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AlexG's avatar
AlexG
Explorer
Jul 20, 2020

95 Kodiak Truck Camper and 6.75” bed

Hi, I’m considering buying a 9.5ft ‘95 Kodiak Truck camper and putting on a 2018 Ford F250 with a 6.75ft bed. I’ve been told it will be Ok, but I want to make sure the centre of gravity won’t be too far back. Does anyone know if the camper is designed for short bed trucks? Thanks! Alex
  • When I weighed my k99 loaded ready to camp on my f350 srw, I was at 12, 000 lbs.

    I have never seen a short box specific Kodiak, just shorter nose ones with east west beds.

    They are well built campers, but anything but light. The guy who I sold it to put it on a short box f250 that had a custom flat deck on it that was 8ft long...I wouldn't be worried about supporting the back part of the camper, they will handle it, you can also leave the tail gate on for a bit of extra support. I can't speak to how the handling will feel.

    Good luck!
  • AlexG wrote:
    Thanks for your thoughts. The weight is well within the capabilities of the truck, ..

    Is this what salesman told you, or you did actual calculation?
    I will bet $100 your rear axle will be over its rating with loaded camper.
  • Not sure about COG sticker. I’ll ask the seller.
  • I have not seen many campers longer than 9' on short bed trucks. I think anything longer will start noticeably unloading front axle weight and affect your handling.
  • Thanks for your thoughts. The weight is well within the capabilities of the truck, I’m just wondering about the overhang and balance. The guy selling me the camper said he’s been told it works on a short bed, but I’m hoping to find something more definitive (ie. recommendations from the manufacturer). Unfortunately I can’t find anything online. If you have any first hand knowledge please let me know. Thank you!
  • From what I remember short bed and long bed don't have big difference in distance from rear of the cabin to axle, so unless you plan to load camper heavy, it should not make crucial difference.
    Still some of 9.5ft campers can be heavy so might need suspension upgrade no matter short or long bed.
    You should start with finding camper actual weight.
  • 8.6 foot TC on shortbed..Yes...9.6 foot TC on shortbed..?..I'm sure it will work but never seen it so I can't really say..
  • I no expert but having 2 3/4 feet hanging out the back doesn't sound like a good idea.