Doing restoration work and solar installation on my recently acquired 2002 Fleetwood Angler (in like new condition: hard to believe, but really nice!). I'm wondering if the roof will support my walking on it (doubtful..but...?). Also would like to know the thickness, whether it's plywood under the rubber and how any layers etc. I suppose I'll soon find out when I drill a couple holes...but trying to avoid that, running my solar wires down the fridge vent hole, etc. Any input from other members very welcome!! Regards, Bob. PS My email is rbridge333@icloud.com

I've been looking at a good used Lance camper for my shortbed 1999 Dodge RAM 2500 Diesel pickup. The Lance model is the 1999 845EC (EC is 'extended cabover', increasing this model's overall length to 16.5 ft from the standard version's 15.5 ft.)

The specs by Lance place the COG for this TC at 49 inches from the front end of the box. (By 'the box', I mean that part of the TC containing the floor of the camper, which fits into the truck's pickup bed).

However, my truck measures only 40 inches from the rear edge of the pickup bed's front-end rail to the center of the rear wheel, or axle, if you will. This puts this Lance 845EC's COG point a full 9 inches past the rear axle! This is not good.

I put it to Lance's Service Mgr that there are considerations to mitigate this possible safety issue:
1. the Dodge diesel models have an especially heavy front end, using the big Cummins engine. This would tend to minimize any effects due to a rearward COG for the TC, (which might unload the front axle, affecting steering)., and
2. one can shift the TC's "loaded" COG forward by focusing heavy loads (canned goods, liquids, oils, generator) in the front of the camper, and in the rear seat area of the Quad Cab (tools, jacks, spare parts, extra water, etc.), and
3. one could keep the gray and black water tanks empty while driving, again, moving the loaded COG forward.

However, he said a terse "no"..that the COG at 49inches makes this combination fundamentally unsafe, and that I should not use that camper on my truck. (I imagine a Lance employee could not be seen to be recommending anything other undiluted company policy.)

So, I'm wondering if there are ANY good used campers for short-beds that will marry well with my RAM, with that 40inch distance bed-front to rear axle? (By the way, I'm in the market in CA, AZ, NV, and possibly OR, UT, ID and WA. I live in Ensenada Mexico, two hours south of San Diego.)

There are very few to choose from, and even fewer older used campers with published COG specs. I checked an Alpenlite yesterday and found a completely useless COG figure measured from the REAR of.. (measuring point not specified)???

Does anyone know the COG specs for older Fleetwood Anglers? (short-bed versions). I would appreciate any and all comment on my quandary! Thanks! Bob