Are you wondering about what size truck camper for 6.5 foot bed?
Truck campers are gaining popularity because of how useful and convenient they are. Just imagine not having to go through so much trouble when you need to move your truck bed camper.
This is why if you are looking to find what size you need to get for your specific foot bed, you’re in luck – we’ve got the answer for you!
Keep reading this post to find out more. Let’s dive right into it.
What Size Truck Camper For 6.5 Foot Bed
Truck bed campers have gained tremendous popularity in recent times due to their exceptional portability, making them an ideal choice for frequent movers.
These versatile truck campers typically feature floor lengths ranging from 6.5 to 9 feet, perfectly designed to fit 6.5-ft truck beds. With an overall length spanning from 15 to 18 feet, they strike a harmonious balance between compactness and ample living space. Nevertheless, it is crucial to ensure that the total weight of the camper, including accessories and passengers, remains within the limits of the truck’s payload capacity. Additionally, for optimal safety during driving, it is imperative to install the camper in a manner that achieves a well-balanced center of gravity within the truck bed.
To accommodate the added weight of the camper, upgrades to the truck’s hardware become necessary. These upgrades may entail enhancements to the suspension system, brakes, and tires, ensuring optimal performance and stability.
Truck bed campers are available in a diverse range of sizes, tailored to fit various truck bed lengths, such as 5′ for short beds, 6.5′ for standard beds, or 8′ for long beds. However, the compatibility of a camper with a specific pickup truck depends on numerous factors beyond its bed size, necessitating careful consideration before making a selection.
Sizes
Truck campers exhibit a diverse range of sizes, catering to long, short, and standard size truck beds. The floor-length of these campers can vary from 6.5 feet all the way up to 12 feet, while their overall length falls within the span of 15.5 to 21 feet.
Moreover, these campers are designed with an extended top front section that extends above the truck’s cabin, allowing for a balanced distribution of weight and efficient utilization of available space.
Equipped with all the essential amenities found in recreational vehicles (RVs), truck campers strike a favorable compromise between comfort and affordability.
Installation
When you need to install your truck camper on your 6.5 truck bed, you need to pay close attention to key requirements to ensure safety throughout your trip. Among the requirements to take note of are weight, size, and the camper’s center of gravity.
Additionally, for reliable and effortless driving conditions, it is recommended to upgrade the suspension system, incorporate airbags, enhance brakes, and choose suitable tires.
Regarding size, a camper with a floor length matching the size of a 6.5 feet truck bed can be accommodated comfortably. However, extensions up to 9 feet are feasible. Beyond that, driving safety can be compromised due to a shift in payload towards the rear of the vehicle.
Notably, these campers feature extended cab-overs that measure approximately 8.5 to 9 feet in length, resulting in an overall camper length within the range of 15 to 18 feet.
Weight
The weight of the camper represents another crucial aspect to consider when placing it on a pickup truck. Manufacturers utilize lightweight materials such as aluminum and fiberglass to align with the payload ratings of the carrier vehicle.
Camper manufacturers typically provide two significant weight specifications: dry weight and wet weight. Dry weight refers to the weight of the camper without any fluids like fuel, propane, or freshwater, while wet weight includes all these quantities.
It is vital to ensure that these weight ratings fall within the payload capacity of the vehicle. In the case of campers compatible with a 6.5 feet truck bed, typical wet weights range from 1900 to 3000 pounds, including standard equipment such as a dinette, bed, microwave oven, and refrigerator.
Center Of Gravity
Maintaining the proper center of gravity for a camper is crucial when loading it onto a truck. Placing the center of gravity in front of the rear axle is essential to prevent the vehicle from tilting backward and causing the front end to lift.
Manufacturers typically provide measurements for the center of gravity from both the front and rear sides. However, it is sufficient to ensure that the center of gravity remains in front of the rear axle. This will help maintain a balanced vehicle and ensure smooth and safe driving.
Security And Stability
Securing the truck camper is of utmost importance to ensure a safe journey. The recommended method for installation involves utilizing turnbuckles and a frame-mounted tie-down system.
To secure the camper, install four anchor points or tie-downs at each corner of the truck bed, connecting them to the camper using turnbuckles. Gradually tighten the turnbuckle screws to apply appropriate pressure until you feel a secure connection between the bed and the camper. Manufacturers typically recommend a pressure range of 290-310 lbs for optimal safety and stability.
Configuration
When searching for the ideal truck camper, a 4WD configuration is a great option. It is because of the additional traction you need when hauling a payload equivalent to the pickup truck’s maximum rating.
But if you prefer to go on paved roads for the most part, then you can do okay with a 2WD. It is a more economical choice while at the same time reducing maintenance cost and boosting fuel mileage.
Summary
The addition of a truck camper can indeed impact the maneuverability of the truck. One notable effect is the increased overall height of the pickup, which subsequently raises the center of gravity.
Consequently, the stability of the pickup is compromised compared to when it is unloaded. It is crucial to exercise caution when navigating sharp turns or road corners to prevent potential accidents.
Maneuverability is reduced when compared to driving an empty truck. The added weight and height of the camper can lead to sway and increased air turbulence, further affecting the truck’s handling.
To ensure safety, it is advisable to drive at a reduced speed and exercise more control than when operating an empty truck.
Truck models suitable for 6.5 feet bed truck campers are typically compatible with medium-duty half-ton pickups featuring short or standard bed configurations.
These trucks are designed to accommodate the physical dimensions and weight ratings of such campers. Examples of suitable trucks include the Nissan Titan, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, and the Ford-150.
Lastly, when adding a truck camper to a 6.5 feet bed, it is generally necessary to open the tailgate and keep it in the down position during the loading process.
However, this approach comes with a potential risk as there is a chance of damage to the hanging tailgate from stones or other sharp objects. To mitigate this risk, it is advisable to remove the tailgate altogether.
Removing the tailgate not only reduces the risk of damage but also alleviates some weight from the rear axle. Considering these factors, the decision to keep the tailgate on or off ultimately rests with your personal preference, as both options are acceptable.