Truck Question, 1973 Camper Special Wheelbase?

[daveco]

Did the Camper Specials have a longer wheelbase than a standard longbed?

[Todd Wilson]

Did the Camper Specials have a longer wheelbase than a standard longbed?

No...................




Todd

[Kern Dog]

I am unaware of any package known as a "Camper Special". I think Ford or Chevy may have though.
I own a 1974 Camper 9000. I didn't know how uncommon this truck was until recently. From what I have learned, this truck is essentially a 1 ton truck with single rear wheels. 9000 gross vehicle weight rating? Thats crazy! The truck weighs 4750 lbs! They rated this truck to carry 4250 lbs of cargo, fuel and passengers? I've had 2 1/2 yards of dirt and rocks in the bed several times.... Whats THAT weigh?
My truck was used by the previous owner as a camper truck. It had brackets for tiedowns, special wiring and dual batteries. I've seen Camper 7500 models at the local wrecking yards. They had smaller brakes and thinner springs.

[moparstuart]

I am unaware of any package known as a "Camper Special". I think Ford or Chevy may have though.
I own a 1974 Camper 9000. I didn't know how uncommon this truck was until recently. From what I have learned, this truck is essentially a 1 ton truck with single rear wheels. 9000 gross vehicle weight rating? Thats crazy! The truck weighs 4750 lbs! They rated this truck to carry 4250 lbs of cargo, fuel and passengers? I've had 2 1/2 yards of dirt and rocks in the bed several times.... Whats THAT weigh?
My truck was used by the previous owner as a camper truck. It had brackets for tiedowns, special wiring and dual batteries. I've seen Camper 7500 models at the local wrecking yards. They had smaller brakes and thinner springs.

here is my 69 camper special    383 factory air truck 

[Kern Dog]

Were there EMBLEMS on the truck stating "Camper Special"?  That would help prove it. If the 72 and later trucks had this option, that would be interesting to me as I have never seen one.

[GPULLER]

My dad bought a D300 Club Cab Adventure Sport dually w/440 new in '76.  It came with Camper 10,000 emblems, the dealer didnt put them on, they just threw them in the glove box.  It was the first truck the dealer sold that was over $10,000.  Crazy in 1976 money.  Still have the truck.
Looked like this but is Green.

[moparstuart]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge-D100-D200-D300-Camper-Special-Fender-Bed-Emblem-/370486199681?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5642b2c581




http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Late-1960s-Dodge-Truck-Camper-Special-Emblems-/160631005324?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item25665aa08c



http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/history/segment10.html

[Todd Wilson]

The 60's trucks had a Camper Special emblem and all.     The 72-79 trucks as far as I know didnt have a Camper Special Emblem.   I have a 1974 D200  with the GVW of 9000lbs and this truck is a big solid old horse.   I also have a 76 D200   truck and its no where near as heavy as the 74 truck in the comparison of springs and lugnuts and brakes. The 74 also has Budd wheels while the 76 has the standard 8 lug wheels.    I have heard that 1974 was the last of the heavy wieght trucks. I have always referred to my 74 as a camper special but really find no real info stating the truck has that option.


Todd

[Kern Dog]

I forgot to mention that my 74 Camper 9000 also has 5/8 wheel studs. The previous owner put aluminum wheels on it with "Shank" style lug nuts. Where the heck can you get THOSE nowadays!!??

[GPULLER]

Her is my '74 W300 cab abd chassis.  My dad bought it new in '74, was a 360 4spd, that blew up and we talked him into a 383.  Some day I'd like to get it back on the road, but its had a hard life.  Need to find a rear frame section.

[daveco]

Well, I missed out on the '73 but now I'm closing in on a '85 non-dually one ton