Suggestion For Lightweight

Be aware that it is not just a "strong possibility" that you will be excessively overweight, it is a GUARANTEE.

Even a mere 750lbs of weight in a typical Dodge Dakota will put it over its weight ratings.

750lbs is about as light as you are going to find in a camper, and that's BEFORE you put anything in it. No food, no clothes, no propane, no toys, no books, no sports gear.

You will need to modify the suspension and replace the tires on your truck if you want to safely and comfortably haul any camper at all. So, add that amount into whatever budget you are looking at.

I'm not saying don't do it, because it's your choice, but you need to look beyond the low-information, pollyanna responses that are telling you what you want to hear, or you will be sorely disappointed with what you end up with.

If you want a hard side camper take a look at the Panther Camper. They are made in Washington.

Thanks for the responses and PM's, I appreciate them.

I ran a Northstar popup on both my '88 and '96 Dakotas. The '88 had a regular cab and an 8' bed and handled it great. The '96 had the stretch cab, resulting in a 6 1/2' bed - needed Airlift springs on that but with those it did fine. Both of my trucks had the V6 engine. ST

If you don't mind used, maybe look for an old Palomino Bronco Mini L. That's what we just got. They are made for small trucks, listed dry weight is only 740#

Might be hard to find (they stopped making them in the early 90s) but would probably work on her truck and be cheaper than a FWC

I would think an F150 / half ton truck would be really pushing it, even for one of the lightweight ones like the Bronco, but a Dakota?

They have a version of the Palomino Bronco 800 for Dakotas.
What is the laod rating?

I have been kind of intrigued by the IPod lately? Yeah not a camper but should be easier to load and move around with.

Four Wheel Camper or All Terrain Camper

My father in law had a slumber queen import on his 97 Dakota sport. He had an extra leaf added to the rear leaf springs and went to LT tires.