Removable Camper Box and flat tray - how to do it

[Stafford]

I am investigating whether I will be able to have my camper box removable.

I have seen other do this, but am wondering about how to engineer it:

1) Can I just have a regular flat steel tray manufactured (on spring mounts to allow for frame flex)
2) If I build the box with sandwich panel and steel frame, but with a sandwich panel floor, will this be OK?
3) How do people attach the box to the tray securely?
4) What ways are there of removing and remounting the box?

Its going to be pretty big, about 2.4 x 4.5m, either on an Isuzu NPS or FTS.

Thanks in advance for ANY advice,

Staf.

 

[SkiFreak]

1) Can I just have a regular flat steel tray manufactured (on spring mounts to allow for frame flex)

Can't see why not.

2) If I build the box with sandwich panel and steel frame, but with a sandwich panel floor, will this be OK?

You need to be a bit careful when it comes to using a fiberglass composite floor, as delamination between the foam and the glass can be a problem, even if using a structural foam core.
The simple solution is to include a layer of ply in the composite layup. Many panel manufactures offer this as an option, as it is used extensively for goods trucks.

3) How do people attach the box to the tray securely?

There are numerous tie down system that you could use.
I would probably suggest going and having a look at how companies like Northstar secure their slide-on campers.

4) What ways are there of removing and remounting the box?

Removable camper jacks are a common method for doing this. Unless you are planning on removing the box at a campsite, carrying the jacks around with you all the time is weight that you don't really need. Much easier to keep the jacks in the garage.