Forum Discussion

jimbow2's avatar
jimbow2
Explorer
Jun 08, 2017

tailgate opening width to narrow

Looking at a different P/U for our Kodiak K-99 camper made in 2001; weight 4000 lbs loaded. Focusing on a gas one ton with 4:10 rear end..and possible dually. Friend let me try his GMC 2007 3500 dually to see if I like the ride..... CAMPER WON'T FIT..... the sides of the tailgate opening is tapered down and becomes less then 59 inches; that I need to fit the last 2 feet of camper completely in the bed. Made stick 59" long and all GM trucks won't let it fit and also dodge ton dually. Dodge single wheel and ford appears to be ok. WHAT'S GOING ON... WHEN DID this BEGAN TO HAPPEN been using 1999 super duty ford.. anybody else experience this Thanks
Truck Campers
  • jmckelvy's avatar
    jmckelvy
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2017
    What Dodge dually did you check?

    I just measured my 06 RAM 3500 dually. It measures 60.5 inches and is straight vertical.
  • jimbow2's avatar
    jimbow2
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2017
    interesting jmckelvy.... It was a 2017..wonder when they changed??
  • discovery4us's avatar
    discovery4us
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2017
    Made me curious so I went and measured. 2004 chevy right at 60.5 inches top and bottom.
  • TxGearhead's avatar
    TxGearhead
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2017
    2016 Ram SRW long bed with factory spray = 60 5/16" top and bottom.
  • DWeikert's avatar
    DWeikert
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2017
    My guess is it was a 2007.5 "new body style" truck. I ran into this with my 2008 when I was looking at a used Northstar 850. Fortunately I checked with Northstar and Rex told me for the 2007.5 and up GM narrowed the tailgate opening and the camper I was looking at would not fit.
  • towpro's avatar
    towpro
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2017
    I think In mid 2015 the ram bed changed. It tapers a little at floor. This was introduced the same time as the holes for bed lights. I can try to measure it tomorrow, but camper is in it.
  • timdan94's avatar
    timdan94
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2017
    You can make it fit by putting 2X's on the floor to raise it above the rounded area
  • TxGearhead's avatar
    TxGearhead
    Explorer II
    Jun 09, 2017
    towpro wrote:
    I think In mid 2015 the ram bed changed. It tapers a little at floor. This was introduced the same time as the holes for bed lights. I can try to measure it tomorrow, but camper is in it.

    I don't have to break out a I.D. micrometer do I? :)
    Mine is the same top & bottom.
  • JimPH's avatar
    JimPH
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2017
    I had a 2012 GMC 3500 with the same problem. My 2007 Lance 1055 would not fit all the way down in the bed in the rear. Solved it by Putting down a rubber mat a 3/4 sheet of plywood and another rubber mat on top. Worked fine for the four years I had the truck.

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