Both Ram and Ford have simple instructions for builders clearly detailing how to cut the access area. You might think long and hard on whether you want to do it. First, although the cuts are designed so as to not compromise the integrity of the cab, common sense dictates that removing metal from the cab will weaken the structure to some degree. I can tell you from first-hand experience the cab on the Ford F-550 was weakened as a result (roof rigidity). So, you may wish to ask yourself, "How important is it to have access to the coach while driving down the road"? I've had two camper vans and a large RV. Frankly, there were very few times when we (passenger) needed to go back to the coach to retrieve a drink, Hot Pocket, or whatever. Frankly, if we need something out of the back, it's time to stop for a break anyway. Besides the loss of structural integrity (if any), selling the truck down the road might prove near impossible (you don't know what the future holds and your super awesome custom build may not be the cup of tea for someone else). It's a hell of a risk to take. Finally, it's damn hard to keep the heat in the coach/camper and not have it escape out the truck (or the inverse if heat is a concern). Trucks are poorly insulated and you can only improve on that so much. A curtain, or whatever, could cut down on the heat loss (or heat gain) between the camper and cab, but not as well as having the camper and cab separate. Then there's the whole issue of frame flex and all that business. Anyway, some things to perhaps think about. These are my humble opinions based on my observations with two camper vans, two truck/camper combos and a RV based on a F-550 chassis. Others are sure to disagree. I wish to build my own camper in the future. It will be a hybrid between a camper and a Super C, however, the camper will be separate from the truck cab. That is, if I ever can find the time and $ to actually do it (probably not, but it's a hope anyway).
