Alaskan 8.5' on a 6.5' bed, F150 ?

[Ryan Stu]

I'm looking at putting a 2013 Alaskan 8.5' on a 2013 Ford F150, 6.5' bed. I plan to upgrade the truck suspension to handle the weight, but I also want to be sure the camper's center of gravity is not behind the rear wheels. That would cause lift off the front wheels and bad for steering of course.

Any feedback if this setup I am thinking of is a dumb idea!?
Thanks.

This link has info about the Alaskan 8.5'.

Alaskan Campers | Telescopic Truck Campers

Discover 60+ years of quality with Alaskan Campers. Explore remote spots in comfort and style with the original telescopic camper. Get a quote today!

alaskancampers.com

 

[NOPEC]

Alaskan Campers are great rigs but they are heavy. IMHO, on your best day with that camper choice, the F150 is going to be seriously overloaded, despite the mods you make. I think a 6'5 or 7' Alaskan would be a better choice but you are still going to be dealing with lots of weight.

 

[ITTOG]

I would think if you can get 2/3rds of the weight of the camper between the axles you would probably be good. So you may have to rearrange the layout to do this.

 

[MTVR]

I'm looking at putting a 2013 Alaskan 8.5' on a 2013 Ford F150, 6.5' bed. I plan to upgrade the truck suspension to handle the weight, but I also want to be sure the camper's center of gravity is not behind the rear wheels. That would cause lift off the front wheels and bad for steering of course.

Any feedback if this setup I am thinking of is a dumb idea!?
Thanks.

I suspect that you'll end up dangerously overloaded.

What are the particulars of your pickup? 2WD, 4WD, engine, trans, cab, trim level, final drive ratio.

And/or post an image of your door sticker...

 

[Ryan Stu]

Thanks for the info and saving me from making a big mistake. Here are the weights of the Alaskan 8.5'. Too much for my F150.
Dry Weight: about 1800 lbs
Wet Weight: about 2000 lbs

 

[MTVR]

We're here to help...

 

[Regcabguy]

Thanks for the info and saving me from making a big mistake. Here are the weights of the Alaskan 8.5'. Too much for my F150.
Dry Weight: about 1800 lbs
Wet Weight: about 2000 lbs

200# difference between wet and dry? That seems nominal.

 

[Nailhead]

DO NOT plan to set an Alaskan 8.5 on a half-ton pickup-- you'll crush it like a bug. My 8' made my Dodge 2500 handle like the good ship Lollypop, and even has my 1-ton IH sitting on its overload springs. These effects are from an '85 Alaskan; the newer ones are heavier.