Longhorn -vs- Camper Special - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

VTKidder · 10-09-2003, 06:59 AM

Worthless thread of the day.....

This is a 100% purely stupid question, but what is the difference between a longhorn and a camper special? Is one worth more, more collectable, have more appeal, tougher, weaker, etc? Always wondered, but never knew.

Mike C · 10-09-2003, 08:47 AM

Longhorn just means 133" wheelbase. You could get a Camper Special longhorn also.

**CPNE** · 10-09-2003, 08:57 AM

From the Dept. Of Redundency Dept:

A Longhorn is a 133" wheelbase 1 ton pickup, typically a fleetside. It was badged as such for marketing purposes to promote the extra 6 inches of length. One of the "selling" points was that the added length better accomodated the RV campers which was a burgeoning market back then. It was also promoted to farmers and ranchers because of the added capacity.

A Camper Special or "Custom Camper" is also a marketing ploy. It's simply a badge that included several options as a package that could be ordered on any truck. If memory serves it included but was not limited to:

1. HD suspension components
2. Camper wiring

Basically both were a way for GM to exploit additional markets. Neither in and of themselves are particulary rare or desirable, but are interesting period trivia.

VTKidder · 10-09-2003, 09:14 AM

Interesting....tell Boz-All thanks for me

1969 GMC · 10-09-2003, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CPNE
From the Dept. Of Redundency Dept:

A Longhorn is a 133" wheelbase 1 ton pickup, typically a fleetside. It was badged as such for marketing purposes to promote the extra 6 inches of length. One of the "selling" points was that the added length better accomodated the RV campers which was a burgeoning market back then. It was also promoted to farmers and ranchers because of the added capacity.

Boz-all forgot that you could also get a C/20 Longhorn.

All Longhorn beds were fleetside, but there are some C/30's floating around that have the Longhorn-size stepside bed, but they aren't Longhorns. This was because all C/30's had either 133" or 157" wheelbase.

busterwivell · 10-09-2003, 02:09 PM

CPNE, you makin' fun of my Longhorn? LOL. Mine is a one ton that says Custom Camper 30. Give you extra when you buy firewood at so much a pickup load. Made them look twice when I pulled out of their yard a few weeks ago.

**CPNE** · 10-09-2003, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by busterwivell
CPNE, you makin' fun of my Longhorn? LOL. Mine is a one ton that says Custom Camper 30. Give you extra when you buy firewood at so much a pickup load. Made them look twice when I pulled out of their yard a few weeks ago.

Heck no! I'd never give anyone $hit!

Isn't buying firewood in Tucson, like buying a bikini in Fairbanks?

Castiron9 · 10-09-2003, 02:27 PM

Yea ..............Don't be making fun of Longhorns..LOL

72 super Cheyenne/20...........Whats that saying"longer is better"

busterwivell · 10-09-2003, 02:37 PM

I don't know about buying bikinis in Fairbanks, but I can tell you it can get cold here in the winter. When we first moved here and had our place built, we laughed at them when they asked wheere we wanted the fireplace. It became a priority when we moved 9 years ago. It's even snowed here a time or two. We'll got through a pickup load in one winter, but then, we usually will light a fire anytime it gets below oh....say.....70! Firewood ain't cheap here, either, cuz there ain't lots of trees in the desert.

**CPNE** · 10-09-2003, 02:40 PM

How about a couple of cords of wood for some rust-free parts? We have plenty here but it gets closer to -40 below here than it does 70 above in the winter!

Longhorn Man · 10-09-2003, 04:38 PM

While I have not seen hard proof as of yet, it seems that the Custom Camper was GMC's version of the Longhorn.
This is seperate from the Custom Camper that was just springs shcocks anti roll bar and tire option that could be had on the 127 inch wheel base trucks.
All in all, (on the chevy side of the house) there were 25,442 longhorns made from 68 to 72.

dinnut · 10-09-2003, 06:24 PM

longhorns and custom campers r sexy

Longhorn Man · 10-09-2003, 07:53 PM

dinnut..quit looking at my butt.

chevy_fatman · 10-09-2003, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Longhorn Man
it seems that the Custom Camper was GMC's version of the Longhorn...

My '69 GMC Longhorn is a Custom Camper.

GM72K10 · 10-09-2003, 10:33 PM

Hey guys, more redundancy,
The 1 ton 133" wheelbase stepside is a 9'0'' box, there's still a few around here, one of the roofers had 'em in our area

Hooter · 10-09-2003, 10:41 PM

its not the size of your box, it's what you do with it that counts

VTKidder · 10-10-2003, 06:06 AM

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

"You wrote down....Turd Ferguson."

"Yeah, what do you want?"

No3Fan4Ever · 10-10-2003, 07:08 AM

My 70 GMC Longhorn has the 'Custom Camper' emblems on the doors

Longhorn Man · 10-10-2003, 11:56 PM

That is correct on teh one ton step side trucks....a 9 foot box was indeed the only step side available on them.

YIKES!!!! I don't remember your windshield being shattered like that, what happened?
Also, who all is in this longhorn club you mention in your signiture...and why wasn't I informed?

No3Fan4Ever · 10-11-2003, 09:18 AM

Andy the windshield was broken when I bought it;

I thought you were the president of the Longhorn Club

Longhorn Man · 10-11-2003, 07:43 PM

never noticed the glass before.
I'm the president? WOO HOOO!!!!! (does that mean i can tax all you longhorn owners?)

woodrow59 · 10-11-2003, 08:50 PM

Here's the badge on my '68 Chevy Longhorn,,,,,,,,,,

Longhorn Man · 10-11-2003, 11:05 PM

woodrow59, your custom camper is listed in the glove box as an option though isn't it?
If my suspision is correct, your custom camper is nothing more than the option that includes the shocks and tires and sway bar as stated above, in addition to the Longhorn model number.

10-09-2003, 06:59 AM	#1
VTKidder Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 996	Longhorn -vs- Camper Special Worthless thread of the day..... This is a 100% purely stupid question, but what is the difference between a longhorn and a camper special? Is one worth more, more collectable, have more appeal, tougher, weaker, etc? Always wondered, but never knew.

10-09-2003, 08:47 AM	#2
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,723	Longhorn just means 133" wheelbase. You could get a Camper Special longhorn also. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

10-09-2003, 08:57 AM	#3
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	From the Dept. Of Redundency Dept: A Longhorn is a 133" wheelbase 1 ton pickup, typically a fleetside. It was badged as such for marketing purposes to promote the extra 6 inches of length. One of the "selling" points was that the added length better accomodated the RV campers which was a burgeoning market back then. It was also promoted to farmers and ranchers because of the added capacity. A Camper Special or "Custom Camper" is also a marketing ploy. It's simply a badge that included several options as a package that could be ordered on any truck. If memory serves it included but was not limited to: 1. HD suspension components 2. Camper wiring Basically both were a way for GM to exploit additional markets. Neither in and of themselves are particulary rare or desirable, but are interesting period trivia. __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

10-09-2003, 02:09 PM	#6
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	CPNE, you makin' fun of my Longhorn? LOL. Mine is a one ton that says Custom Camper 30. Give you extra when you buy firewood at so much a pickup load. Made them look twice when I pulled out of their yard a few weeks ago. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

10-09-2003, 02:27 PM	#8
Castiron9 72 LONGHORN OWNER Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle Wash. Posts: 963	Longhorn Yea ..............Don't be making fun of Longhorns..LOL 72 super Cheyenne/20...........Whats that saying"longer is better" Attached Images __________________ 72-SUPER CHEYENNE/20 LONGHORN 70-C/30 DUALLY

10-09-2003, 09:14 AM	#4
VTKidder Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 996	Interesting....tell Boz-All thanks for me

10-09-2003, 02:37 PM	#9
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	I don't know about buying bikinis in Fairbanks, but I can tell you it can get cold here in the winter. When we first moved here and had our place built, we laughed at them when they asked wheere we wanted the fireplace. It became a priority when we moved 9 years ago. It's even snowed here a time or two. We'll got through a pickup load in one winter, but then, we usually will light a fire anytime it gets below oh....say.....70! Firewood ain't cheap here, either, cuz there ain't lots of trees in the desert. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

10-09-2003, 02:40 PM	#10
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	How about a couple of cords of wood for some rust-free parts? We have plenty here but it gets closer to -40 below here than it does 70 above in the winter! __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

10-09-2003, 04:38 PM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	While I have not seen hard proof as of yet, it seems that the Custom Camper was GMC's version of the Longhorn. This is seperate from the Custom Camper that was just springs shcocks anti roll bar and tire option that could be had on the 127 inch wheel base trucks. All in all, (on the chevy side of the house) there were 25,442 longhorns made from 68 to 72.

10-09-2003, 06:24 PM	#12
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	longhorns and custom campers r sexy __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

10-09-2003, 07:53 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	dinnut..quit looking at my butt.

10-09-2003, 10:33 PM	#15
GM72K10 Next! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 2,482	Hey guys, more redundancy, The 1 ton 133" wheelbase stepside is a 9'0'' box, there's still a few around here, one of the roofers had 'em in our area __________________ 86 K30 CUCV M1028A1 86 K30 CUCV M1028a2 dually 86 K30 C&C 6.2 4:56s, 4M, 11,000 gvw, ex fire truck, now lowboy dump More square bodies and CUCVs than I care to admit to 2020 Silverado K3500HD Work truck

10-09-2003, 10:41 PM	#16
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	its not the size of your box, it's what you do with it that counts __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

10-10-2003, 06:06 AM	#17
VTKidder Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 996	HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! "You wrote down....Turd Ferguson." "Yeah, what do you want?" Attached Images

10-10-2003, 07:08 AM	#18
No3Fan4Ever Running on empty Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 1,033	My 70 GMC Longhorn has the 'Custom Camper' emblems on the doors Attached Images __________________ _____________________________________________ Tim We have two rules here at the Rock. Rule #1: No writing on the walls. Rule#2: Obey all rules 70 GMC Sierra Grande "Custom Camper" Longhorn 402 Big Block TH400 PS PB factory AC Posi; 94 Bronco XLT 302, auto;worn out daily driver



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

10-10-2003, 11:56 PM	#19
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	That is correct on teh one ton step side trucks....a 9 foot box was indeed the only step side available on them. YIKES!!!! I don't remember your windshield being shattered like that, what happened? Also, who all is in this longhorn club you mention in your signiture...and why wasn't I informed?

10-11-2003, 09:18 AM	#20
No3Fan4Ever Running on empty Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 1,033	Andy the windshield was broken when I bought it; I thought you were the president of the Longhorn Club __________________ _____________________________________________ Tim We have two rules here at the Rock. Rule #1: No writing on the walls. Rule#2: Obey all rules 70 GMC Sierra Grande "Custom Camper" Longhorn 402 Big Block TH400 PS PB factory AC Posi; 94 Bronco XLT 302, auto;worn out daily driver

10-11-2003, 07:43 PM	#21
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	never noticed the glass before. I'm the president? WOO HOOO!!!!! (does that mean i can tax all you longhorn owners?)

10-11-2003, 08:50 PM	#22
woodrow59 OzarkHillbilly in Atlanta Join Date: May 2002 Location: Douglasville, Ga. Salem, Mo. Posts: 386	Here's the badge on my '68 Chevy Longhorn,,,,,,,,,, Attached Images __________________ 72 custom/10 LWB 68 Longhorn C20 Custom Camper (sold)

10-11-2003, 11:05 PM	#23
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	woodrow59, your custom camper is listed in the glove box as an option though isn't it? If my suspision is correct, your custom camper is nothing more than the option that includes the shocks and tires and sway bar as stated above, in addition to the Longhorn model number.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.