Here is my solution to the age old compromise of sacrificing center of gravity or rear wheel clearance.
Been a long time lurker of this form but today I decided to join and show you all my approach to this highly debated topic.
The topic has been discussed at length here and about four years ago I set out to create what I thought was a perfect solution for this problem. So I bought a cheap flux core welder and went about sticking some metal together.
My goal was to create a flatbed that didn't raise the camper higher than the factory bed, allowed for full wheel articulation and most importantly looked sexy. My first rendition accomplished the first two.
I wanted something with modularity since the camper is not on my truck most of the time. I did not like the idea of the utility bed design like highway products or Bowen (who was not even making their beds when I started this endeavor). I have always loved the Australian UTE trays and wanted mine to look similar.
The black tray is my first attempt at this design. While it worked and was a great proof of concept, it had its obvious downfalls. Being steel, I had to keep weight in mind which ultimately resulted in the structure bending. I used thinner gauge material than I should have.
So I decided to buy an aluminum welder and make the new and improved version you see below.
I have patented this design and would like to get it to a point where I can produce and sell them to others at a more reasonable price point that the current market offerings.
Let me know what you all think!
Been a long time lurker of this form but today I decided to join and show you all my approach to this highly debated topic.
The topic has been discussed at length here and about four years ago I set out to create what I thought was a perfect solution for this problem. So I bought a cheap flux core welder and went about sticking some metal together.
My goal was to create a flatbed that didn't raise the camper higher than the factory bed, allowed for full wheel articulation and most importantly looked sexy. My first rendition accomplished the first two.
I wanted something with modularity since the camper is not on my truck most of the time. I did not like the idea of the utility bed design like highway products or Bowen (who was not even making their beds when I started this endeavor). I have always loved the Australian UTE trays and wanted mine to look similar.
The black tray is my first attempt at this design. While it worked and was a great proof of concept, it had its obvious downfalls. Being steel, I had to keep weight in mind which ultimately resulted in the structure bending. I used thinner gauge material than I should have.
So I decided to buy an aluminum welder and make the new and improved version you see below.
I have patented this design and would like to get it to a point where I can produce and sell them to others at a more reasonable price point that the current market offerings.
Let me know what you all think!
