I am thinking of buying a slide in camper. The kind that has a little pop up roof. I know Ford doesn't reccomend using one with a non 7700 but who does it anyway? I looked back 6 pages and couldn't find my answer. I figure the pop up part would lower the center of gravity. Would that make much difference?

 

I would just ensure that you don't exceed any vehicle, tire, or axle weight limit. Then your gonna need all the items in the heavy duty cooling and towing packages, plus probably air bags or springs. These will help with the weight and top heavy CG. It's still a truck!

 

Thanks Badd Andy, Looks like your slide in is a little bigger (taller) than the one I would consider. I wonder how much more weight capacity your 7700 has than my truck?

Has anyone else used a slide in with a S/C like mine. I could and probably will get higher rated tires when I finally wear out the stock ones.

 

Your welcome. Your GVWR IS 6700lbs. So I have 1,000 lbs over yours.
BTW, I just had 2 friends move there. They fly MC-130s at Kirkland AFB.

 

I have a '94 Sunlite slide in camper that I use. It weighs about 1200lbs empty and I have no problems hauling it, even when my truck was stock. The only thing that I did add was a Hellwig sway bar.

 

Thanks guys. Sounds like it is possible to run with a slide in as long as you stay below the rated weight. When I first got the truck I read in the manual that Ford did not reccomend a slide in period.

 

You are correct. Your truck is not listed as being recommended to carry one by Ford.

 

Hi Geeky

If you havent seen these...take a look. This is just one type.

www.fourwheelcampers.com

These are light weight...low center gravity etc..

Good luck OT

 

most 8' pop up campers are around abouts 1200# i have put them on dodge dakotas so your ford wont have any problem . if it does squat a bit you can get helwig overloads that are a simple bolt on and adjustable for ride when the camper isnt on . good luck

 

Hey Andy, how do you like your camper? How does the truck handle it? I've got it narrowed down to an Angler or a Bigfoot 1500. I would like to find a used one...did you buy yours new? The truck shouldn't squat with either of those campers and I've been told that airbags are mainly for stability. Also, do you like the RS9000's?
Thanks, Gary

 

We love our Angler! It's fully loaded and fully self contained. It's about 1,000lbs lighter than the bigfoot 8.2. We would have gotten the Bigfoot if it was lighter, but with the Angler on and fully loaded for camping with the family, it's right at 7,700lbs. The truck squats level with it all on too. I got the Ranchos for that Caddy like ride unladen(pos. #1) and for the stability loaded(pos. 2-4). This truck rips compared to my old 93 optioned as this. I'm surprised how this one handles even without a rear swaybar. If your going used, Both Bigfoots and Anglers didn't have forward facing queen beds like ours until the late 90's.

 

Hi Guys

If you dont mind..would like to give this input

I had an 1988 C 9.5 Bigfoot. (88 F250 HD GVWR 8800#)

7700...In 1988...Bigfoot made a C8..at that time there lightest model...(no bathroom) Fits in bed...no hang over in rear.

That might work on your truck....but..i would put it on my truck and go weight it before i bought it. also they are really TOP heavy (wo a/c etc.)

The point being...my 88 model was WAY over what the posted dryweight was. I managed..but no fast curves..

I suspect all their models maybe like that?

This is the cadillac IMO of the campers. That fb shell (2 piece) marine grade is REALLY heavy. Similiar to boat hull. Well made.

www.bigfootcampers.com

Good luck...OT

 

Thanks for the help. I really like the Angler, for the money it is a great deal. The biggest selling point, among other, is the 6'-6" interior height. That's good that all it does is level the truck out. Those Bigfoots are nice but are heavier, that 2 piece construction is appealing, but for a price. I can't wait to get this thing and see what this truck will do. I'm sure when I get closer I'll be buggin' you guys again!
-Gary

 

Since we get the same issue of RV Trader, look there as I see Anglers all the time in it.