Forum Discussion

LSXGMC's avatar
LSXGMC
Explorer
Aug 01, 2017

Have fiberglass shells changed over time?

I've seen mention of older model truck campers not fitting newer style pickups (too wide or too low?), though I really have no idea which era of campers this would be. Or for that matter, if the fiberglass campers like Northern Lite, Bigfoot, Kodiak were at any point too wide to fit current pickups. So that I my question here, would the late 80's/early 90's fiberglass campers fit in a 2011 GMC 3500 (long box)?

After several years of keeping my eyes open for a good deal on a one ton truck, I finally found it. So now I turn my attention to watching for a good deal on the right camper, which I have a feeling is going to be tough to find what I want. Most importantly I'd like to stay under 2800 pounds dry and under 10' long, have a bathroom with shower and a dinette bed long enough to fit somebody 5'8". Tall task, but it looks like the fiberglass campers fit the bill. I was tempted by a 2004 Bigfoot 15c9.5fs, but it sold quicker than I was able to get a chance to look at it. In doing further research, I've noticed a significant price difference on the Canadian market between the early to mid-90's Bigfoots versus the 2000+ up models.
Truck Campers
  • Lancey's avatar
    Lancey
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2017
    My friend tried to borrow my 1999 Kodiak k99 with his 2012 GMC, and the box opening was too narrow, I also sold my 1995 northern lite to a fellow with a 2008 Chevy that encountered the same problem.

    I also noticed that the bottom of the camper near the back does this \__/ a little, so when you measure, if your tight for room at the bottom, make sure it doesn't flair up near the top and get wedged near the top of the bed rails.
  • Reddog1's avatar
    Reddog1
    Explorer II
    Aug 06, 2017
    You are welcome. I am very confident my information is correct, but suggest you verify if you can.

    Wayne
  • LSXGMC's avatar
    LSXGMC
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2017
    Thanks for the in depth info, Wayne. That certainly helps narrow things down as to what to watch out for. It's nice knowing, because lately it has been like pulling teeth trying to get information out of sellers.
  • Rubiranch's avatar
    Rubiranch
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2017
    I had to put 2x12's inside the bed for my camper to clear the bedrails.

    Like mentioned before bed width at the tailgte opening is a bigger concern.

    The first camper I almost bought, a '96 Lance wouldn't fit through the bed opening of my 2011 Chevy but a '96 Skyline WeekEnder did.
  • Reddog1's avatar
    Reddog1
    Explorer II
    Aug 05, 2017
    I have a 1988 Bigfoot 11.5C, manufactured Mar 31, 1988 per decal. I am the second owner. It is on my 2004 Dodge Quad Cab Long bed 3500. My Bigfoot has about 2" of clearance on each side at the tailgate opening.

    In about Jan '02, Bigfoot Industries (Armstrong, BC Canada) told Gerry Chilibeck, Bigfoots manufactured in 1988.5 and older were for beds designed to fit tailgates that were 65" wide at the tailgate.

    My TC is pre 1988.5. I am of the belief 1988 was the year of the change, resulting in some Bigfoot TCs being from the wide molds and some the narrow molds. I suggest anyone purchasing a 1988 Bigfoot to measure before buying.

    I really had no problem with the Bigfoot clearing the cab. I have 5th wheel rails in the bed, and use 2 layers of 3/4" horse mats to clear the rails. That gives me about 4" clearence above the cab.

    Gerry had a wide Bigfoot, and had a fiberglass shop narrow it to fit the newer beds. I have the write up on the process.

    The answer "So that I my question here, would the late 80's/early 90's fiberglass campers fit in a 2011 GMC 3500 (long box)?" is 1987 Bigfoot no, 1988 Bigfoot maybe, and 1989 Bigfoot yes.

    Wayne
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Aug 04, 2017
    The width problem was reported on Dodge.
    My 2017 F350 has high rails, so beside factory mat I have to add about 1" of shims under.
    Than Lance at 7-6 length has side boxes that leave me 1" clearance on the sides of tailgate opening. That is fine with me. I made 3/4" hardwood guides there and with front blocks that makes perfect camper fit.
    I mean 1/4" off is consider perfect?
  • LSXGMC's avatar
    LSXGMC
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2017
    jimh425 wrote:
    It's not just fiberglass shells that could be a potential issue, btw. People have reported issues with other types as well. I expect you need to measure to make sure no matter what TC you plan to get or Truck.


    I'm aware of that as well, I'm just particularly looking for a fiberglass unit.
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Aug 04, 2017
    It's not just fiberglass shells that could be a potential issue, btw. People have reported issues with other types as well. I expect you need to measure to make sure no matter what TC you plan to get or Truck.
  • LSXGMC's avatar
    LSXGMC
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2017
    That makes sense, with more searching I found one mention of Bigfoot changing for narrower tailgate openings in 1989 and another mention of it being 1991. So I suppose watching the market for mid-90's and up would make sense.
  • DWeikert's avatar
    DWeikert
    Explorer II
    Aug 01, 2017
    IMHO you biggest concern is going to be the width of the tailgate opening. Cab and side wall clearance can be handled simply by putting something under the camper in the bed. For the 2008 body update GM narrowed the endgate opening to 59". If the camper is tub wider it won't fit. If you find a camper you're interested in but can't physically make measurements, check with the manufacturer to see if they know of any fitment issues with that year/model and your truck. An email to Northstar saved me from buying a 2006 850sc that would not have fit on my truck.

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