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thomas201's avatar
thomas201
Explorer
Oct 21, 2020

5th wheel rails and a truck camper

We are thinking of adding a truck camper to the fleet, for the boonies. We are going to continue to use the 5th wheel. I want to keep the bed rails since they are very handy with a set of tie downs that fit the slots. The truck is a 2012 Ford, and I might need to raise the camper, even without the rails. So I searched, but I am looking for better ideas.

Options:

1. 2 inch high density foam board, with slots routered out in the bottom for the rails. Bed mat on top.

2. Some 2X6 boards (how many and what pattern), plywood cap and a bed mat on top.

So I cannot be the first. Any other ideas? I do want to be able to pull out the platform by myself, but that is about the only other requirement.

Thanks for the help!

12 Replies

  • The first dually pickup I owned came with fifth wheel hitch rails in the bed from the previous owner. I found that 5/4” treated deck boards were just the right height to allow the camper to clear the rails.

    I attached them to the bottom of the camper, and also had the smart idea to place two of them so they landed directly in front of the hitch rails. They acted as guides for the camper when lowering it into the bed, and prevented it from moving backwards while traveling.



    :):)
  • When we had our 35ft Jayco fifth wheel,we also had a truck camper..I just used 2X4's around the bed rails left to right ..Worked great and were easy to store..