Coming back to truck camper with a couple questions

[Stopbit]

So after a few years of playing with Jeeps, Aliners, and teardrops it's time to get back into a FWC. I bought a new 2016 Ram Power Wagon which I think would be a perfect match for a nice shell model. My truck has a 6'4" bed and was wondering if a Raven would fit and still allow me to keep and close the tailgate? I like the idea of keeping my backup cam and having a porch. I can learn to deal with the awkwardness of getting out with it in place. I plan to keep it on truck full-time and only drawback I can see is the 17 week wait but open to any suggestions.

 

[K7MDL]

You can mount a replacement camera under or on the camper that plugs into the stock camera harness. I happen to use a Garmin wireless camera into my Garmin GPS display. Then use a hitch step/platform and you can remove the tailgate. That approach opens up more camper shell fit options for consideration.

 

[BrianG]

Dodge Ram has a proprietary OEM tailgate camera/lock connector that no AFTER MARKET company makes a camera for. I really wish someone could prove me wrong on this one. You can always buy Ram OEM cable/harness/camera parts and mount them in your bumper or remove the parts from your tailgate. I've worked at length with Camera-Source and they simply can't find a source for the Ram connector?

Stopbit very nice truck, welcome back!

 

[Bseek]

Not a Dodge, but I had them pull the camera out of the tailgate and mounted it on the bumper. I really wouldn't compromise on interior space just to save a back-up camera. Yes, they are handy, but a Raven is pretty small.

 

[JaSAn]

You will bang your head a lot more with a porch than stepping up into your camper.

jim

 

[Vic]

Nice truck! Love the graphics.

Anyway, I picked up a OEM camera off ebay for $80 and both of the harnesses (I think it was another $60 total) from the dealer and got a duplicate OEM camera set up for my camper. Just plugs into the stock location and worth every penny.

I had a picture at one time of a Raven shell in a dodge short bed but darned if I can find it now. Its an interesting idea. If I had my camper on all of the time I'd like having the camper door protected behind the locking tail gate.

 

[ETAV8R]

I'm one of the minority. I've got a porch and I love it. Never banged my head on the door jam but have on the bunk when it was pulled out.

 

[2tallDA]

You will bang your head a lot more with a porch than stepping up into your camper.

jim

Exactly my sentiment. Retaining your tailgate will require you to bend way over to enter the camper.

 

[super doody]

In my opinion, I'd rather have ~7'' of camper interior space than a foot or two of porch/tailgate space. I've seen the interior of a Raven. and it seems a tad cramped in already small camper. There is a reason why you can only get a roller over couch configuration.