ranger sport slide on camper maximum length

[JeReLo]

Hi, I'm a very new owner of a 2wd automatic 2008 ranger sport, and I need to ask a pretty simple question. What's the recommended length for a slide on camper?

All the info I see breaks it down into short and long beds, and so what is the ranger classified as? Is there an actual standardized length for short and long, or is this just a rough measure?

If I get a slide on camper that meets the weight restrictions of the vehicle (like the four wheel eagle model), then would there be problems if the camper extended beyond the end of the vehicle?

What is the maximum length of the lower bed portion of a slide on camper that would fit the ranger?

Those are the kind of information I'm looking for, but if you want to just discuss campers on this vehicle, that's fine with me. Thanks for any links or leads...

 

[srteach]

What's the recommended length for a slide on camper?

Maximum length is determined by the bed you have on the truck.

All the info I see breaks it down into short and long beds, and so what is the ranger classified as? Is there an actual standardized length for short and long, or is this just a rough measure?

The Ranger is classified as both short bed and long bed, depending on the length of bed on your ranger. Short bed is 5 ft long, Long bed is 6 ft long. Both measurements are inside the bed, measured front to tailgate.

If I get a slide on camper that meets the weight restrictions of the vehicle (like the four wheel eagle model), then would there be problems if the camper extended beyond the end of the vehicle?

Remember, the weight capacity is per axle, and then total. IF the weight capacity is met (when fully loaded with all gear), then the problem becomes one of weight distribution. Too much weight behind the rear axle, and the front axle loses steering ability, too much weight forward of the rear axle, the truck will become difficult to turn at speed.

What is the maximum length of the lower bed portion of a slide on camper that would fit the ranger?

With the tailgate down, 44 ft. Yes that is ridiculous, but you asked. Tailgate up, long bed or short bed length.

 

[feellnfroggy]

I have a shortbed ranger and it has the 6ft box, And as far as I know the long bed was 7 ft. Just like the fullsize except with the difference of a couple inches in width and depth. Never seen a 5 ft box on a ranger.

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, short bed is at least 6 ft. I'm 5'8" and I can lay down in my bed with a few inches left. Since I have a super cab I have a short bed.

 

[JeReLo]

Ok, the bed is 71 inches with the liner, and 72" if I remove the liner. Seems like this is known as short bed (although srteach might disagree).

So, then, to get to the purpose of my question, I'm trying to determine the maximum practical length of a light weight slide on. Thanks to srteach for explaining the consequenses of the two types of overloading. But (assuming the slide on stays under the maximum axle weights) is it safe, legal and practical to use a slide on that extends past the edge of the box? Or, put another way, if I used a slide-on camper that is made for a long box, and it extended a foot past the bed, is this ok? If not, what problems does that create?

Also, when you put in a slide on camper, do you have to remove the liner or leave it in?

If anyone has had experience installing and using a light weight camper (with a 2wd automatic), I'd be very interested in your comments on how you managed. I already know the vehicle seems underpowered for this, but maybe some have tried it successfully.

 

[adsm08]

I would not use one that is longer than my box. The problem is that over time not having that support on that last foot will cause structural issues to the camper. It will also contribute to over loading the rear axle. Bear in mind that the section of the bed rear of the axle effectively a lever. The more weight that is behind that is more upforce at the front.

A longer camper may also not clamp in properly and may also not be legal on your truck depending on where you live.

Also, what engine do you have? If you have a 4.0, just do it. If you have a 4-banger, don't even try it.

 

[06RangerXLT]

just a heads up. ford says no to slide in campers on rangers, so dont tell em ur puttin one in or buh bye warranty.

 

[JeReLo]

It's a V6 (as opposed to a 4 banger). Thanks for the warnings about the overhang and warranty. I saw the 'not recommended' line in the owner's manual, but didn't know this would invalidate warranty.

So, given the 1311 lbs (occupant and cargo) limit, and a short bed pop-up camper with a dry weight of 695 lbs, I'd have 616 lbs for passengers and stuff. This is not much, but possible.

I was thinking removing the liner would save some weight, but I'm wondering if this would be bad for wear or water damage.

Thanks for the hints and pointers.

 

[06RangerXLT]

this also depend what package you have on the truck. if its an fx2 or fx4 you shouldnt have a issue. mainly because the suspension is stronger. if you have a base model extended cab id if id try it. also be sure you have a 4.0L engine and tires designed for that kinda weight. ive seen this done, but the ass of the truck was draggin

 

[strvger]

i'd take out the removable liner for sure, but replace it with line-x or rhino lining that is sprayed in. great protection for the bed and the bottom of the camper really. i couldn't find a slide-in light enough at the time, so i ended up with an aluminum pop-up pull behind that weighs less then 700#. it works very well and i hardly know it's back there. and that leaves me more space and available weight for the truck. good luck with your camper!
oh, and welcome to TRS !!

 

[JeReLo]

thanks all for the helpful information.