Forum Discussion

martyn8677's avatar
martyn8677
Explorer
Jun 06, 2014

Hypothetical Question

I have an 08 Outfitter Apex 8, made for short bed trucks. I believe the dry weight is 1748 lbs, or in that neighborhood.

If I found myself in a situation that I needed to move this with a long bed one ton truck, is it doable? The camper would have no extra weight in it (water, propane, supplies, etc....). Would it make a difference if it were a one ton dually?

I realize it potentially put the COG behind the optimal placement, but since it is not 4,000 lbs, would it still effect the handling?

Thanks.
Truck Campers
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    I think the "dually" was thrown in because he thought it might help if there was a weight issue and not necessarily because that's his set alternate hauler.
  • mkirsch's avatar
    mkirsch
    Nomad II
    Jun 06, 2014
    Putting a 4000lb camper in a truck with the CG 6" behind the axle takes no more weight off the front wheels of the truck than a 500lb trailer tongue at the back bumper, 48" behind the rear axle.

    There isn't a one of us here that would have a problem hitching up a 500lb tongue trailer to any pickup truck, let alone a 1 ton dually.
  • okan-star's avatar
    okan-star
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    An Outfitter will not clear a dually with just happijac swing outs , you need a few more inches each side , happijac makes a 2" spacer you can add to the swing out and then it will work. Or you can make some yourself
  • Jaxom's avatar
    Jaxom
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    And said chain/turnbuckles might come in contact with the dually fenders.
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    I would think that the front tie-downs would be a little ackward with the long reach. One would probably need to buy some longer chain and use standard turnbuckles.
  • SugarHillCTD's avatar
    SugarHillCTD
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    Other than the jack problem, you would want a 1-1/2 foot spacer in front of the camper to keep it from sliding forward and possibly damaging the back of the truck or the back of the camper.

    Something temporary like 2 or 3- 18" 2x10 laid lengthwise or something more permanent like what Bumpy suggested.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    some one did this and built a neat storage compartment that went at the front of the truck bed.
    bumpy
  • martyn8677's avatar
    martyn8677
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    kohldad wrote:
    No problem at all moving a short bed camper in a long bed truck. The difference in bed length is in front of the wheels so the COG will be in the exact same spot in regards to the rear axle.

    The only issue the dually will make is being able to open up the front jacks wide enough to clear the fenders. Have heard of people forgetting to swing out the front jacks and still clear the fenders but extremely close.


    thanks for the reply. Forgot about the jacks not fitting on a dually. my camper does not have swing outs on it.
  • kohldad's avatar
    kohldad
    Explorer III
    Jun 06, 2014
    No problem at all moving a short bed camper in a long bed truck. The difference in bed length is in front of the wheels so the COG will be in the exact same spot in regards to the rear axle.

    The only issue the dually will make is being able to open up the front jacks wide enough to clear the fenders. Have heard of people forgetting to swing out the front jacks and still clear the fenders but extremely close.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 28, 2025