Slide in Manufacturing Question.

[sisu]

I asked a question on the Domestic Vehicle area about pick up bed sizing changes and got this for when the beds of the trucks started being tapered.
(88 chev,94 dodge,new gen 97 f150, And the heavy half light duty f250 which was the same body style as the f150 new gen. no fords trucks (SUPERDUTY) in 1998, 99 first of the SD.)

OK with this knowledge being processed when did the camper folks start designing their slide ins to fit the "new" pick-up beds? I'm asking all these questions because Google does not give me the answers and there seems to be a glut of Brain Power on this site regarding these issues. I'm looking at used slide ins for my 8 foot bed, 3/4 ton, 06 Cummins Dodge. So far I am coming up nickles if the campers are made before 1990. I found several beautiful Bigfoot 8 and 9 foot campers but they are too wide at the tail gate.

Kinda sucks to see these nice campers and not have them fit especially when the price is right.

 

[boblynch]

Truck camper manufacturers did not switch over to different slide in dimensions on a consistent basis. Since you already have your truck, I'd take detailed measurements and bring them with you looking at used campers. If you find a particular camper you like contact the manufacturer and get their advice. Also, post the camper type (mfg, year, model, etc.) on this forum and I'll try and track down info.

 

[chasespeed]

I would imagine with a slide in, the width of the rear of the bed, isnt as crucial as you think. The inner fender wells are probably the narrowest part of the bed, I know they are in my truck. IIRC, just a hair over 4ft wide(I can check tomorrow)....

I have moved slide-ins for people, and other than some restraint issues, I have had any fitment problems....

Chase

 

[brianjwilson]

I would imagine with a slide in, the width of the rear of the bed, isnt as crucial as you think. The inner fender wells are probably the narrowest part of the bed, I know they are in my truck. IIRC, just a hair over 4ft wide(I can check tomorrow)....

I have moved slide-ins for people, and other than some restraint issues, I have had any fitment problems....

Chase

A LOT of slide-ins widen out after the wheel well, that is what causes the problem with tailgate width. Being unable to fit them in newer model trucks is a pretty common problem.

 

[sisu]

Ya my Dodge is an 06 3/4 ton. 64 in width at cab; 60.5 in width at tail gate; 19+in sidewall height; 96 ft long bed; 49+ in between the wheel wells. Now this is with the bed liner in so I am guessing that I can gain 1/2 of an inch if there is a need.

I'll just keep looking until I find something. BTW I noticed in Canada :elkgrin: this summer that some utility and road maintenance P/Us had slide in "camper" style tool storage and working space on their trucks. This was on the Yellowhead and the Cassiar HYWs. They appeared to be fiberglass units similar to the older style Bigfoot 84-90 vintage, but they were brand spanking new on new trucks. Any thoughts as to who make them?

 

[chasespeed]

A LOT of slide-ins widen out after the wheel well, that is what causes the problem with tailgate width. Being unable to fit them in newer model trucks is a pretty common problem.

Hmmm... that is interesting. Then again, I have a utility cap from a Ford F-series, and my tailgate width is a HAIR smaller than a ford. Only to the point that its really snug. I personally havent run into a problem.

My 2 cents.
Chase

 

[Overland Hadley]

Four Wheel Camper has a list of older campers and the vehicles they fit on their website.