8 replies to this topic

[Land-roamer]

I decided to start another thread to continue this discussion, for others who may be interested.
This is the original link where this was discussed (and which includes pictures of my setup):
My link

To summarize, I mounted my 10' NCO into the bed of my Dodge 2500 with 8' bed, on top of a 2x6 and styrofoam insulation platform in the bed of the truck (which extends out over the lowered tailgate). The platform sits on top of the rubber bed mat, and its purposes are to provide additional insulation to the camper floor, and preserve the floor from rot. I did NOT bolt the platform to the bed of the truck (and probably should have). Then the camper is held on by frame-mounted tie-downs at each corner, with spring-loaded Torklift turnbuckles.

Someone suggested bolting the platform to the bed of the truck to prevent its sliding out from under the camper.

Someone else suggested bolting the camper itself to the bed of the truck.

I found this post on rv.net:

In the past I would take an Alaskan camper on dirt roads, some pretty rough (washboard type surface). I never had a problem. I found that the tie downs should be only handtight, never tightened with a wrench and for off pavement surfaces you might loosen until just the point that there is no slack in the chains. That allows the camper to not hop up and down in the back as you describe nor does it allow for excessive stresses on the eye bolts when the body and bed flex in response to the irregularies of the dirt road surface. If you use TorkLifts be sure to allow for some movement as that type of system ties the camper to the frame alowing little if any wiggle room for the bed to flex in response to the road surface. If the tie downs are too tight, something will give. For off road applications, there can be a case made to use the Happi Jac system as it allows the camper to flex with the bed.

Since my use of the Dodge-Alaskan will be partly on lengthy gravel roads up North, and maybe some off-roading, I am concerned that bolting the camper to the bed may result in camper damage due to truck bed flexing.

SO: I am now thinking of bolting the platform to the bed of the truck, but not the camper itself. Thoughts?

Thanks,
--Robert

[Land-roamer]

Quick followup:

Corresponded with a few other guys on RV.NET who said they had no issues using their Alaskan camper bolted to the bed of their full-sized pickup.

So I decided I'll keep using the tie-downs and spring-loaded turnbuckles in the front, and drill one hole on each side in the back (through camper floor in the storage areas, through the under-floor pressure treated base, and through the truck bed), about a foot in front of the tailgate, and secure it with good-size stainless steel hardware and large washers. I'll leave the rear tiedowns and turnbuckles for additional security (why not, already have them installed).

Hope this helps someone else in the same situation.

Cheers,
--Robert

p.s. Mike: when you said you saw your camper sliding backwards going up a hill, I assume this means your tie-downs and turnbuckles weren't doing the job?

[myout]

I bolted my nco directly to truck bed...nothing between the camper and truck bed. Its been six months plus and some nasty roads (enuf to break other trucks axles!) And no problems yet. Mine is a 1973nco on a 78 ford highboy.

[Land-roamer]

I bolted my nco directly to truck bed...nothing between the camper and truck bed. Its been six months plus and some nasty roads (enuf to break other trucks axles!) And no problems yet. Mine is a 1973nco on a 78 ford highboy.

Thanks for that! Sounds like you've been out there in 'no man's land' with your truck and camper. Good for you.

[Buckwheat]

I bolted my nco directly to truck bed...nothing between the camper and truck bed. Its been six months plus and some nasty roads (enuf to break other trucks axles!) And no problems yet. Mine is a 1973nco on a 78 ford highboy.

They didn't make a high boy in '78. Ford changed models in '77 the new '77 1/2 low boy model had a married transfer case instead of the divorced or separated ones from the high boys 1967-1977 also the leaf springs were changed from 2 1/2" to 3" also decreasing the amount of leafs. Sorry for the rant

[Land-roamer]

Just bolted the Alaskan to my truck bed in the rear. One 1/2" bolt on each side, with generous washers, and a backing metal plate top and bottom. I don't think my Alaskan is going to be falling off the truck anytime soon!
Cheers.
--Robert

[MikeDahlager]

Quick followup:

Corresponded with a few other guys on RV.NET who said they had no issues using their Alaskan camper bolted to the bed of their full-sized pickup.

So I decided I'll keep using the tie-downs and spring-loaded turnbuckles in the front, and drill one hole on each side in the back (through camper floor in the storage areas, through the under-floor pressure treated base, and through the truck bed), about a foot in front of the tailgate, and secure it with good-size stainless steel hardware and large washers. I'll leave the rear tiedowns and turnbuckles for additional security (why not, already have them installed).

Hope this helps someone else in the same situation.

Cheers,
--Robert

p.s. Mike: when you said you saw your camper sliding backwards going up a hill, I assume this means your tie-downs and turnbuckles weren't doing the job?

No, like a dummy, I didn't have it attached in any way to the truck! Thought it would be fine because of its weight.

Mike

[troutshp]

I also have an 8' 2003 Alaskan mounted on a 2010 Chevy Silverado hd2500 4X4. We have mounted it using happy jacks, bumper and frame mounts, a rubber bed mat, and 2X4's under the camper. So far no slippage. Rear of camper was narrowed by removing wood side panels and reducing width of cross panels.

[Land-roamer]

No, like a dummy, I didn't have it attached in any way to the truck! Thought it would be fine because of its weight.

Mike

Egads! Well, I suppose we all try something once... Life is all about learning from our mistakes I suppose. Thanks for sharing your experience! Reminds me about some funny videos I've seen on youtube entitled something like "redneck way to get camper off truck", where the owner drives the truck backwards at speed, jams on the brakes, and the camper slides off the truck onto the ground. Yipes... But I suppose if one was in an emergency situation and needed to get the camper off the truck in a hurry with no jacks... :-)