Do i need a subframe

[Dak9993]

I've been using a s250 mil shelter that I turned into a camper for the back of my cummins for bit mow but have been wanting to get another ram and make a dedicated 4x camper. I've been thinking I would need a subframe for flex. This shelter is pretty rigid and strong would it work to just bolt to the frame? Don't want to tear it apart either

 

[Dak9993]

I actually want to pull the bed and mount to the frame. Seeing that the truck would be a shorter wheelbase it seems like the suspension would flex more than the frame. Also want to use a 1/2 ton for better off road capability.

 

[Mike W.]

Lots of factors to consider. First weight of the shelter with equipment. I think that rules out using a 1/2 chassis immediately. I would probably go as far as saying you're going to need a 1 ton. Tire clearance would be the next issue. Will you need to raise the box to clear your tires and how much clearance do you need. How do you plan to mount the box? As far as adding a subframe you shouldn't have to. Weight and height are the key factors.

 

[Dak9993]

So far the shelter probably doesn't weigh more than 1000 loaded. It's 700-800 empty. I think the tires will clear fine also. I geuss I can upgrade rear suspension if needed. Maybe add a leaf or 1 ton springs

 

[tacollie]

3/4+ ton are going to have a much stiffer frame. Halftons are going to be more prone to frame flex. If you're staying to pavement and mild forest service roads you will probably be fine with a direct mount. That being said if you're putting the time and money into it a pivoting subframe might be worth the extra effort to know the box is going to last.

 

[rruff]

3/4+ ton are going to have a much stiffer frame. Halftons are going to be more prone to frame flex.

Not true. The flexiest frames you'll find are on older 3/4+ tons. Recently <1 ton domestic pickups are all fully boxed, but the chassis-cabs are still pretty flexy with open-C behind the cab.

...have been wanting to get another ram and make a dedicated 4x camper.

Depends on the particular truck. Ram... what year and model? As usual there are conflicting posts on the internet, so do your own research. You can easily tell by crawling under them and looking at the frame.

Ram HD Frame then and now

www.ramforumz.com

 

[tacollie]

Not true. The flexiest frames you'll find are on older 3/4+ tons. Recently <1 ton domestic pickups are all fully boxed, but the chassis-cabs are still pretty flexy with open-C behind the cab.

Good point. I was thinking newer F350/3500 trucks.

 

[rruff]

Good point. I was thinking newer F350/3500 trucks.

And if the OP is getting a newish (2017+) pickup then hard-mounting should be fine, because the frame will be fully boxed and stiff (unless it's a Tacoma or Tundra 2021-). Otherwise you need to make sure... and I wouldn't hard-mount on a C-channel frame that is taken offroad.