Truck Camper and C-Dory

L

Larry Patrick

New member
Just curious if anyone tows there boat behind a truck camper?Last year I bought a Lance 1191 and put it on a ford350 dually. Have been enjoying the setup ,traveling every chance we get. When I get a c-dory ,this is how I will tow it on long trips.Ive towed boats with pickup trucks where you can see boat in rear view, but with camper ,wont be able to see it anymore backing up ect will be harder..Plan on getting a rear view camera.I guess its something you just get used to after a few trips.
 
Yes, I tow a 22 C-Dory (Swee Pea) with a truck camper, but I have a smaller camper/tow set up than yours. I have a Northstar Freedom truck camper "housed" on my 2004 Ford F150 4x4 FX4 with a 5.4l and a trailer tow package. The truck handles both with ease as the Northstar Freedom is specifically designed for a 1/2 ton. I added a rear torsion bar, Firestone rear airbacs, and Kumo E rated tires. The 5.4 has plenty of power for both.

As for backing, an extra pair of eys helps. I have some "strap on" extended sideview mirrors on the stock Ford mirrors for when I tow the boat, but backing is a challenge.

I have a class III hitch on the front of my truck and can push to manuever the boat on a dime. Not bragging, but pushing is a lot easier than backing. Photos of my setup is in my Swee Pea album.

I was lucky in that my boat trailer has a long tongue and a surge brake (aftermarket) that is flat without the "hump" so it fits under the truck camper rear overhang and still have a full turning radius. Most t/c need special tow bars to clear the t/c.

I can go on and on. This week Swee Pea gets towed to our property in North Carolina - camper and all.

John
Swee Pea
 
You should not have any problems at all with your F350 and camper. My solution to the backup camera issue s to open the camper door.

Good luck on finding your CDory.
 
Years ago, I was cited for having mirrors that did not extend enough to see 50' behind the rear of the towed vehicle. The cop stood back there and couldn't see my mirrors on both sides. I was towing a Bayliner with a pickup with canopy.

I now have a camper on a Chev 3/4 T pickup which tows my 22 C-dory. I installed snap-on mirror extensions on my stock mirrors. With the mirror extensions I can see behind the boat [boat on trailer with truck is 50'] which work well for changing lanes on I-5 and for backing down ramps, etc.
 
Swee Pea,I also mounted a front hitch,so I can launch that way,never tried it yet.Sagebrush, I wish my door was in back that would help,but my camper has a drop down tent in back,door on side.Bluegene,I will add those extentions , I will get some walkie talkies so wife can correct me when over steering. I enjoy this site,and everyones adventures,want to join in the get togethers,will have to try and get boat sooner than later.
 
Brent and Dixie that is a nice setup. It tells me a 22 c-dory should not be a problem. The 450 looks good with those extra storage boxes on truck bed. I think thats what they are? ,I wish we had more storage when traveling.I guess you have a tow beast or something similar.I have the class 5, 2 1/2 inch hitch with a 4 foot extention.I will have to detemine if I need something else for towing a 22 dory.Thanks for posting photos.
 
The F450 is a 2002 truck. I had the utility type bed built in Bakersfield, Ca. by Douglass Truck Bodies. It was made so I could use the storage boxes with the camper on. We used to go to the Baja with the rig and tow the TomCat's. We spent 2003 and 2004 winters in Cabo San Lucas. Three months each winter.

Coincidentally I bought a new truck over the weekend ( F350 ) so the F450 is for sale. I sold the Lance Camper and don't need it anymore. 85,000 miles on a 6.0 l Powerstroke, 4x4, Lariat, dually, with all new injectors. Almost new tires, lots of extras. Excellent condition. $16,500. PM or Email if interested.

Here is a link.
http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/11330594

Brent
 
Sounds like some great trips to Cabo. I bet the fishing was good. I just bought a 2011 f-350 the 6.7 diesel. So at this time not in the market for another truck for a while. With the truck camper that utility box would be great .You always end up over loading truck ,and there is limited room in camper. I probablly will get a storage pod for roof of camper.
 
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