Flatbed For A Truck Camper / Pros and Cons
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- Опубліковано 18 чер 2024
- Have you ever though about how cool it would be to have a truck camper on a flatbed truck? I think as truck camper people we all go through this. When we were going through weighing the pros and cons we didn't find very much info out there, which is the reason for this video. We hope that it helps you with that decision if think you might be interesting in a flatbed.
As always, we hope you find the video useful and informative!
Thanks for watching!
The Runaway Roses
#runawayroses #LiveLanceLife #LanceTruckCamper #TruckCamperLife #RAM4500 #FlatbedTruckCamper #HeavyHauling
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►►►►►►LIST OF OUR CAMPERS (PRESENT AND PAST)◄◄◄◄◄◄
►2020 Bigfoot 10.4 Truck Camper - We got our 2020 Bigfoot 10.4 Truck Camper in October 2021. We were contacted by a couple of subscribers (now good friends) who had theirs up for sale in Upstate New York so we headed out on an adventure. We sold our 2014 Bigfoot 10.4 within one day of listing it online.
►2014 Bigfoot 10.4 Truck Camper - We got our 2014 Bigfoot 10.4 in August 2021 from RVOne near Charlotte, NC. Todd was headed to buy a brand new Bigfoot 10.4 just before we got the Lance 975 but when he got to Southland RV, it was sold. That's when we decided to go to the Lance 975. We knew at some point in the future we'd have a Bigfoot again and here it is.
►2021 Lance 975 - We got our new 2021 Lance 975 from Chattanooga Fish n Fun in Hixson, TN in August 2020. After looking at several models, we decided on the Lance 975 (Check out Brad's channel from Chattanooga Fish n Fun, he gives great, thorough overviews of some really nice boats and campers.) We sold the Lance 975 in August 2021.
►2019 Northern Lite 10-2 Truck Camper - Bought and delivered from Mountain Motors in Troy, MO on 12/2019 and sold it in 01/2020.
►2005 Northern Lite 10-2 Truck Camper - Picked up on 8/10/2019 we did major repairs, maintenance and renovations to this one and sold it in 12/2019.
2008 Bigfoot 21RB - Sold 12/2019, we went across country to purchase from a dealer in Pueblo Colorado.
►2006 Casita Spirit Deluxe - Sold 07/2018 when we bought our Bigfoot.
►2002 A-liner - Sold 05/2017 when bought our 2006 Casita Spirit Deluxe.
Yes it was well thought out and well presented. Thank you.
Thanks for the informative video and especially the pictures underneath showing the structure. We plan to follow in your footsteps.
Great video, Todd. Hadn't thought about the bed height increase. Thanks for covering that.
You read my mind! I was pondering this very question. I’m looking at the Kingstar Camino 88 which you included in a video a while ago and they have some set up with flat beds that look really good. I like your rails … I would need to do something like that because I would want to detach and explore without all that weight. Anyway great 👍🏼 Information thank you again! 😊😊😊
Great pro and con comparison. Love the truck! We have been contemplating a truck camper.
Definitely useful information. Thanks.
Thanks , you have some good ideas. Safety first .
Todd, almost every video I’ve watched of yours features a different camper. That’s reassuring as you both have very specific feelings about your rv needs and, apparently they can be met with different brands/models.
I’d love the extra storage of a flatbed, especially for firewood and outdoor living accessories. Thanks for all the analysis, you develop a considerate approach to your analysis and I’ll greatly benefit from your research.
Very informative! Thanks!
Thanks Todd! Been looking for one of your videos to appear, and this one's a good one!
Hey Bob, Thanks for looking out for a video and thanks for the nice comment and watching. Todd
Thank you excellent video, and a extremely nice set up.
Good job with the overview - thanks
This was an awesome video!!!
I loved the way you made the area for your camper to fit in and not move around. I finally got my Chevy 5500HD and put a CM RD flatbed on it for my 1172 Lance. You answered my question on the tie downs and I will be purchasing that type also and doing it just like you did. Awesome setup!👍
The 1st con you mentioned is really a pro for the 1172 because it has the “ basement” as they call it that hangs down in the back. Don’t ask me how I know but having that extra height will keep you from hanging up and bending your stairs under the camper. Loving you videos!!!!
Thanks, this was very helpful.
You guys always have great videos. Like the T-Shirt!!
I know its far less common, but I'd love to hear your opinion on campers built onto the chassis itself!
Thanks for sharing your experience with a flatbed. I always thought a towable flatbed would be better. I have no clue about over landing. Maybe you can do a video on why or why not a towable flat bed is a good idea. Happy trails!!!!
We spent three weeks in Colorado this year and have your set up would have been perfect.
Great video. It makes me realize how much work would be involved to go 450/4500 or bigger. Since I am handy but not nearly as patient as you obviously are, we will probably just stick with our F350 dually.
Well presented video. My wife really wants a flat bed with locking storage boxes for our TC. She wants it mainly for the extra storage which scares me a bit :P I often wondered if it saves any weight but after watching this I am pretty sure her ideas will add a lot of weight. She is dead set against upgrading to a dualie but this might give me the bargaining chip I need for the upgrade.
Solid thanks
I do like how you put the mat down.
I have my Eagle Cap 1165 on a flatbed International CV 515. Instead of going to the hassle and expense of putting in a plug for the camper, I just bought a 5-foot extension and a 7-wire Y-splitter. The splitter plugs into the rear outlet , the extension plugs into one of its ends and the trailer I pull plugs into the other end. Easy peasy. Maybe $30 total.
very helpful thank you
12:10 I just saw the tow extension you have and it is the same rig I lost my Toyota Hylander on towing4 down. Trust me that WILL break. I had a new set up 3 months old and the side forces when turning finally broke it and I lost the car. My weights were good and I thought all was well but it wasn’t. Please if your towing anything other than bikes please consider the double tube with the chains for side to side support. It’s a terrible feeling when your headed straight down the road and your car veers off and heads a different direction to its demise. I wish I would have known about the set up I have now sooner. Please heed my words they will save you a lot of greef for little $. Good luck. I have a Ram 3500 6.4 hemi ( so i have extra payload) with an Lance 1172. Torklift Super truss E1536 36” tow extension. $659 that will save you so much greef. Well I guess I should have watched the whole video before posting you go into to it at the end!
Have you looked into getting a Kelderman airbag system?
If you do, go with the H3 air system. It will help with the ride, and you can lower the truck to pickup the camper.
Excellent
It would be nice if the wooden sides would fold down with chains to hold it the level , like a work bench.
Or outdoor kitchen!
Good job
I would have designed those side rails to become a fold down table. Great content.
Hey Good day,
This ☝🏾👀 is a Very Intriguing Design. I Think I'll Look into a Flatbed Truck instead.
Thank you much for the Idea 💡👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
And the Extra Storage is Great 😃👍🏾
Excellent Video.
I have really enjoyed watching all of your videos, you have done an excellent job in keeping us informed.
I am in a quandary right now between the Silverado 5500 or the Ram 5500, I really like your set up.
The more time I spend watching your videos the better informed decisions I will make
I like what you have done with the storage wooden boxes and the wood railings to save on the weight
and at the same time keeping your trailer centered on the bed of the truck.
Weight distribution is very important for the ride of the truck.
Thank you for all that you do.
I don't think you can go wrong with either 5500, but I am partial to the Ram. In either case, keep in mind that it will be a little higher than the Roses' truck due to the larger commercial tires on a 5500. Also, insurance on a 5500 can be an issue. We bought a used Ram 5500 4x4 with a skirted flatbed and had to purchase a separate policy on it. Not a huge deal, but be aware that most car insurance policies won't cover a 5500 because it's considered a commercial vehicle. We tagged ours but had to sign an affidavit that it was for personal use only and not commercial. Also last, but not least, we've found in our area it's more difficult to find repair garages to work on a commercial truck, even buying and mounting tires but, again, not a huge issue and we are in a more rural area. With our Ram 5500 we won't have to worry at all about our weight, yes we'll be sure it's distributed correctly, but overall weight is not an issue. We don't have a truck camper yet, but we know we can safely carry any on the market with no worries.
Hello Doodles,
Thanks for taking the time to give me a sound piece of advice
The insurance had not crossed my mind, I was under the belief that all I had to do was call my insurance company and add it to my policy
that is something that I need to address ASAP with my insurance company.
I live in southern cal, I am fortunate that I have several reputable diesel repair shops around me, I try to stay away from the dealers as much as possible.
At the present time I have a 2021 Silverado 2500 with the Duramax and the 10 speed Allison.
I just drove the truck to Oklahoma and really liked the ride.
I just retired and I am planning on a long trip to the PNW, crossing into canada and driving up to Alaska.
Once again Thank You for the heads up.
OMG I love your video I'm looking for a flatbed to replace my bed in my 2013 F350 Drew Cab Diesel I love my truck. The bed on it is not lasting me had the rust fixed once and came right back and have to replace it.
I really enjoyed the video; it gave me a lot to think about. I never considered the height issue. I think the convenience of all that extra storage overweighs all the cons, plus it looks awesome. As soon as my box starts rusting out I'll pull the trigger on the flatbed.
Hey Kenny, So funny I am literally watching your video as I read your message. Carla and I enjoy your channel. It is a big jump to a flatbed but once it’s done it’s really is nice. Take care and thanks for watching! Todd
@@RunawayRoses That awesome! lol I have been watching you guys for a long time. I found your channel back when you were dealing the wood rot in the basement of the Northern Light. In fact, it was your videos that got me waxing the camper instead of using Zip Floor polish like so many other UA-camrs were pushing at the time. I take it as a huge compliment that you and Carla are watching my videos!
Wow,flashback , That NL was in rough shape and a lot of work. Good choice on the wax instead of the zep floor polish. Stay safe and keep up the good work!
very good.....
Very informative video, thank you for posting. I am in the process of building a similar setup and will be purchasing the same camper. I am planning on building boxes for the sides. I was wondering if you could tell me the width of your tie down points on your deck? I want to ensure my tie downs don’t rub against my boxes.
If I had a flatbed, I'd probably look for a camper that's designed for the flatbed. You'd gain the interior space by having a camper that took the full bed, rather than leaving room for the bed side on a conventional pickup.
Almost no truck campers are designed specifically for a flatbed, since they were such a small niche market. However. that is changing. Rugged Mountain in Idaho makes a MONSTER camper specifically for a flatbed and others have produced prototypes.
I just added the Super Truss hitch to my Ram 4500 with a CM flatbed and it was a very involved project. The hitch on the flatbed was only rated for 10,000 lbs. with a standard length hitch. When you add a longer extension your weight capacity is greatly reduced. The Super Truss hitch required major modifications to be the rear of the flatbed. Lots of cutting and grinding. Now that the job is finished I no longer have to worry about the weight of any trailer I might pull with our rig.
Do you have pics of your project?? I would love to do that too!!
Thanks for explaining the 6 inches. Extra. Now ill go and by a regular f350. Dully
Thanks
Good video! Nice truck. With having a steel bed and all that extra weight, what do you think about having a dually with air bags?
I have a dump flat bed 8.5 long by 8 wide and it sits pretty high. And i may have to cut my headache rack down a bit but pretty sure itll sit on there nice. I was thinking i could use the dumper to level me out while sleeping on a hill.
Thanks for sharing your build. Been contemplating this for a few years now. Getting close to making a decision. Standard skirted bed is what I'm leaning towards but I think I'll have to clearance the fender wells for my 37" tires. One advantage I can see with side wing storage is a place to store the jacks if taking the rig off-road. Also perfect place for a small Honda generator and should be able to run there as well.
Curious if you happened to know your total height with the flatbed? I'm already pretty tall at 11'10" with standard pickup bed (unladen - total of the 2 - haven't measured combined after some tire and suspension changes). I knew I'd be gaining height with a standard flatbed but thought more in the 3-4" range. 6-7" is going to significantly effect CG. I know Bowen Customs makes theirs that hold standard height but they are super proud of them pricewise!
I kept looking for the camper arrow on the lower sides ? The arrow that shows were COG. Center of Gravity and how that arrow is located with your rear axle. Is your cog marker missing ? Can I ask what your camper dry weight is and your truck weight with all the options ? Then the third final weight of fully loaded with water propane gear etc. ? I just attended what was called the largest truck camper rally every in Quartzsite Arizona. There were quit a few no shows but I think around 335 truck campers attended. There were work shops on different subjects and one class that got lively was the true weight of vehicles and the true weight of campers. Folks that have had several truck campers over the years would swear to their GVWR but one trip to the scales shock many people. Half the vehicle there were over weight and not by 100 300 or 500 Pounds but several 1,000 pounds.
The reason I say all this is why go through all this expense and trouble and find out its not right with weight and things like COG location. Thanks for the video and I to have a protech flatbed with a bigfoot on it. Why did you take off a bigfoot and put on a Lance ?????
I wished you would have got a bright white flat bed paint .
Great video and lots of things to consider. I’m thinking that most if not all aluminum flatbed’s will have a steel underbelly chassis so the weight saving might not be that much ?
You could always put aluminum boxes under a steel flatbed.
Considering my options 😊
Probably have to be careful adding aluminum boxes to a steel deck. Likely need some sort of isolating rubber bushing to prevent electrolysis from dissimilar metals. I'm no metallurgist but I'd think should be a consideration.
Have you thought about Sumo springs ?
Does the extra 6 inches make the aero worse and thereby reduce miles per gallon? That gap between your truck cab and the camper seems like a pretty big windstop.
The wood rack that you made for both side are they permanent of do they come off?
The crew cab dually with that large of a camper negates so many of the things I love about having a truck camper. First and foremost we fit in a regular parking spot . Which is important at so many pull off road side attractions grocery stores so on.
If fitting into a single parking spot and maybe something else you don’t like, negates all the pros he mentioned, seems being very non-flexible, especially for a truck camper owner. Back into a fringe spot of the parking lot a take up 2 spots. Travel trailers and motor homes you see take up 5 or 6 spots all the time. I don’t see why that would be a no go subject for you. That is what you like, I am not going to tell you how you should decide what too buy though. Safe travels!
Question: All in all, do you prefer the flat bed truck or the one with the regular truck bed: i see you have a ford in other video?
Todd I want to thank you for making this video. It. Has answered a lot of questions. I just picked up my 4500 4x4 today and now I am waiting on my bed to be installed and bigfoot to finish my camper. What is your total height sitting on the flat bed ?
Thanks for the nice comment. That setup was right at 12’ tall. Thanks for watching!
How did you mount the 2x4 box glue?
Nice video. Where did you find the jack extensions? Do you have a part Number?
I got them from Etrailer.com. Thanks for watching!
Looks like that is an 1172. How far behind your axle is the campers COG?
Great video, I was curious the size of the flat bed, looking to get a flat bed and do this, looking at a 9ft and a 8ft, both 3500, another question, is yours a 4500 or 3500?
My truck is a 4500 cab chassis so it has a longer cab to axle length than a 3500 by a few inches. My bed length is 9’ 4”. Hope that helps and thanks for watching!
LOVED the video! Been wondering if I could put a camper on my 2001 F450 flatbed. The bed is 9' x 8'. The width is the big question. Suppose I could build "adapters" for the camper jacks to be able to load a camper? Or should I just sell the truck and start from scratch? Any thoughts would be appreciated 😊
You ABSOLUTELY can put a camper in your flatbed! Very easy to do!
Great video.. question would it be possible to paint the flatbed to match your truck? Was that an option where you bought it?
Yes, I have seen them painted to match. Looks nice when it’s done. Thanks for watching !
Great video. I'm in the research phase of buying a truck and camper. What is your HWY cruising speed and MPG for a rig like yours. Thanks
I usually drive between 65 to 70 and get about 11 to 11.5 mpg s. Thanks for watching!
Adding the bumper up front with the headache rack and the camper sitting 10” further back, does that throw your cog too far back on a 60” ca? You got a 60” ca or do you have 84” ca bed? If that 10” does not hurt your cog of the camper on the bed, you’ve solved my problem on where to put my spare. I want to get the extra fuel tank under mine but also want the 60” ca.
Hi Todd, My truck is a 60" CC truck with a 9'4" bed on it. The camper sitting back ten inches hasn't really affected anything. It drives great. The camper has to sit back on the bed because of the way it is designed I can't slide it forward anymore. With the trucks wheelbase being longer than my Ram 3500 and the longer bed the cog doesn't seem to matter much. Hope that helps and thanks for watching!
Out of the campers you have had , Lance, Bigfoot, Northern Lite, any others?, which do you feel was the best quality construction, which was the best designed interior as far as ease of use or moving around in it, and of course which did Carla like the most?
That is a loaded question but the short answer is we have loved all three of them and they all make great campers. It's mainly all about finding out what works for you. The Lance 1172 was by far the roomiest but we love molded fiberglass camper so we went back to a Northern Lite. The none slide campers are tighter but easier to get in and out of while on the road traveling. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!
What length bed is that? I love that setup!
The flatbed is 9’4”. Thanks for watching.
How do people insure these?.
What is the model number of the short tie-downs? My local rv dealer has 2 short and 2 long tie-downs pet set.
I don’t know the model number but we got them from etrailer.com. Thanks for watching.
How did you get 4 shorter Quick load tie downs?
Buy individual?
We got them from etrailer.com. I think you can get a two pack of the short Happijac Qwik-loads. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.
Hey Todd did having a flatbed change your insurance rates to commercial? Also with a regular truckbed your payload is covered by your truck insurance. Does that change with a flatbed if its considered commercial?
I did have to find a separate insurance company to in sure my Ram 4500 because our normal insurer wanted to much money even with bundling it with our other vehicles. It wasn't because of it having a flatbed for us it was the fact that it was a heavier duty 4 series truck that raised the rates. We did insure it as a personal vehicle and not commercial. You can get reasonable insurance for a 4 or 5 series truck buy you may have to shop for the insurance based on my experience. Thanks for watching!
Does extra 6-7 inches change your driving experience? I would imagine a higher center of gravity might be a con..?
No it really hasn’t other than having to pay attention to bridge heights. I haven’t had a problem though. Thanks for watching!
Hey y’all. Just upgraded to a 5500 after having a SECOND wheel failure on my 3500 (I really need to make a video on that). Question for ya: I also got the PJ skirted flatbed installed on my truck (diamond plate tho ewww) and it looks like the bed itself was installed too far forward and the wheel well isn’t lining up with the wheels. Does yours look like that too?
Hey Downbytheriver, Congrats on your new 5500! That should handle your NL with no problem. Both of the flatbeds I've had were lined up pretty much centered over the rear tires. I have seen what you're talking about before and most likely it's an install issue. You could unbolt the bed and slide it back but that would make for a good bit of work, and you might have to make some new mounting brackets. Maybe a place that installs the flatbeds could adjustment if for you fairly inexpensively. Good Luck and thanks for watching!
@@RunawayRoses that’s what I figured. They were giving some excuse on how they had to use factory bolt locations but I smelled bullshit
Good Morning; I noticed you have a garage in your video. May I ask you what is the gate height from the concrete floor? I have a 2004 F350 dually with stock wheels but no garage which I plan to build one for incoming truck camper. If I try to go inside the garage with my truck and camper on it need the correct height? I appreciate your reply in advance.
Hi Lord Baltimore, Our garage door is 10' wide by 13' 1" tall. It was originally 12' tall. I would recommend at garage door at least 12x14 if your going to build a garage that you'll park your truck and camper in. Good Luck and Thanks for watching! ~ Todd
Thank you very much for your reply. Much Appreciated.
I am thinking of purchasing a flatbed that already has the rails so how do I make them removable like yours?
I built my side rails to fit so I'm not sure about the rails you have. Thanks for watching!
I run an 1172 on a Ram 3500 Crew cab. It porpoises quite a bit on bumps, bridges, uneven pavement, etc. Do you get a more consistent ride with less or no porpoising with a frame mounted flat bed?
Yes, Our Ram 4500 handled the Lance 1172 much better than a regular one ton truck. The stiffer springs, frame and flatbed really made a big difference in hauling such a heavy camper. As you know a one ton dually can do it but a 4 or 5 series truck will handle the load much better. Thanks for watching!
You are overweight with an 1172 on a 3500 crew cab! Guaranteed!
I really found this interesting, but I'll never buy one , go figure!
What kind of flat bed is it? Brand?
It is made by PJ. CM also make the PJ beds.
Is the at a 60” CAB?
Yes it is a 60” CC.
Sorry again did you use 2x4 or 2x6 on those and is it treated wood?
Hi Joe, I used 3/4 pressure treated deck boards. It should last a while. It is kind of heavy though. Could probably make it a little lighter with pine 1x6. Thanks for watching!
Another con…. If you live in a deed restricted neighborhood they wont let you park it there
Buy a class c motor home this not a off road vehicle to say the least. And you can add 4x4 to a class c if you need to. This is too big and heavy
This will still get you more places than a class C. There is more ground clearance and being a F 450 it is more robust than a class C. I'm guessing this is a factory 4x4.
Check out Quigley 4x4 in York Pa. They do the four wheel drive conversion and it will not void your warranty. I have been running the beach for years and use my rig for hunting and these big campers are very limited to where you can go. Light is right as they say
I don’t like your flat bed set up
what is your truck weighting without the camper on? And is it a 3500 or 4500 or 5500?
It was a Ram 4500 and it weighed about 10,300 unloaded. Thanks for watching.
How would that camper handle on same truck but SRW?
I would not recommend carrying a Lance 1172 on a SRW due to its weight. I know people have done it, but there’s no way I would ever do that. I would either recommend a dually or get a lighter weight camper. Thanks for watching!
@@RunawayRoses Yeah, I hear ya. It’s a gas cab chassis so the weight isn’t a problem, and it has a 9’ flatbed. Was wondering about stability wise. It’s got the Aisin with 4.44 gears.
It would probably handle it weight wise with it being a cab chassis having a high payload. But it’s hard to beat the stability of a dually with a heavy load. I was thinking it was a regular pick up SRW.
@@RunawayRoses It’s an odd truck in that it was ordered with the SRW as an option. Ram used it for trade shows and parade or two I was told. Thanks for the input.