truck for camperette

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old grey dog

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[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Hi folks:[/font]

[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]camperette
[/font]


[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Sorry to be MIA, have found an ad that is the same as the camper I have been gifted, so for the purposes of matching a truck could you have a look at it.  The owners son said dad had it on the back of a Datsun pickup.[/font]

[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]My situation has changed so my needs are not so immediate, the estate is possibly going to let me stay during the sale. According to them they have not given me notice and when the lawyer said Im giving you 2 months notice, that was just an FYI not actual notice.  I should have figured that out, notice from a lawyer would be in writing not just verbal.  Oh how I miss my brain I went from being Lisa Simpson to Homer Simpson and it is frustrating.[/font]

[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Anyhow, do you think a 4 cylinder import could work for me...[/font]

[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]thanks a bunch[/font]
[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]OGD[/font]
 
There are only a few campers that are light enough for a 4 cylinder truck. I know that because I had a 6 cylinder Ranger and had a hell of a time finding one, used and affordable. I did a lot of research and asked a lot of questions.

I can't remember the brands.

That doesn't look too heavy. to be on the safe side, I'd want to know the weight.
 
so it was on a Datsun, so I am assuming a 6 foot bed. is that correct? what vintage 4 cyl import and what brand are we talking? from my experience the newer 4 bangers are set up for highway, if you load them up they don't handle the weight very well. the older ones can handle the weight but for top end cruising, think 55mph. highdesertranger
 
I used to see people take the campers made for mini trucks, and put them on full size short bed trucks. You need to build a platform of some type under them to raise the over cab portion over the higher cab, but they generally worked out well, even on 1/2 ton trucks since they were made for a mini truck. I really like how they didn't hang out much past the sides of the truck to catch on stuff when driving through the woods.
 
If you want to match the camperette to a more modern truck, a late 90's, early 00's Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma should be able to handle that load well. My Ranger has the 3.0L V6 and while it is not fast by any means, it can carry quite the load. The 3.0L is notorious for being gutless, so if you want a Ranger, get the more powerful 4.0L V6 or the more mileage friendly 2.5L or 2.3L 4-cylinders. The Tacoma is available with a 2.7L 4-cylinder which has quite a bit of power for the size of the truck and the 3.4L V6 is plenty powerful, but is hard to find in anything except extended and up cabs, and the 4.0L V6 Tacoma is only available in extended and up cabs. Hope this helps you decide. Cheers!
 
[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]12-27-08 camera dump 267.jpgHey everyone,  [/font]

[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Cyndi I appreciate real world experience, I have  no way of determining the weight of this camper as there are no labels, stickers, or any identifying marks or emblems[/font]

[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]HDR I don't know the size or vintage of the Datsun, it has been long gone, in the last several weeks there has been a glut on the market of older 4 cylinder trucks, today can't find any I guess they get snapped up quickly[/font]

[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]RW [size=medium][font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]I have taken note of your [/font][font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]make, model and [/font][font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]engine advice [/font]I actually would prefer an extended cab as the camper/camperette is tiny and the back of the cab would be used for storage, front seat for my awesome copilot[/font][/size]

[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Great news for me... last night I had a long conversation with the estate lawyer and they are letting me stay in the house while it is on the market.  This gives me more time to save.[/font]

[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Here is my copilot Simba, at 14 years old every day is a blessing, fingers crossed that my pic turns out[/font]

[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]thank you so much[/font]
[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]OGD[/font]
 

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  • 12-27-08 camera dump 267.jpg
    12-27-08 camera dump 267.jpg
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Simba says thanks HDR and Bob, he's a fantastic dog, was a cruelty case from the SPCA, he spent enough time in hell it's my job to make his life heaven.
Bob I think he looks like ^Homer^
 
old grey dog said:
Simba says thanks HDR and Bob, he's a fantastic dog, was a cruelty case from the SPCA, he spent enough time in hell it's my job to make his life heaven.
Bob I think he looks like ^Homer^

That was exactly what I thought of too! Brought a tear to my eye. I adore Cody, but I still miss my beloved Homer. I've gotta send this before the waterworks get really going.

Enjoy every moment of every day you have with Simba! 
Bob
 
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