Help. Will This Work?

romore wrote:
It will fit but you won't like the way it handles especially in a wind. The center of gravity will be too far aft making the steering too light.

Deeper yet, swapping boots for waders now....give me a minute.

Umm, and you know this how?
First LL didn't post the C of G. Found a review that put it at 33" back. Still in front of a std bed center of axle of any brand truck.
So unlikely it will unload the front axle AT ALL.
Second, it's shorter (height) and lighter than many "short bed capable" TC's and after lotsa miles with a taller, much heavier short bed compatible camper in virtually every road and weather condition, I can just say either learn how to drive a truck, or take a sedan and get a motel. That'll handle the wind better.

Last, seen some pics of a LL 8.6 on a standard bed (not that it makes it unequivocally the "right" thing to do), but what are the chances that a new(er) camper cant hang off the back of the bed by 2ft and support it's own weight? Guessing at this one, but its highly unlikely. Especially with a non slide simple camper.
To that point, if it's really worrisome to the owner, leave the tailgate on the truck for a bit of extra "support". Voila, 8ft truck bed just by dropping the tailgate!

(And yes, have packed the white whale Arctic Fox around with the tailgate on the truck. Neither me, the truck nor the camper is worse for the wear with or without the tailgate.)

Kayteg1 wrote:
What's the point of buying short bed truck for putting camper on it?
Buy long bed and avoid all monkey around,.

And the bullchit is getting deeper with each post...
I'll answer your question with a question.
What's the point of buying a long bed truck if a standard bed truck is what you want (for whatever reason), or need (maybe for maneuverability, length of garage, or lack of "need" for a long bed except occasionally when hauling a TC and the other 350 days a year it's a daily driver)?

Especially if it will haul the camper you're considering without issue?

AnEv942 wrote:
Pretty sure 8.6 was designed for long bed truck.
No longer in production. some reviews/info truckcamper magazine
https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/tag/camplite/

Specifically TCM reviews a CampLite 8.6 hard side, truck camper designed for long bed trucks.

That article doesn't say it was designed for a long bed, although it was pictured on a shiny log bed Ram dooley.

ppine wrote:
Ask the manufacturer to be sure.
If you are buying a truck to fit your TC, then go with an 8 foot box. Much less leverage on your rear axle.
If you don't have an 8 foot box your are getting only part of a truck.

Weird, I got a whole truck with every standard box truck I've bought or driven. If you got cheated, should pick a new dealer, lol.

If you are not sure if this used camper will fit a long or a short bed, I recommend you do some more research before arriving at a decision. I am not sure why you picked Travel Lite. They did not build many truck campers and went out of business.

I would guess you are attracted by the all aluminum construction. If so I would still be cautious and do more research. The construction may not have been well engineered, well made or durable. I have no facts but I would be concerned.

What's the point of buying short bed truck for putting camper on it?
Buy long bed and avoid all monkey around,.

It will fit but you won't like the way it handles especially in a wind. The center of gravity will be too far aft making the steering too light.

Pretty sure 8.6 was designed for long bed truck.
No longer in production. some reviews/info truckcamper magazine
https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/tag/camplite/

Specifically TCM reviews a CampLite 8.6 hard side, truck camper designed for long bed trucks.

Ask the manufacturer to be sure.
If you are buying a truck to fit your TC, then go with an 8 foot box. Much less leverage on your rear axle.
If you don't have an 8 foot box your are getting only part of a truck.