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> Truck Bed Length??

byron
post Jul 11 2017, 01:45 PM
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Hi Guys,

During the next couple months I'll be putting a TC rig together, I'm sure I'll have more questions but right now I'm looking for opinions on truck bed length.

I'll be buying the TC new or late model used. Manufacturer claims it can be used on either a short bed or long bed truck. COG is 38" with a dry weight of about 2200.

I'll be buying the truck used, a 3/4 ton with extended cab, 4WD. In searching for used trucks, finding decent and affordable ones with both the extended cab and an 8ft bed is not easy.

Is there a definite advantage to an 8ft bed, or would the 6.5 bed work out just fine?


I'm sure this has been covered before, but most of what I could find involved putting a camper that was designed for an 8ft bed on a 6.5 bed.


Thanks,
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SidecarFlip
post Jul 11 2017, 07:57 PM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): Forest River Palomino SS
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1997 Ford F350 4x4 LB SRW CC 7.3 diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: HappyJac standard
Truck and Camper Setup: 1997 Ford F350 4 door 4x4 Crew Cab 7.3 Diesel, Lance 915 loaded, 2015 Palomino SS1500 Loaded



QUOTE(byron @ Jul 11 2017, 01:45 PM)
Hi Guys,

During the next couple months I'll be putting a TC rig together, I'm sure I'll have more questions but right now I'm looking for opinions on truck bed length.

I'll be buying the TC new or late model used. Manufacturer claims it can be used on either a short bed or long bed truck. COG is 38" with a dry weight of about 2200.

I'll be buying the truck used, a 3/4 ton with extended cab, 4WD. In searching for used trucks, finding decent and affordable ones with both the extended cab and an 8ft bed is not easy.

Is there a definite advantage to an 8ft bed, or would the 6.5 bed work out just fine?
I'm sure this has been covered before, but most of what I could find involved putting a camper that was designed for an 8ft bed on a 6.5 bed.
Thanks,
*



Bed length don't really matter with a TC that light so long as the truck is a 3/4 or 1 ton.

Aren't many campers today with a dry weight of 2200 pounds.
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Chief 2
post Jul 12 2017, 06:58 AM
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Group: Members
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): Lance
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 2005 Chevrolet 3500 4x4
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijac with Quick Loads
Truck and Camper Setup: 2005 Chevy 3500 4x4 Edge Attitude, 4" exhaust, Airaid Air Intake, Ranchos, Air Bags, Hellwig Big Wig, Cabover struts. Lance 1172 loaded with 200 watt Renogy solar and Zamp controller



I would try to find an 8 ft bed. You may decide to upgrade your camper and a bigger one probably won't fit in the short bed.
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SidecarFlip
post Jul 12 2017, 07:52 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 472
Joined: 15-October 16
Member No.: 9,221
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Forest River Palomino SS
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1997 Ford F350 4x4 LB SRW CC 7.3 diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: HappyJac standard
Truck and Camper Setup: 1997 Ford F350 4 door 4x4 Crew Cab 7.3 Diesel, Lance 915 loaded, 2015 Palomino SS1500 Loaded



Actually, the bigger one will however you have to watch your rear axle loading. I sold my Lance (8 foot bed) model to a guy with a 6.5 and it fits fine. just hangs out the back a bit.

One issue that comes up now is tailgate opening width. Some trucks have a narrower opening than others and some campers won't fit.
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byron
post Jul 14 2017, 07:56 AM
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From: Pennsylvania, on the greatest river of them all, near Halifax.
Member No.: 9,517
Favorite Truck Camper(s): none
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: none
Type of Tiedowns used: none
Truck and Camper Setup: none



Thanks guys. I considered the benefits of an eight ft bed that were mentioned, like upgrading to a bigger camper later, as well as resale value and such. But there are just a ton more six ft beds out there at better prices.

I will keep the tailgate opening width in mind...
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DWJoyce
post Jul 22 2017, 03:32 PM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): Lance
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: '66 Chevy K10
Type of Tiedowns used: Don't know
Truck and Camper Setup: 8' cabover with helper strings on the rear of the truck. In the process of rebuilding an old camper with rotten floors and a leaking roof. Will add a toilet and shower and replace the icebox with a refrigerator.



QUOTE(byron @ Jul 14 2017, 07:56 AM)
Thanks guys. I considered the benefits of an eight ft bed that were mentioned, like upgrading to a bigger camper later, as well as resale value and such. But there are just a ton more six ft beds out there at better prices.

I will keep the tailgate opening width in mind...
*



A buddy of mine searched for a 3/4 ton long bed crew cab 2006 Dodge with a Cummins 5.9 (?) and tow package. Took him months to find one, but he flew to Arizona and drove it home. Patience paid off for him big time.
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Chief 2
post Jul 23 2017, 07:31 AM
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Group: Members
Posts: 59
Joined: 19-March 17
Member No.: 9,469
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Lance
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 2005 Chevrolet 3500 4x4
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijac with Quick Loads
Truck and Camper Setup: 2005 Chevy 3500 4x4 Edge Attitude, 4" exhaust, Airaid Air Intake, Ranchos, Air Bags, Hellwig Big Wig, Cabover struts. Lance 1172 loaded with 200 watt Renogy solar and Zamp controller



Something else to consider is your rear tie down location on a 8 ft. bed camper and a 6.5 ft. bed truck. The rear tie down may be to far back.
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