Truck camper and pulling a boat

[boshog]

Howdy folks,

I have a question that isn't easy to answer without going out looking. Unfortunately, casual research hasn't found any truck camper dealers (with inventory) anywhere close to me (metro Detroit).

Wife and I are looking for a truck camper to support our two and three-day fishing trips. I have a one-ton pickup (payload is 4,000 pounds) with a 6'7" bed. The truck camper overhang off the rear bumper needs to be short so it does not interfere with pulling our 18-foot boat.

Searching online I can find the overall length but not the length of the bed part of the camper (unless I'm just not understanding the specs). Looking for a little help on this and any recommendations to a truck camper that will allow me to tow the boat.

[Kalabin]

What is the year and options on the camper for 16k? I purchased my first Wolf Creek 850 back in 2012 for 18k brand new. This was before they added a dealer mandatory factory option that includes a buncha common stuff people put on the camper.

Depending on how well it's taken care of and how it is spec'd out it might not be bad. I just paid 22 for a left over 2018 with all options except for thermal pane windows and a generator (already have a yamaha) to give you an idea on pricing.

New 2019 unit's are showing up at lots on the west coast for 26-28 depending on options.

[Grit_dog]

$16k, if you're talking a great condition Wolf Creek doesn't sound like a bad deal.
Although if you're looking for used TCs, in general they're scarce E of the Rockies. Save for select places, mostly dealers like TC Warehouse.
If you want browsing and buying selection, new and used, I'd maybe consider taking a road trip out west. Get out to CO, ID,MT, WA, OR and there are ALOT of TCs to choose from.....if you have the time.

[djg]

By the way there are some newer or brand new 6.8 TC's for sale but I hear that the newer ones are not as well built as the company that came in and took over tried to cut corners but I don't know this for sure just heard that the older ones are the ones to buy, I still have my 10.0 as I bought it back from the insurance company

Dave

[djg]

My 10.0 was wrote off by the insurance a month ago bought it in july 2015 for $30400 cdn. plus tax they gave me $29000 for it, ins. adjuster said they are well built campers and now the dealers are asking for more for them, a 2014 10.0 is going for $22500 usd right now which is $29500 cdn I would google around and see what you can come up with.

Dave

[boshog]

Thanks Dave, I found the listing dealer. Looks like the solution I was looking for.

They are asking 16K for it, is that reasonable number or should it be less?

[djg]

Used camplite by livin lite has a 6.6 floor, they don't produce them no more as the company that took over say they are too expensive to manufacture well built TC though all aluminum frame no wood to rot I have a 10' floor on mine but I know they made the shorter floor that ended at the end of the truck bed therefore no extension, google livin lite 6.8 truck camper for sale 1 in MI might be what you are looking for.

Dave

[Troutguy]

boshog wrote:
I have a 3500 one ton.

I like that Wolf Creek model and, the Grand Rapids RV dealer is listed as a Wolf Creek dealer. Fingers crossed.

Be careful with that dealership........I’ve been there looking at Arctic Fox TCs. I’ve read several complaints regarding their lack of service and not returning calls. Go look at Wolf Creeks there but I wouldn’t recommend buying.....plus you’ll be paying 6 pct. MI sales tax. Look at the inventory at Truck Camper Warehouse in NH, as they have an outstanding reputation with fair pricing and 0 sales tax. My next camper will be purchased from them. Also check out the Arctic Fox/ Wolf Creek Owners Forum on Facebook.

TG

[boshog]

I have a 3500 one ton.

I like that Wolf Creek model and, the Grand Rapids RV dealer is listed as a Wolf Creek dealer. Fingers crossed.

[Grit_dog]

I presume you have a 2500 with air ride? (Not a lot of 3500 shortbeds with air assist)
If it's a 2500, be aware that the air ride IS the limiting factor for loading the bed.
I'd be sure what that is before getting a camper.
If you have a 3500, disregard and get whatever camper you desire.
Don't remember, but there's a guy who hotshots with a 2500 with air and he said it's done around either 3klbs or 4klbs.
Otherwise the rest of the truck will do whatever you're intending. With the 2-1/2" receiver, a simple hitch extension for the boat will suffice.

[Kalabin]

Concerning truck campers look for a north / south cab over with a true Queen Size bed, not a queen short or East / West. I am 6'3 so I feel your pain on these tiny beds. I am in the process of closing on a 2018 Wolf Creek 840 truck camper that I intend to use pulling my Polaris RZR 900 XP-4 on a 14' trailer.

Like other have said get a hitch extension 18"-24" then use two turn buckles and some chains to tighten up the hitch extension so there is no sway.

[boshog]

I really appreciate the time you all took to answer my questions and provide what you are doing, an eye-opener for sure.

I realized an SRW isn't the best choice for a TC but we are not looking for the Taj Mahal, just something to camp out of or boondock in for a few days here and there, we will be on the water most of the day. The biggest issue is I am 6'4", it is always a challenge for me.

My current TV is a 2015 RAM Cummins with the rear air leveling system, it tows our 3790RD Montanna around quite nicely. This year we parked it on a season site, decided to take a break from traveling the country.

I'm not willing to replace the factory Class V receiver but I would use an extension if I can get away with it. The boat's tow weight, equipped, is 4600 pounds with a tongue weight of just over 500 pounds, measured.

Looks like I need to make a trip to the RV dealer that has an inventory of TCs, they are in Grand Rapids Michigan, about a two-hour run. I'll see if I can find something that has a minimal overhang, if not, motels are my backup plan.

[Gripnriprod]

The center of gravity of the camper should be over the rear axle. Too far behind the axle and you will be faced with steering problems. The camper should have the CG marked on it or available from the manufacturer. Hitch extensions derate towing capacity. A lot to consider when adding a camper. Keep asking questions and researching. Best of luck.

[mountainkowboy]

We have a Torklift Super-Hitch and extension, Bilstein shocks, swaybars, and Stableloads....towing is easy when equipped right.

[Grit_dog]

In short, you can't put more than an 8'-9' camper in a short bed truck and you'll need a hitch extension.
18' fishing boat, I'm presuming aluminum and not a lot of tongue weight, so any newer HD truck with an up to about 2' hitch extension will get you where you need to be.