Narrow Older FWC for Modern Pickup
#1
Posted 08 November 2011 - 03:52 PM
I looked through every single page on this forum to hopefully find a thread where somebody has modified the plywood base of a camper to fit a modern pickup. I did not see any thread or pictures, but I know someone has done it as it does not appear to be that difficult. I have a spool gun and any aluminum welding will be trivial.
The main concerns I have are as follows:
-I am only $200 into this camper. Should I try and sell it for around $1500 and just save some cash for the next "deal"? The problem with this option is that everything works on this camper and like I say, it is in really nice condition.
-What is the reduction from the 64" measurement that the first "tier" would need to be at in order to fit the majority of modern pickups? If I chose to minimize the reduction, how much "wiggle room" would I need to realistically manuever the slide-in?
-Will the reduction on the 12 v converter and water tank side require moving the cabinets into the walking space, or can I just cut the back of those sections out, thereby protecting the walking aisle space?
-I need the lower fridge vent, anyone know where to find that part?
-I need the egress emergency window (middle window). Anyone know where to find that part?
I have attached a photo showing the measurement I am wondering about.
-I am not too worried about the plywood work, but dismantling all the wiring, cabinets, etc. appears to be more taxing. Is that a big pain in the butt?
Thanks in advance!
#2
Posted 08 November 2011 - 04:37 PM
2022 F350 7.3L; family trailer at the moment and some aluminum stuck together to eventually form another truck camper
#3
Posted 08 November 2011 - 04:41 PM
The issue is that it's not just plywood, the front/rear walls the aluminum frame is also too wide and needs to be narrowed. As such it really hasn't been done often since most folks don't have access to aluminum welding equipment. You could consider using brackets/plates/rivets or something of that nature to rework it but do so at your own confidence level.
Thanks, as I said in my post I own a spool gun and regularly weld aluminum. Would take me longer to hook up the welder than it would to fab.... From the looks of this picture, you cut the square tube and move over, then weld back in. Looks to be the easiest part of the entire project.
Like I said, I am more worried about the internal equipment fitting and still allowing space to walk.
Anyone actually done this work?
#4
Posted 08 November 2011 - 05:59 PM
Thanks, as I said in my post I own a spool gun and regularly weld aluminum. Would take me longer to hook up the welder than it would to fab.... From the looks of this picture, you cut the square tube and move over, then weld back in. Looks to be the easiest part of the entire project.
Like I said, I am more worried about the internal equipment fitting and still allowing space to walk.
Anyone actually done this work?
Missed that you do aluminum welding, you're a step ahead there. But that is why not too many folks have done this themselves to provide comment or have reference threads on it.
As for fitment, the newer units are 58" wide and work so its not impossible.
2022 F350 7.3L; family trailer at the moment and some aluminum stuck together to eventually form another truck camper
#5
Posted 08 November 2011 - 11:00 PM
Even without a welder, anyone could do the work with pop rivets and a piece of sheet plate.
I guess I'm failing to see any big issues. Maybe I will start buying up these older units and resizing them for resale....
#6
Posted 08 November 2011 - 11:43 PM
Not everyone wants to jump into frame modification, cutting down the floor pack, and reworking the siding. As such I don't recall any threads where folks actually when through it (but alot asking what it would take). If you're up for it and feel the labor/value is there get on it and post up a nice thread!
2022 F350 7.3L; family trailer at the moment and some aluminum stuck together to eventually form another truck camper
#7
Posted 09 November 2011 - 01:50 AM
'99 Ford Ranger XLT, '08 FWC Eagle
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“the clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” - John Muir
#8
Posted 09 November 2011 - 03:08 PM
I'm not sure how the layout in the Keystones is - but to narrow the second step in mine would be pretty easy - there isn't much in that space.
58" is the tailgat opening on 'most' newer trucks if I recell correctly.
And congrats on getting a FWC!
#9
Posted 09 November 2011 - 03:26 PM
I guess I'm failing to see any big issues. Maybe I will start buying up these older units and resizing them for resale....
I think you should go ahead and do the modification to your camper. Like Pods said, the frame work is what keeps most people from even trying. If you find the project is as easy as you are thinking, then your plan for flipping modified older campers would probably be very successful. The fit problem with newer trucks is the only reason they are priced so low. Good luck.
"Not all who wander are lost. Except Ted, he's usually lost." Dirty Dog
#10
Posted 09 November 2011 - 04:09 PM
My current plan is to proceed with the resize. If I do, I will post a how-to and very likely to continue looking for others to work on.
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