Ford Ranger & campers

[JBB]

I am planning to buy a pop-up camper for my truck. Truck is a 4.0 liter 4x4 Ranger. The dry weight of the camper is 1000 lbs. The local dealer as well as the RV dealers say the truck can handle it. First , do you have any comments about carrying a camper on a small truck. Secondly if you have experience could you tell me what tie down systems did you use. I live in British Columbia and small import campers are not that common around here . Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bow_Extreme]

Is this a truck camper ( in the box camper, not sure they make those for rangers) or pull behind camper?

 

[Bow_Extreme]

You may also want to look under the towing forum. I'm sure there's more info there for you.

 

[97ranger4x4]

It sounds like one of the ones that sits in the bed. 1000 lbs in the bed sounds kinda heavy. is your truck an auto or a manual. stock tires? Do you know what gearing you have? you can usually check this on the rear differential or on the door pannel. What year is it?

 

[JBB]

Yes, its an in the bed camper made by Palomino. The truck is an automatic with stock tires.

 

[Bow_Extreme]

I tend to agree, it does sound a bit heavy for a ranger. Theres always a possibility of beefing up the springs, possibly bags. Even with the 4.0L, you'll still be pushing that ranger hard.

 

[michowski]

Id say gear it down to 4:10 and put some helper springs on the back or add a leaf.

 

[alaskan155]

is it something like this, from the looks of it, it designed for a mini truck.

http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/ranger2.html


also btw the 4.0 sohc rangers w/automatic/4.10 gears have about the same trailer rating as my 2006 v6 f-150, and 1,000 lbs dosen't sound to bad for a popup,

i had about 5 people((adults)(150(low average)x5= 750lbs ) in the bed of my old ranger (2.5l I4, auto, 2wd) and there weren't any problems before.

 

[mountainkowboy]

I've seen a few newer Rangers with slide in campers in them. They seem to handle them ok, if your gunna run it all the time beef the springs, if part time go with air bags so you dont ruin your ride when the camper is not on the truck. The way the camprs ditribute the weight you should be ok, as for the tie-down system look at happi-jac or tork-lift.

If you want more info goto trailerlife.com and go into the forums and do a search in the slide in camper forum.

 

[LearjetMinako]

The Ranger can take it. I've had 2,000lbs in the bed before. My Ranger is a 2.3L with a manual and 3.73.

Thou I will agree, when the camper is on the bed, some air bags may help. Other than that, nothing else needs to be changed.

 

[JBB]

It is similar. The 4x4 camper has no overhang on the sides and is very small inside. Dry weight is around 700lbs. The one I am considering has a slightly larger interior because of having some overhang. Starcraft , Palomino and several other manufacturers make import campers and the brochures show units mounted on Rangers, small Chevies, Tacomas and Nissan Frontiers.

 

[dogboy]

Replacing the stock shocks with air shocks might help too (half-ass alternative to airbags). That is what my dad did on our old T-bid for hauling our utility trailer.

Personally, I don't think I would be hesitant to haul 1000lbs in the bed.. Just my thoughts.

 

[Jspafford]

Have you ever driven one before? They will make you nervous. The truck will feel like it wants to lay over around corners, and when you stop and take off it will bounce around a LOT. Make sure to use good tie-downs. Ask for Happi-Jac or Tork-Lift brand. Ask your salesperson, they will know what you are talking about.

Other than that, be safe, and have fun.

 

[Maverick]

I bought this setup few months ago, it weighs 1050lbs dry. This pic is without the air bags, it was bad. The truck handled like a piece of bologna in the wind before I put air bags on it. 1000lbs in the bed of your truck and 1000lbs 6 and 1/2 feet tall and hangin over the sides and roof of your truck are two completely different ball games. I wouldn't have this set up with out airbags. The difference in handleing is night and day, especially if there is any wind. A good set off shocks dont hurt either, I run KYB Monomax's. Air shocks are a waste of time. They're only rated for 1200lbs, so basically the wet weight of the camper with nothing in it and your maxed out. Plus, all that stress is put on the shock mounts. I've installed many sets of air bags and they are the way to go. With 45lbs of air in my bags it sits level and drives well.

As far as tie-downs go, this is what I'm doing. We've done this on a few other rigs and it turns out real well. We weld (you can also bolt, just a little more fab) square tube to the frame at each corner of the bed. With the inner diameter of the sqaure tube being just big enough to slide in 1 1/4" reciever tube into, drill holes through both and use hitch pins to hold in place. You can either buy the recievers or build your own. Plenty strong, and when youre not using your camper you pull the pins and don't have anything hanging off of/ underneath your truck. Then you just use spring loaded turnbuckles between the reciever tube and the camper. Have any other q's feel free to ask.

 

[JBB]

Thanks Maverick
One of the reasons I like the pop-up concept is the lower center of gravity and less air resistance. Thanks to all for your help. I'll let you know how I make out.