Idacamper Custom Flatbed

[IdaSHO]

Ive had quite a few comments and requests for more info on this setup.

It is a 10' bed with 8" flat, 2' cross body box.
Chassis of the truck (2011 Superduty) was extended 24"
Bed rides on a 3-point pivot torsion free subframe
Complete with integrated self aligning mounts (for camper) and slide in/out stairs

While prepping the camper for our next trip I finally took some decent shots to show the loading process.

Any questions, please fire away.


Sketchup of the bed and proposed mounts

So taking that concept and reworking it to avoid blind bolt locations, the frame of the camper was reworked to use a custom reverse open C-channel

From there, I took the concept to the next step...

 

[IdaSHO]

I integrated a 24" cross body box into the bed, so the truck chassis was extended, and the fabrication for the bed began.

A custom formed (had the local machine shop make them) reverse open C-channel makes up the outermost frame.
Integrated tie down points and recessed stairs, etc were also accounted for.

Lots of plasma work in an effort to save weight

Bed tacked together, squared, and leveled, sitting on the subframe

 

[IdaSHO]

Integrated stairs

 

[IdaSHO]

Two large buyers underbody boxes were cannibalized for the doors, frames, hinges and seals.

Then the crossbody box and cab-over rack was fabbed

 

[IdaSHO]

Skirting, tail light valance, etc...
Included was a flex test to verify plenty of clearance, even when running tire chains as well as check on the operation of the 3-point pivoting mount

And finally, a test fit of the camper

 

[IdaSHO]

integrated aux fuel tank. Even with the 6.2 gasser, we now have a 500+ mile range

This was done using a CJ tank & sending unit, and remote pump to allow it to transfer from aux to main tank.
It has a tip over valve and is also tied into the OEM vapor recovery system. No CEL.

 

[IdaSHO]

Then on to the custom mounts. I wanted something simple, self aligning, sturdy...

Started with a simple jig

A second jig using aluminum to get the bends correct

Flat stock bent in all the right ways
Then burned in, and the process repeated 3 more times

 

[IdaSHO]

A few detail shots of the fiab work, and the custom tapered I-beams used to support the cab over rack

 

[IdaSHO]

stairs hatch fab work

Then off to get blasted, epoxy primed and painted

 

[IdaSHO]

more to come...

 

[mangymarmot]

nice work!

 

[IdaSHO]

Back from being blasted and painting, aluminum panel work is started.
The entire bed is sanded, then aluminum panels bonded to the steel.

 

[IdaSHO]

Once all panels are applied, primed with Acid-8 primer, the entire assembly was coated with black Raptor Liner

 

[IdaSHO]

Then work begins on the 1/4" aluminum tread plate bed surface
All is dry fitted, held down with silicone coated stainless screws.
This allows easy removal of the panels, to service various things.

The cross body box also received a "head board" of the same aluminum tread

 

[IdaSHO]

Some inside the box details.

Dual fuel fillers and associated, and the camper battery connection thru the back of the cross body box

The valves allow the pump to pump from aux to main tank, as well as pump into a portable fuel can.
Inside the cab I have a switch that controls power to the pump, that allow me to transfer fuel while in motion.