5.5 Foot Bed Options/Who's running one?

Well, if you check into it, that Lance 650 really is designed, successfully, to fit the dimensions and payload of the F-150 shorty, the one with the ashtray where a truck bed would be on a real pickup.
Now, no one is saying life-size people fit into that Lance or any other camper one of those "trucks" will carry, or that you will have enough water onboard to actually use the shower it has. But the thing will actually go on the F-150 Rear Glovebox Edition.

According to the Lance website, the 650 weighs 1900 lbs wet. What is the payload of the F-150 shorty? I couldn't find it on the Ford website.

mkirsch wrote:
Hardside with bathroom is impossible to do and stay within payload on a half ton truck. Your only option is to completely ignore any ratings, add a few suspension enhancements, maybe upgrade the tires, and hit the road.

Well, if you check into it, that Lance 650 really is designed, successfully, to fit the dimensions and payload of the F-150 shorty, the one with the ashtray where a truck bed would be on a real pickup.
Now, no one is saying life-size people fit into that Lance or any other camper one of those "trucks" will carry, or that you will have enough water onboard to actually use the shower it has. But the thing will actually go on the F-150 Rear Glovebox Edition.

"Care to share any more details about your 4 wheel camper? Do you mean a travel trailer?"


Here is a link to Four Wheel Campers:
http://www.fourwh.com

They build lightweight slide in pop up truck campers designed to survive backcountry off road use. They are not inexpensive and command high resale value. I have owned two since 1983 and would highly recommend them.

My current Hawk model weights 1340 pounds dry and I still wouldn't consider anything less than a 3/4 ton truck.

On the GM trucks the exterior dimensions are just about identical between the 1/2 and 3/4 (no 5 1/2 bed available on the HD). Break over angles better on the HD due to suspension and taller tires.

Hardside with bathroom is impossible to do and stay within payload on a half ton truck. Your only option is to completely ignore any ratings, add a few suspension enhancements, maybe upgrade the tires, and hit the road.

Heck, even Ford is saying it's okay to overload their F150 trucks with hard side truck campers: https://www.livinlite.com/ford/ford-truckcampers.htm

If you've got a manufacturer saying it's okay, then why bother worrying and preaching doom and gloom?

...and yes, I'm aware I carry a 1600lb popup in a 1 ton dually. Not because I think I need a dually for that size camper, but because I use the dually for other purposes that are nunya bizness.

I think a shell like a Four Wheel Camper makes will be fine. Otherwise, buy a different truck.

But, the best thing to do is go shop for camper in person. Decide what camper you want "then" buy the truck or decide "not" to buy a camper at all.

Buying a 5.5 foot half ton with the intention of hauling a camper is beyond my comprehension too.
However, according to the sales numbers, that's about the most popular truck these days.
I'm assuming that's because most people are really buying them for "car" duty. Buying one intentionally to carry a camper I can only assume means the camper-hauling ability is the absolute least important factor in the decision. If that's not the case, I will argue it's the wrong decision.
But.... if that's what this fellow wants to own, all we can do is try to help him figure out what is gonna work with it.
That Lance 650 will actually fit and is designed to stay within rated payload and center of gravity.
They did a lot of things to lighten it: thinner cabinets, an on-demand water heater, stove delete, plastic rather than fiberglass shower, and the roof is thinner (and NOT designed to be walked on!!).
It really will work... but man, its TINY!!

I agree, an off road optioned pop up or an rpod type camper with a lift, pintle hitch and some big tires would be preferable with most any half ton.
But since you need a truck anyway, an ext cab short box 3/4ton will fit anywhere a crew cab 5.5' bed half ton will. Likely more places as the 2 solid front axle mfgs will have ALOT more ground clearance and the ability to go to 35" tires with few to no more to the truck.

shellbackcva59 wrote:

ct1500 wrote:
Thanks for the reply. I see your point. I'd like to think I'm smart enough to not trust a dealer, which is why I'm working on doing my due diligence now.

I sold my last truck, so at the moment I don't have a specific payload number. I'd really prefer to stay with in the half-ton segment, so I'm trying to figure out if I can manage to find an appropriately matched hard sided camper. I need the flexibility of being able to go off road, so a trailer is not as well suited to me.

I am in the same situation as you, except a 6.5 bed on a 1/2 ton. Presently have a Travel Lite 770SL. Supposed to weigh 1330, and on the scale it goes 1700, without being loaded for a trip. I'm now it the process of rebuilding an old 4 Wheel camper to suit my needs. There are very few truck campers that will be compatible with a 1/2 ton. 4 Wheel, and ATC are a couple I know of. Personally I think it's almost criminal for these truck camper manufacturers to advertise some of their rigs for 1/2 ton trucks.

Agreed. At first glance before I looked into the details, it seemed like it was going to be possible to find a good truck/camper match. Now, it looks like they're just false advertising.

Care to share any more details about your 4 wheel camper? Do you mean a travel trailer?

I'm almost starting to think that a travel trailer might just be an easier solution if I want to stay with a half ton.

wcjeep wrote:
Is there a reason a 3/4 is not preferred for Offroad use? Better frame, suspension, axles and brakes.


Have you checked Alaskan campers? Would work great on a 3/4 ton truck.

Only reason I was not considering a 3/4 ton was because of the less favorable break-over angles, and larger overall footprint (width, etc.) Although, the benefits may outweigh the downsides.

I'll check out Alaskan campers, thanks.

wcjeep wrote:
Is there a reason a 3/4 is not preferred for Offroad use? Better frame, suspension, axles and brakes.

No reason at all. And Alaskan is a great camper - if you don't mind the fact that it's open to the elements when putting the top up or down.