I have an F150 4x4 short box, 4.6 L engine and am looking to purchase a camper for it. I know I'll have to beef up the suspension but am looking for some advice on size, weight, etc to look for. I'll be going to the Toronto RV show in a few weeks but would like some views other than salesmen views before I go. Might be looking for a used one, depending on prices at the show. Any advice?

 

I tow a 25' ultralite Flagstaff travel trailer that has a GVWR of just under 4,800 lbs and it does well. You can go to Rvwholesalers.com and shop the Rockwood 7.5' wide ultralites and get the specs.(the Rockwood is the same as Flagstaff). I would suggest something in the 5,000 GVWR range with your powertrain. I would also suggest a Equalizer brand hitch and a Prodigy brake controller. You don't need to beef up the suspension as it is already very adequate. My truck is a short bed regular cab with 3.73 gears, 5.4 engine and 4X4.

I previously towed the camper with a V6 T-100 and it was slow but towed it fine.

 

What year truck do you have?

I get the feeling you are talking about a slide-in, right?

The suspension could use a boost.
When I got my 1999 F150, Ford included a card with red lettering,
(NO SLIDE-IN CAMPERS).
(THIS MEANS YOU)

However, manufacturers since then have come out with some lightweight models to accomodate the half-ton pickup.
They have also relocated the pivot point forward for the short box pickup.
If you go used, I'd advise nothing older than this century as ford knew what was available when they gave me that red card in 1999.

 

We need a little more info regarding your truck's specs. But, we'll assume that you have a 2004 or later because you posted in this forum. We'll also assume you mean 6.5' bed when you say short box. I've been RV'ing for years. My brother, with whom I camp frequently, has a truck camper, or TC. My dad and uncle both had campers when I was a kid, and my Grandfather had a custom truck camper manufacturing company in the 70's. This week I ran into a problem with my RV storage yard, so we're looking at TC's and tent trailers to replace our travel trailer; we can store either of the above mentioned at home. But, I digress...

You have quite a few options for TC's. Starting with hardwall campers there are a number of "light weight" models out there. The biggest name in TC's is Lance. They have a new model, 805 for 2007 specifically designed for 1/2 ton trucks. It does not have a bathroom, though. Just a space for a porta-potty. It is still a large, heavy object you are putting on your truck. And yes, you will need to make a few mods. More on that later.

There are a few other, smaller manufacturers like Six-Pac. They have a true 6.5' model, available with or without a bathroom. Sun Valley, Inc. has both hardwall and popup campers. Both with or without bathrooms. On the smaller end of light-weight TC's is Capri Campers.

For popup type campers, a few are Sun Valley, Starcraft, Four Wheel Campers, and the Cadillac of popup TC's Outfitter.

You will definately need to add either helper springs or airbags; and new rear shocks for any TC. You may also want to upgrade your brakes if you go with a hardwall.

Now, if by "short box" you mean the 5.5' bed, you are pretty much limited to the smallest of popup campers; like the Sun Valley "Skyhawk" or "Warrior". Or the Four Wheel "Falcon" "Eagle" or "Hawk". Grab your favorite beverage and some snacks and do a Google search on "truck camper forums"; RV.net and IRV2.com are great places to start. Let us know what your research turns up. Enjoy that new camper!

 

Try going to RV.net and get into the forums, you will be amazed at how much information is available, ask questions about the models you are into and see what others have to say.

Here is my pull