Which Slide-In Campers Work with my Tundra...?

Has anyone put a 6.5' FWC on a 5.5' Crewmax bed? I'm trying to gather info and see some pictures. I have upgraded to Bilsteins and would add airbags to improve the suspension with an eventual goal of a more robust suspension setup. I'm curious about spare access if I leave my tailgate on. Seems like I've read that this is a problem. Any way to overcome it?

 

When I had my '12 Crewmax, finding a camper that worked was a challenge. I tried a 6.5 in my 5.5 bed for a weekend, and found it to be too much weight over the rear axle. I had rear airbags and didn't like the feel off road. Maybe others have had a better experience?

 

what exact camper model did you have?

 

Check out https://fourwheelcampers.com/ and other 4x4 campers. Some like the Six-Pac slide in campers went out of business in 2008 with the banksters crashing the economy but are available on the used market.

On a separate but related note I have found that most Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles need an added leaf spring at the rear to support the weight even when empty. Many a vehicle on the highways with noticeable rear end sag. With my truck I took it to a 4WD shop and had them add a leaf on each side and put on longer shackles which was a very inexpensive fit. Without adequate load support there will be a lot of sway and most people focus on the shocks or adding a roll bar at the rear axle but the problem is with the leaf springs.

 

I had a cab over camper built by a local manufacturer for my 2003 Tundra. It's a dry 4 season camper. I am hoping to put it on my 2021 crew max when I retire and drive in to the lower 48. Cache Camper put airbags on mine.