Well, kinda going a differnt route this time.

[ntsqd]

I'd be hesitant to just use the upper two bolts in the lower two holes on washboards. Those jacks are likely to really be flopping around back there and you won't know it until one or more have vanished or beat up the camper. For pavement it would likely be fine, but then on pavement you wouldn't need the clearance.

Another option might be to permanently move them up on the camper and employ some removable extensions?

Is the "Torklift" (or what ever it's called) type of camper mounting/securing hardware recommended for this use?

 

[deminimis]

Is the "Torklift" (or what ever it's called) type of camper mounting/securing hardware recommended for this use?

I don't think any company would recommend Baja washboard, as a general rule. I've actually seen a number of campers down there, in out of the way places. The Torklift is the better of the other systems (frame-mounted as opposed to bed mounted). The tie down mount points on the actual camper will generally fail before the Torklift mounts (as seen when people over tighten the tie downs -Tie downs are fine, but they over do it and rip out the camper tie down points)).

As far as the jacks, the rear jack mounts/brackets are probably around 2' long. So, there wouldn't be any flopping around given the length of contact b/t the jack and the mounting bracket. However, a little cam lock strap towards the bottom would further insure everything stays nice and snug. In this pic, you might be able to make out just how long the rear brackets actually are. Upon reviewing the pic, its clear I wouldn't have to go as high as the upper bolt holes. Looks like drilling two hole part way up, just enough to keep the jack base up and out of the way, is all that would be needed. The upper bolt would still be unattached, but for driving, even on Baja washboard, I can't imagine it would fail. I best make sure those are Grade 8s if i go this route.

 

[ntsqd]

aha, for some reason I was picturing the mounts as wrapping around the corner of the camper. The 4 bolts are inline, not in a rough square. Much less likely to beat on things if moved up for transport.

 

[Rhode Trip]

Here is some more detailed information on my cabover lights:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/21878438.cfm

 

[deminimis]

Thanks Rhode Trip.

 

[deminimis]

Yup, a quick check of the rear jack brackets reveals they are about 30" long. The three bolts that hold the jacks to the brackets are equally spaced. Problem #1 solved. Problem #2 (getting the 6th step that was supposed to come with this camper) is nearly solved (sent money to Canada for the missing step and hardware to attach it). -Yea, the rear door is that high that we need a 6-step scissor ladder. Problem #3 almost solved (buying a Superhitch so I can haul my boat/buggies/bikes with the camper on). Problem #4 not solved yet (pulling the trigger on a 56 gal transfer Flow replacement tank for that silly OEM 32 gallon jobbie). Problem #5 not solved yet (the Cognito Stg 4 leveling kit from Norcal Truck). Problem #6 really not solved (ordering and finding a good location under the truck for a Viair X'Treme air compressor). Three issues out of six resolved ain't bad I suppose.

 

[deminimis]

Been busy.

Well, the rig now has Bilsteins on all four concerns, a mild front end lift (Cognito leveling kit), upgraded tie rods and ends and upgraded sway bar ends, plus idler and pitman arm braces from Cognito. Not that its needed for this trip, but installed a Super Hitch yesterday as well. That was one heavy fella. Bolted to the frame no less than ten times (no wonder its got a 15,000 towing cap w/out weight distribution).

Rear bags are expected to arrive this week, so that's next on the list.

Discovered that my truck is missing all tire tools and the jack (glad I didn't know that when drove in -33 degree temps over to Casper, WY in January). Geeszch. If the dealer comes through, then all is right in the world. If not, then I guess its my trusty Hi Lift and the big truck cross tire tool I have in the shop. Will have to fab something to use to lower the spare tire (socket end with about a bazillion extensions).

 

[OTR]

That tie rod is BEEFY!!! It reminds me of the Tundra commercials.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vDcfI5g6Sw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwIrSrjgYSg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZplDM0ujKLw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM5dj7KO2aY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HhW65qoZCE&feature=related

 

[WAND3R3R]

You will Love you Bigfoot!

I have an F350 DRW with a Bigfoot Camper, LOVE IT! I go everywhere with it... maybe not rock crawling...lol

I asked a lot of shops about airbags and the camper guys who could have made money by selling me airbags said I didn't need them? I have TorkLift Stable Loads and Fastguns and they workout great! Bigfoot quality is great...
Enjoy!

 

[shortbusadventure]

Hey deminimis,

I recognized your name and truck pic from dieselplace.com
Nice Camper, we had looked at Bigfoot and Artic fox's.
Where are you in Oregon? My home base is in Bend these days.
I am Currently traveling full time.

-Kevin

 

[805gregg]

I thought Big Foot went out of business are they still around?

 

[shortbusadventure]

I thought Big Foot went out of business are they still around?

They are back again.

 

[Regcabguy]

Been busy.

Well, the rig now has Bilsteins on all four concerns, a mild front end lift (Cognito leveling kit), upgraded tie rods and ends and upgraded sway bar ends, plus idler and pitman arm braces from Cognito. Not that its needed for this trip, but installed a Super Hitch yesterday as well. That was one heavy fella. Bolted to the frame no less than ten times (no wonder its got a 15,000 towing cap w/out weight distribution).

Rear bags are expected to arrive this week, so that's next on the list.

Discovered that my truck is missing all tire tools and the jack (glad I didn't know that when drove in -33 degree temps over to Casper, WY in January). Geeszch. If the dealer comes through, then all is right in the world. If not, then I guess its my trusty Hi Lift and the big truck cross tire tool I have in the shop. Will have to fab something to use to lower the spare tire (socket end with about a bazillion extensions).

I got a 20 ton bottle jack immediately after purchasing my rig. With a piece of plywood it makes it reasonably easy and safe. My friend built an aluminum bumper for his truck which houses an aluminum floor jack. Can you say "mucho dinero"? Nice tierods.

 

[deminimis]

Let's see,

Shortbus, I'm just two hours north of you just off Hwy 97, near the Columbia.

Bigfoot: Closed due to credit crunch. Carpet baggers bought it to sell it. Former production manager bought it from the carpet baggers. They are back!!

The bags are to keep the truck from squatting, to help with lateral roll (not that I've had a problem with that yet, but in Baja, on those "roads", well...) and to smooth the transition from regular springs to the overload spring. Guessing I'll be running them at 50# or less.

Even if I ran out and grabbed a bottle jack (a likely scenario), I'm still in a bind due to the need to come up with a way to drop that damn spare tire. I wonder what size that nut is (if you have a Chev, you know what nut I'm talking about).

 

[ntsqd]

Every time that I post this picture it causes a stir, but before I bought a bottle jack I'd do this:

I did do that, I carried it under the '79 Suburban. It was built for going to pit the '01 B1k north of San Juanico with Locos Mocos. More stable, and more suitable for soft surfaces. Wish that it still looked that pretty....