Truck Camper with out wings.

[buddyIam]

I am getting closer to full retirement. I am considering a 84 inch Cab and Chassis truck with a utility bed.

Do any of you know of a camper that would clear the wheel wells of such a truck. The rear most part of the wheel wheels would be apx. 8'6". So I need a camper with a 4 foot lower width up to that point.

I am not concerned about the small 6" wings that stick outside the main 4 foot wide body. I believe they would clear the Wheel wells and a modified utility body could be built to accommodate those.

I am not convinced about this setup so opinions would be welcome. Two main reasons are that a 3500 gvwr can be reached very quickly with a large camper and while towing. Also I like the 72 gallon fuel capacity.

[Artum_Snowbird]

If you can find a Snowriver 8'10 with a slide they don't have wings. Loads of interior space and solid construction.

Do a google search and check it out.

[Bedlam]

The organized storage of a utility bed was tempting, but the cost was out of my reach. I also questioned whether I would end up with configuration that fit only one camper without modifications when the next one came around. I'm even holding off on side storage top boxes so I don't have to buy them twice. I was tempted to put my battery banks under the wings, but that would be too easy.

[bka0721]

Bedlam wrote:
Brian, I think we're sending the same message. You just cleared up my muddied one.

Figured so. We are usually tag teaming when we get this topic once a month, here. Most would be better served the Flatbed route, IMHO.

Keep your head down.

b

[Bedlam]

Brian, I think we're sending the same message. You just cleared up my muddied one.

[bka0721]

Bedlam wrote:
You really need to look at the Ford F550 or Ram 5500 to get the payload you need while hitched up heavy.

bedlam is totally correct here. While some do put a hard side camper and utility bed on a 1 ton truck, it is not going to be something that is entirely comfortable or within tolerable safety margins. Without some considerable upgrades. Even before you even think of towing something behind it. But most important to me? Stopping.

Bedlam wrote:
1. I'm running a 60" cab to axle flatbed. Unless you plan to add storage between the camper and truck, you will have a lot of unused space that is hard to access with a utility bed. Ford allows space for dual tanks in it's shorter chassis cab, but Ram requires the longer wheelbase to fit dual tanks.

2. Most of the flatbeds and utility beds are 8' wide. Unless you get to the largest truck campers (which are 8.5' wide), most campers are also 8' wide. I would guess that you could have the wings trimmed flush with the rear camper storage boxes.

3. Many utility beds are too narrow internally for the "mini wings" that allow the floor to be wider over the wheel wells (like my current Arctic Fox). The largest truck campers start the floor above the bed rails and typically do not have the mini wings. Utility beds come in different heights - Unless you choose the low profile model, the widest part of the camper will rest on the sides instead of the floor. You will need decide if you go with a low profile bed or use a platform to raise the camper higher up in the bed.

4. Some of the campers put access ports on the underside or forward wall. Take a close look at these when designing a bed so you do not block access to fresh water or tank rinse ports.

5. If you plan to tow heavy behind your truck/camper combination, figure out your receiver and extension before selecting a bed. I chose to stay with TorkLift and had to find a bed with a low rear skirt to clear the large SuperHitch Magnum.

Bedlam is one of the contributors here I swear by. Great info, but I am going to disagree on a few points. Unlike him, I don't run a flatbed. I do have a utility bed. As well as the 84" distance. Let me break it down.

1. You can have a cabinet that runs east/west in this portion and fill it numerous 7'6"+ items as well as tanks (diesel/propane/potable water) and many items. This is what I have done. Or. Leave the center portion open and instal a generator with cabinets on the exterior (north/south). Top view would look like an inverted. "U".

2. Not needed to modify. My wings on my Lance 1191 are intact and still flying with me. I have full height and depth cabinets. Ordered out of the catalog, as is, delivered.

3. True. Not all TC have wings. (Is this a Red Bull commercial?) my TC does. It has full height/depth cabinets, too. Utility beds do come in different heights. My reason to have a utility bed was to HAVE the room. Not cut my storage capabilities off at the knees. My camper is on a platform, to assist raising the camper, in the utility bed. As do many campers stock, in a PU bed.

4. My camper has these, as well. I last saw these access panels 6 years ago. Might need them? Maybe. Your choice.

5. True information. I went a different direction and built my own hitch connected directly to the frame rails. The space created provide additional room to store 3 spare tires.


Good luck to you and ask lots of questions. If you do, you will save lots of money and time. If you are planning on going with a 3500/F350 or less, forget the utility bed idea. Follow Bedlam's path and go with a flatbed.

b

[buddyIam]

BedLam

Yea, With the Ram sliding chart I saw that even the 4500 wasn't exactly over kill. LOL

My understanding of California law is that I need the GVWR to be under 26000 lbs to stay away from a Commercial license. I've had the Class b before. It's not difficult to get. But it is a hassle that I would like to avoid.

So if that's true About the Class b and 26000 lbs. The 4500 and 5500 would be rated as the same as the 3500 for me. But, they are not anywhere near the same truck

DMV speaks of trucks rating. Not what you have loaded on it.

[buddyIam]

BedLam

It was your setup that got me thinking. Everyone has got me concerned because they claim a greater vehicle height with a flatbed setup. But when I look at your photo and Super Daves above there doesn't appear to be much difference in the space between his cab and yours.

When I speak of wings I mean any type of outriggers that would interfere with a utility bed in front of the rear wheel wells. Anything that would keep the camper from sliding all the way forward. Of course I couldn't have any part of the camper extend below the utility bed . The Camp Lite appears to be one that would work in that regard. But it has wings that start right at the end of the wheel wells on a regular 8 foot bed. I am not sure if they would modify those or even if they could be.

I am not planning on ever taking the camper off. In fact permanently mounting it should allow me to register it as a RV. DMV just says permanently mounted.

I figure on a few modifications. But I wouldn't get crazy.

[Bedlam]

My 5500 is over 10,000 lbs empty. The 4500 will weigh about the same but have a GVWR that may leave payload less than a properly outfitted 3500 pickup. A utility bed will weigh more than my flatbed, so that will cut in to your payload even more. You really need to look at the Ford F550 or Ram 5500 to get the payload you need while hitched up heavy.

[buddyIam]

brholt

I've seen those. To bad they weren't a bit larger. And I don't thing you can get them with a flush toilet. I Have the portable tank toilet in my current camper and it is fine for me. But if I don't want to spend the rest of my camping life alone. I better get a camper with a bath. LOL

[buddyIam]

Super Dave

I do plan on towing heavy 10 to 12 thousand lbs. I also figure a 3500 lbs camper loaded it will be at least 4000 lbs. The utility bed fully loaded with generator, tools, food, extra water and other gear could be 2500 lbs. Plus 1000 to 1200 hitch weight I would be at or over the GVWR of a 3500.

You can not get large fuel tanks from transfer flow according to their website. Nothing after 2012 from what I can see. And the 35 gallon OEM fuel tank isn't going to take me very far when fully loaded.

It also appears that the 4500 works out cheaper in the long run than the 3500. Mind you that I would be looking for a tradesmen class Ram. I'm going to be camping on the beach or in the dirt in the Sierras. No need for anything fancy.

But I would want good brakes that aren't being tested. And shocks that keep me from bouncing around.

The one tons are rated to do what I need. But are a bit under the safety factor I want. I also like the 72 gallon tank you can get on the 1 1/4 tons and up.

[brholt]

Northstar makes a camper specifically for a flatbed truck:

Northstar American Hero Flatbed Camper

[Bedlam]

1. I'm running a 60" cab to axle flatbed. Unless you plan to add storage between the camper and truck, you will have a lot of unused space that is hard to access with a utility bed. Ford allows space for dual tanks in it's shorter chassis cab, but Ram requires the longer wheelbase to fit dual tanks.

2. Most of the flatbeds and utility beds are 8' wide. Unless you get to the largest truck campers (which are 8.5' wide), most campers are also 8' wide. I would guess that you could have the wings trimmed flush with the rear camper storage boxes.

3. Many utility beds are too narrow internally for the "mini wings" that allow the floor to be wider over the wheel wells (like my current Arctic Fox). The largest truck campers start the floor above the bed rails and typically do not have the mini wings. Utility beds come in different heights - Unless you choose the low profile model, the widest part of the camper will rest on the sides instead of the floor. You will need decide if you go with a low profile bed or use a platform to raise the camper higher up in the bed.

4. Some of the campers put access ports on the underside or forward wall. Take a close look at these when designing a bed so you do not block access to fresh water or tank rinse ports.

5. If you plan to tow heavy behind your truck/camper combination, figure out your receiver and extension before selecting a bed. I chose to stay with TorkLift and had to find a bed with a low rear skirt to clear the large SuperHitch Magnum.

[Super_Dave]

You lost me with the "3500 gvwr" statement.