be bad.

I really question the COG being acceptable with a short box and a 8-foot plus long TC, unless the TC is designed for a short bed.

Wayne

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Fleetwood, Elk Horn 9T Short bed truck?

22 Replies

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