Hi gang..new to the forums and looking for some advice. I'm driving a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. short box..1/2 ton truck of course..and am looking at getting a camper for it. Getting too old to be in a tent and would like to go the truck camper route but am not sure of the weight issue. Will an 8 foot camper be ok in the truck box while having the tailgate down?. I dont really want to take the tailgate off, being as i will only be using the camper occassionally. Also, it seems most campers in that length are about 1200 lbs or more. Is this ok for a 1/2 ton truck or am I looking at trouble with the springs etc? What do you figure guys?...go with a camperette if I can find one..or go with a trailer instead that i can tow..or is an 8 foot camper ok?...I dont have any extra money to spend on beefier springs or such, so I'm getting a used one ready to go without having to spend extra on anything. Any and all advice or comments is appreciated thanks!

I am new truck camper myself. And new to this board as well. This is my set up.

I take it your truck has a 6 foot bed. There ARE campers out there made just for your truck. But yes an 8 foot camper will work on your truck with the gate down.
Take a look here and also do a search on truck campers and you will find that there are 6 foot campers to fit your truck.

http://www.hallmarkrv.com/page/home.html
Gary