Answer to my own question .... I called my dealer and he uses only Torqlift tie downs.  They do not attach to the body in anyway like the Happijac do, so I should be good to go.  We ordered the new truck yesterday; can't wait for it to get here

Pretty sure you'll get opinions from folks more qualified than me but, IMO your F-350 will do fine with an 8' pop-up cabover. A little over a year ago I bought an 8.5" Sun-Lite from a gentleman in Tennessee. He had it on an F-150 & said it did great (of course I don't believe he was taking it off pavement much. I really thought he looked 'tail heavy' but perhaps it wasn't. I mounted it on my old '85 Ford Diesel w/8' bed & of course it does great...

This was his set-up


my set-up at deer camp

Just remember that all DRW trucks are not equal when it comes to load capacity. The larger the cab and the more options the truck has the lower the load capacity will be.

I ordered my 2012 F350 XL DRW with the highest GVWR (13,300), an extended cab rather than a crew cab, the slide in camper package and the 6.2L rather than the heavier diesel engine.

With my AF 1150 loaded on the truck I'm at 12, 900 pounds. That's a fully loaded camper (I'm full timing) but not any water in the tank. Add the girlfriend, her luggage and some groceries and I'm about at the limit.

Thank you, to both you and KY_Campers!

I am glad to hear you are still pleased with switching to TC. It will certainly be fun to explore, and ultimately make a decision, about whether to switch. I read a lot of concerns by folks who struggle with loading and unloading their camper from the truck. Since I have never done this, I can't estimate how difficult it may really be -
the ability to FAIRLY EASILY load and unload the camper from the truck would certainly be a prime consideration for me. I envision usually wanting to unload the camper at a campsite and then have the freedom to drive off with the truck. So I will look into this. The one solution I found on the internet called Stable Lift was roundly dismissed by many, but if load/unload is such a difficult task, I am surprised there are not more innovative ideas out there trying to simplify the task.

Thoughts?[SIZE=7]

I've owned pickup campers since the 1960's; from basic, no frills, 800# cabovers on half ton trucks to a 1987 12.5' side entry Real-Lite on a modified 3/4 ton Ford diesel. I still own the old 1985 Ford diesel but it currently carries a '95 Sun-Lite 8.5' pop-up cabover which replaced a 1987 Skamper 8' pop-up cabover.

If you've decided that 'popping' up your camper is really that much of a chore you probably won't be satisfied 'til you've tried a hard side. You're probably used to the low profile of your Palomino & even a lightweight such as the one you're considering will dramatically change the handling of your pickup. If you can arrange to drive a similar (very similar) rig, even if only for a short drive thru the type of terrain you'll be using your camper in, it should help you in deciding if the hard side is right for you. We've enjoyed every TC that we've owned/used but some much more than others.

Our first rig was a 1968 Fields 8' cabover built in Tulsa, OK. It was basically an insulated cabover 'box' with dinette, icebox, cooktop, sink w/handpump, & 10gal fresh water tank. I carried it on a '63 GMC 1/2ton V-6, & in it our young family (me, wife, & 2 young sons) 'toured' the mountain west on vacations & holidays for several years.

That was followed by a succession of hardsides & various pickups (Huntsmen & Sunways campers, & different Ford pickups from the 1967 half ton 'Camper Special' to my current diesel). We absolutely loved the huge (at that time) Real-Lite cabover, & the '85 Ford diesel (8100# GVW modified with Air Lift bags & special shocks; basically a 3/4ton truck on a 1ton chassis) handled it admirably for more'n 75K miles including a 2 1/2 month Alaskan Highway trip in 1993. That camper when built was probably as luxurious as any on the road (not to compare with today's offerings) & made traveling a true joy. We sold the Real-Lite in the late 90's as our requirements changed. I bought the Skamper pop-up cabover from my widowed sister, mainly to use as my deer camp. It served that purpose well & we even made several interstate trips in it but as we aged an on-board toilet became a necessity for my wife & the 'porta-potti' just didn't 'get it'   . I got the opportunity to buy the current Sun-Lite which has its own toilet & holding tank, plus a working furnace, that suits my wife much better (I ain't averse to it either ).

Sorry to be so 'wordy' but as you've already realized each type has its advantages/disadvantages as well as detractors/aficionados.  I really believe a 'trial' run is the only way to decide what's best for you. Good luck & good camping whatever you decide.

Its no different than arriving in a car. You must follow the rules as usual which you can find on the CBSA website here:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/noncan-eng.html

If you plan on a trip to Newfoundland there are a few things to know about the ferry crossings. Go to the Marine Atlantic website for info:
http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/index.asp

For NFLD, you want to take the North Sydney to Port aux Basques crossing, its the shortest (6-8 hours depending on weather). There is also a Provincial Park within 10 minutes of the ferry on the NFLD side (JT Cheeseman) which you`ll want since you will arrive later in the day.
http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/parks/parks/index.html

You will have to shut off your propane tanks when on the ferry so your fridge won`t be on for up to 8 hours. So pack some ice blocks in with the perishables.
Hope this helps.