Flatbed camper....

[mangymarmot]

hey folks! i've been lurking here for awhile and finally have some questions someone out there might be able to answer.

i am wanting to build a flatbed camper on an f450 similar to boblynch's vehicle. the camper will be an eagle cap 995. This is going to be a full timer rig so it will be loaded with year round toys and supplies. (total of ~5500 lbs). the purpose of this vehicle will be to carry two adults into the back country to somewhat remote climbing areas. nothing too extreme but definitely too rough for the conventional RV.

1. what steel gauge and size would be recommended in a flatbed build?
2. how should this flatbed be mounted to the frame?
3. are there any shops here on the west coast/oregon that does this type of build that anyone would recommend?

i've been to two shops here in town and both said they could do the job but didn't know how to engineer the bed correctly.

any advice would be most appreciated. i apologize for any remedial questions that i've asked.

 

[jefe4x4]

mangy,
Try over on RV.net, (openroads) truck camper section to get the widest array of experience with just what you are planning. There have been ongoing discussions focused on your wishes (flatbeds on 350's, 450's and 550's)for as long as I've been on the site. (5 years.)
Yours sounds like a good plan to me.
regards, as always, jefe

 

[jefe4x4]

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/27.cfm
is the direct link.
regards, as always, jefe

 

[mangymarmot]

thanks jefe!

 

[BigJimCruising]

Let me recomend that you go with an F550. My 450 is nice but I've had to upgrade the rear springs for the loads that you mention. It would be nice to have it all factory. Also see if you can order the truck and get the lowest rear gears that they offer. I have the 4.88's and it runs the rpm's so fast at freeway speeds that I get between 7 and 9 mpg's. These gears are just to high unless you're going to also pull some heavy trailers. If you want to see my rig check out my web site, it's sort of like what you're talking about. The bed is from Harbor Body in Brea CA. They did a nice job once they understood what I was doing. I didn't do any special bed mounting since I don't think that for my use it's needed. So far I've been right! lol!

 

[mangymarmot]

hi bigjim,

thanks for your input. what suspension upgrades did you end up doing to your 450? does it work for you? was your flatbed "off the shelf" or was it custom?

 

[Carlyle]

You might think about an aluminum bed for the weight savings.

 

[BigJimCruising]

There are a few pics on www.bigjimsadventures.com if you want to take a look. I forgot to add that above.

I had Deaver Springs in Santa Ana upgrade the stock springs. The first year and a half was ok but then the springs began to sag further and further until I was on the bump stops. Ford was willing to replace them under warranty but the new springs would have wound up the same over time. The spring build up worked to raise the truck almost back to level. I then added air bags to level from side to side.

The flatbed was made by Harbor Body in Brea. It's off the shelf parts, just put together to my specs. The bed is 9ft and the tool boxes are 8ft to allow for the "wings" on the camper.

If you're in the area at some point get in touch with me and I'd be happy to show you my setup! Always love showing off! Jim.