Sportsman 8

[Gerdo]

I may have the opportunity to pick up a Jayco Sportsman 8 (I assume it's a wood frame) in the near future. I would be using it on my 98 F250 light duty, extended cab, 6' 6" short bed(it looks like a F150, the rounded body). I would probably be gutting it and starting over. Mainly simplifying things, reduce weight and adding a wet bath.

I have been wheeling/exploring in my 2000 4runner (cargo box/sleeping platform). I'm a rock crawler (7-8 rated trails).

I know that I'm not going to be able to go where I do now but I still want to explore ad do some more mild trails (4-5 rated trails).

My question is... Do you think this is a combo that I should spend the time and money on or am I going to hate it when I'm done? I don't want to feel like I'm hauling this behemoth around and always trying to keep the rubber side down.

I'm sure it'll weigh more than something like a Phoenix or Four Wheel Camper. Would I notice a big difference?

 

[Gerdo]

I also have some leads on some long bed FWCs. Any reason, other than the fact that the tailgate won't close, not to do a long bed camper in a short bed?

 

[johng]

As long as the center of gravity is still forward of the rear axle it works, but you will want to just remove your tailgate to protect it from dings and scrapes.
You will also lose some departure angle on the back end.

 

[tanglefoot]

I like having a long bed camper--it offers better stretch-out room in the lower bed and has extra space--most have an additional storage closet.

I have a heavier wood camper and really like it. It's wider than the FWC/ATC's and has more space. Things do feel clumsier on the trail than without the camper but it still goes about anywhere I want to go.

Mine's a Four Seasons brand--made in Colorado. I think it's an '88. I didn't gut it but I did remove unwanted things (i.e. the questionably-functioning fridge) and freshened things up with vinyl floor tiles and Minwax finish on the cabinets/wall paneling. I also spray-painted the outside--it looks a lot newer. I like it--it's a lot of fun.

Good luck with the Sportsman,

Eric

 

[Gerdo]

I found a few late 70s FWC. I'm now learning that older trucks, and the campers that were made for them, had wider beds (64"). Newer trucks, mine is a 98 F-250 light duty, have narrower beds. My tailgate opening is 60" and between the bed rails is just over 62".

I guess I need to start looking for something newer.

Maybe I'll buy this inexpensive one and modify it to fit my truck. It sounds like the new size is 58" wide.