3 replies to this topic

[waskocreek]

My wife and I are currently looking to get a camper for our 2004 f-150 supercrew short box. i have found one that is in immaculate condition and only $2500. the problem is that it is 7'6. I know my 5.4 can easily carry the load but I'm concerned about leaving the gate down while towing a boat. I'd like to hear some input from the experts .

[EdoHart]

Two things.

1) You'll have a lot of that camper behind your rear axle, which in turn will move the Center of Gravity (C.G.) of the camper behind your rear axle. The C.G. of the camper should be as close to the center line of the rear axle as possible. Given that you're talking about a 7' 6" camper on a short bed, you would have to move a lot of weight forward to keep the C.G. near the rear axle.
2) Add to that the extra long draw bar you'll need to connect your boat trailer to your truck with the tailgate down, and you're looking at some serious weight on your rear axle (and a proportionate decrease in weight on your front axle, which is an unsafe combination). I wouldn't do it.

[Vic]

In addition to the previous response, didn't the SuperCrew's have a narrow tail-gate opening as well? Might double check the width as well. -Vic

[LuckyDan]

#1-Weight rear of the axle: Check
#2-Extended hitch: Check
#3-Super Crew extra narrow tailgate opening: Check

I'd add the gravel streaks you'll probably get from the errant "bouncy" gravel coming off the tires. In addition if the tailgate on your Supercrew is like the one on my Ranger you can't get to the spare tire let down with the tailgate open using the standard means.

In my neck of the woods, people come through here frequently with full length campers on short box pickups with their tailgate down. I don't see them in the ditch so I guess it works. Typically a short box is 6/6.5ft, if yours is the 5.5ft I don't what the difference in distribution would be. Something to think about though.

Good luck with your decision....