Nose Sleeper Trailer and SUV/Truck with shell

Ok sorry about the pics I could not get them to link. I had to do some url links instead. Again whatever you can suggest or comment on greatly appreciated.

AJ

Torklift makes extensions for truck campers that should work for you. Up to 24" allows for 1400 lb TW and 14K lb GTW (28-48" extensions allow for 1200/12k). You will need the double receiver SuperHitch and double extension SuperTruss to get these ratings which will run you about $1k in parts.

These extensions all have too much sloop for me and reduces the
leverage of any WD Hitch system


if me...toss the pickup bed for a flatbed with side slats just short
of where it would interfer when turning

Looking at the pics, I agree that a sharp turn and a truck shell would hit the trailer over-hang. This concept is not new however, they've just lowered the "cab over". In 1963 they were called "over hangs". Look at my profile (left), you'll see what I mean. Back then, they were much higher and did not interfere. The tow vehicle had plenty of room to navigate under the "overhang". With a shell on a pick-up truck and today's version, I think it's a nightmare in the works!

Pretty sure that's a no-go. Look at the spring bar brackets. In a tight turn those will still not even as far back as your bumper will end up.

As far as hitch extensions... that's also a no-go in the Excursion since you can't swap receivers.

Torklift makes the 20k lb SuperHitch for the 1999-2005 Excursion, PN: F1006

http://www.torklift.com/index.php/products/towing/superhitch-receiver-hitches/superhitch-original-20k#appguide

Search for that part number and you should find it for under $600.

I'm struggling to figure out what the advantage of this setup is. Regular TT or bumper pull toy hauler would give you a roomier bedroom area up front and more flexible storage and provide no issues with hitting the bed or cab. A fifth wheel would also be roomier and offer more storage, but also give you the fifth wheel benefits - better towing and shorter overall rig. This thing seems to give you the disadvantages of a fifth wheel without the advantages, while simultaneously not giving you the advantages of a comparable bumper pull TT/TH. It seems like lose-lose but maybe I'm overlooking something.

It gives more interior space in less length if you have a open pickup, but I don't see that advantage if you have to run an extension. If the rest of the layout works well for the OP, it may be worth the effort to make it work with the Excursion.

I think my bumper pull Weekend Warrior FB2200 with almost 16' of cargo space was one of most compact toy haulers with the biggest capacities.

Thanks for the info on the torklift. I called them and with using their super hitch, with their super truss extsenion and any rate WD hitch I can maintain Towing 12000 and TW 1200 up to 48" from the Excursion. Now I dont imagine I need to go out that far. They offer 21", 24", 28" and so on extensions. Bottom line is I want to tow with my Excursion. Its a super comfortable towing machine and I can bring kids and each can bring a friend. I do also have an F350 but its a not as friendly traveler with kids along for the ride.

So I am not too much concerned with the overall length while towing with adding an extension. I want the smaller footprint for the smaller campsites I like to go to and for storage as I dont have parking at my home. As you know the longer it is the more you pay. Once I park it the extension and everything else is removed I am back to 28' overall length. Also if backing it in is tough (my Mount Rainier nightmare) with the extension I have front hitch on the excursion I could throw in and drive it right in. We dont have traditional "toys" mountain bikes, kayaks all super-light stuff and I hate putting my kayaks on the roof of the X.

Anything else with somewhat comparable arrangement in toyhaulers is about 3' to 4' longer overall length. When I say comparable I mean, double queens in the back, a bed up front (yes I know this one is not as comfortable because its not a walk around but I am still limber enough to crawl up there), and facing couches or couch/chair combo.

So call me crazy but I love the floorplan. I would say if your over 6'1 sleeping up front is a no-go. If your spouse is also over 6' a no-go unless you throw the kids up there but for me at 5'10" I can sleep all the way to the front of the cab full extended with some inches to spare.

Forklift support is excellent and can answer more questions than me. If you need real life questions or long term perspectives feel free to ask me. Your Excursion uses the same axle but softer springs than my F250. You may need some help in the back and StableLoads from the same company may be a better option than bags.