Question:
I'm interested in purchasing one of those nifty slide in truck bed campers
for my 1996 Ford Ranger 2WD extended cab pick-up truck. Is this
possible? Does a manufacturer make one that fits my truck and if they do
do I need to beef up the suspension on my stock off the showroom floor
truck to accomodate the load. How much does a new camper like this
typically cost? $5,000-$6,000? New?
Answer:
-Good news bad news. Yes campers are made for mini trucks, but they are
less common than the ones for a full size truck, They hold value used
very well. For new try doubling your guess. For the price you list you
are looking at 3 to 5 years old.
If you check back with Ford about the equipment you should have ordered
to carry a camper I think it will include a larger radiator, bigger
alternator, transmission cooler and anti-sway bars.
I think a minitruck camper will weight 1500-2000 pounds.
You will probably want to add air shocks to reduce the rearend squat.
-Forrest, check out FourWheelCampers: http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/
They are aluminum frame campers that are designed to allow the top to be
lowered so overall height of the truck is not increased much. They are
extremely strong...and light, under 800lbs base.
Lots of options...the downside being the price and location.
You're looking at $7K base, plus options, and you'll need to have it
installed at the factory in California.
Apparently a bulletproof design as they have been used for the last four
incarnations of the Turtle Expedition, a Ford 350 4x4 that has traveled
the world: http://www.4x44u.com/pub/k2/am4x44u/whats_new/turtle2.htm
My friend in Colorado has had one for three years and loves it. Me? I'm
procrastinating since I need to buy the Ram 2500 4x4 I want to carry it
with
