In production since 1948 it isn’t really necessary to introduce and summarize the Ford F-150, so we’ll just get to the point of hopefully why you’re on this post – for one reason or another, you’re researching a Ford F-150 camper.
Ford F-150 Hard Side, Pop-Up or Hybrid Truck Camper?
There’s alot to consider – weight, profile, layout, features, insulation, interior space – it all can be overwhelming at first.
The two most popular types are hard side campers and pop up campers. Keep in mind you’re always going to have some trade off between weight and features. Some of the differences include:
- Pop-up camper is typically lighter weight
- Pop-up camper has lower profile when driving, better for clearance off-road, fuel mileage and windy driving conditions
- Hard side camper is better insulated and increased privacy (hard side vs. soft side)
- Pop-up camper can require some manual effort to raise/lower the roof
There’s also a host of hybrid truck campers on the market now. Some tend to be geared toward a more minimalist market with a key focus on weight savings and minimal features. Others are variations, with pop-out side/rear panels, or even a hardside pop-up camper.
Let’s get to some F-150 camper examples:
Lance 650 Camper
Lance is probably the most well-known hard side camper manufacturer. Designed specifically for half-ton trucks like the Ford F-150 with 5 & 6 foot beds, Lance’s 650 is a hard side camper with a full menu of features that come standard, including a bathroom with a toilet and black water tank, tankless water heater, forced air furnace & exterior wash station amongst the other standard features you typically see.
- Lance 650 Dry Weight Standard Equipped = 1,700 lbs.
- Lance 650 Wet Weight Standard Equipped = 1,903 lbs.
Four Wheel Camper for Ford F-150
FWC is the most well-known pop-up camper manufacturer. As the name eludes, these campers are built to be rugged to handle varying off-road conditions – a testament to how well built Four Wheel Campers are. They make 3 different models that an F-150 can accommodate, depending on bed length.
Short 5’8” bed – Raven Model: Base weight = 1040 lbs.
Short 6’ – 6½’ bed – Hawk Model: Base weight = 1100 lbs.
Long 8’ bed – Grandy Model: Base weight = 1200 lbs.
Super Lite Truck Camper by Travel Lite RV
The Super Lite is a series of truck campers designed for 1/2 ton trucks, that range in dry weight from about 1,120 – 1,360 lbs. It’s a hard side camper, but the weight of the lighter models are comparable to a pop-up camper. Basic amenities are included, such as a refrigerator, 2 burner stove, storage, queen size bed, sink and more. Some models offer a water heater as optional or standard. Some models offer grey water storage, and the largest, either closet storage or an optional shower. Toilet can be achieved with a portable.
Alaskan Campers
The single most unique feature of Alaskan campers is the fact they are a hard-side, pop-up camper, or a “telescopic camper”. Pictured above, is the 6.5′ model, which has a dry weight of 1,390 lbs. Lifting the top is achieved through an electric hydraulic pump and heavy-duty stainless steel pistons.
AT Overland’s Habitat Truck Topper
On the fringes of what constitutes a camper vs. a camper shell, the Habitat Truck Topper is beautifully crafted out of aircraft quality aluminum, as you can see on Greg Scott’s Overland Ford Truck (Yes it’s a F-250, but AT Overland builds Habitat Campers for the F-150 as well). Weighing only 340 lbs and intentionally slim on features compared to a full-blown camper, the Habitat includes an all weather fold-out tent made exclusively by NEMO Equipment, with a bed for two that supports 600 lbs and has a dense foam mattress. Options available include LED lighting, cabinetry and even forced air heating.
F-150 Payload Capacity for a Camper
Just to get an idea of payload capacity, here’s some stats for some of the more recent F-150 model years:
- 2022-2023 – 1,310 to 2,238 lbs
- 2021 – 1,310 to 2,238 lbs
- 2020 – 1,142 to 2,309 lbs
- 2019 – 1,326 to 2,309 lbs
- 2018 – 1,485 to 2,311 lbs
- 2017 – 1,621 to 2,329 lbs
- 2016 – 1,514 to 2,320 lbs
- 2015 – 1,654 to 2,286 lbs
- 2013-2014 – 1,046 to 1,988 lbs
- 2012 – 984 to 1,988 lbs
- 2011 – 994 to 2,732 lbs
- 2010 – 1,042 to 2,715 lbs
- 2009 – 1,448 to 2,705 lbs
- 2004-2008 – 1,298 to 2,749 lbs
- 2003 – 1,380 to 2,115 lbs
- 2002 – 780 to 2,115 lbs
- 2001 – 780 to 1,837 lbs
- 2000 – 780 to 1,834 lbs