Current CAMP-X offering is about 6' 8" so would be interesting to see what a 8' CAMP-X design could do with the extra 1' 4" (16"). Would also be curious to see sales statistics or market analysis for an 8' pop-up camper vs 6' 8" vs flatbed models. I imagine the flatbed market is much smaller than the stock pickup bed market overall, but overlanding rigs typically lean towards shorter wheelbase/standard bed length over longer wheelbase/longbeds. Though that can be somewhat managed by selecting a longbed with a doublecab or standard cab vs a crew cab.
To your point, the flatbed tray vs pickup bed is one thing I keep weighing as we consider what to do in a couple years when we get our next pickup. With camper on, I lean towards a flatbed model like the CAMP-HBE. But for the 4 to 5 months I have camper off, over the winter, I would much prefer to have the pickup bed rather than flatbed because I typically have a tri-fold hard bedcover on during the winter. I like having a huge secure "trunk" out of the weather, but it can still easily be removed by myself if I want to use the full bed. One thing I may look into is how quickly one can bolt/unbolt the OEV flatbed side boxes. That might be an option for winter. I really like the Sherptek flatbeds because they not only have many tie down channels built into the bed but they offer the "flanks" that are basically bed sides that flip down. If I go with OEV tray, I'd need to work with them on having stake pockets so I'd have some quick and easy way to add bedrails/box to both sides and rear for when the camper is not onboard. Or have them build custom side and rear box panels. Haven't started that conversation and won't until I'm closer to next pickup purchase. Three quick-attach black tray panels, of material matching the tray material, would be slick.
I imagine an 8' CAMP-X would require an HD pickup rather than Fullsize. Would be curious if the HD longbed demographic lean less towards offroading with their rigs and more towards larger campers? Meaning, are they looking for a lightweight, popup camper vs a larger, heavier hardsided or more fully optioned, less-offroady type camper. I have no idea so would be curious if any of the camper manufacturers have done that type of research to inform their design decisions.
To your point, the flatbed tray vs pickup bed is one thing I keep weighing as we consider what to do in a couple years when we get our next pickup. With camper on, I lean towards a flatbed model like the CAMP-HBE. But for the 4 to 5 months I have camper off, over the winter, I would much prefer to have the pickup bed rather than flatbed because I typically have a tri-fold hard bedcover on during the winter. I like having a huge secure "trunk" out of the weather, but it can still easily be removed by myself if I want to use the full bed. One thing I may look into is how quickly one can bolt/unbolt the OEV flatbed side boxes. That might be an option for winter. I really like the Sherptek flatbeds because they not only have many tie down channels built into the bed but they offer the "flanks" that are basically bed sides that flip down. If I go with OEV tray, I'd need to work with them on having stake pockets so I'd have some quick and easy way to add bedrails/box to both sides and rear for when the camper is not onboard. Or have them build custom side and rear box panels. Haven't started that conversation and won't until I'm closer to next pickup purchase. Three quick-attach black tray panels, of material matching the tray material, would be slick.
I imagine an 8' CAMP-X would require an HD pickup rather than Fullsize. Would be curious if the HD longbed demographic lean less towards offroading with their rigs and more towards larger campers? Meaning, are they looking for a lightweight, popup camper vs a larger, heavier hardsided or more fully optioned, less-offroady type camper. I have no idea so would be curious if any of the camper manufacturers have done that type of research to inform their design decisions.
