Re: Pickup Campers
I have a 1993 Ford F250 diesel that I put a camper on and tow a 16' starcraft trihull with.<br />My observations:<br />Don't go over a 9.5 foot camper unless you want to start messing with expensive hitch extensions and the like. With my camper on I have to put a 14" extension on ($50 when I bought it two years ago), but it doubles as a step and makes no difference with hauling the boat. Of course the boat does not way that much.<br /><br />Whatever camper you buy get one with good quality electric jacks. That way when you get to your campsite you can dump the camper easily and head down to the ramp. The reason I mention this is that I have found that backing down a steep ramp with a big ol' camper blocking your view of the boat is a big pain in the petunia. I have one little spot where I can barely see the trailer to make sure I am straight. Having some help is great as is having an uncrowded ramp so you can take your time.<br /><br />The advice about watching your wieght is great. My trucks GVWR sticker says 8850 lbs, and when the camper is on, loaded with gear, water, and food, and the truck is fueled I am real close to that. Add the boat and I am right at the line or a little above. I do not know if the wieght of the boat matters or is it tongue wieght. All I know is that the truck handles great and I have never had a problem.<br /><br />As far as campers go I have a 1975 Caveman, and my brother has a new Lance. Mine cost $300.00 and his $20,000. Mine has character, his is pretty and looks like an apartment inside. The basic function of both is the same, but I am not constantly worrying about every little spec of dirt and scratch like he does. Not to mention his payments.<br />I am sure that the good folks on the truck camper forum of RVdotNET could give you great advice as to quality, insulation, construction differences of a wide variety of campers as well as how to outfit your truck for your particular application.<br />
RV forums <br />Good Luck!
