Forum Discussion

portscanner's avatar
portscanner
Explorer
Jul 28, 2020

About to return to truck campers - but need help

We traded our class C for a Ford F450, a Lance 1181 and some cash.

Ran our new rig across the scales and the scales said we were 1K lbs over the GVWR. (not a big heartbreak - this really wasnt the truck I wanted)

So, we have our eyes on a brand new Dodge 4500 cab and chassis with flatbed. There are many reasons we want to go this direction - too long to list here. Doing a lot of homework, but there is one thing I have not figured out. Where do you get the turnbuckles or whatever is needed to tie down the camper to the bed? The flatbed is a steel bed.

I have seen pictures where people connect using the rail that runs around side of the flatbed (which makes sense) but I cant figure out exactly what they are using - so I can buy some!

Any feedback would be appreciated!
Truck Campers

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  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Jul 28, 2020
    portscanner wrote:

    I am over the GVWR and the rear GAWR by > 1000lbs. ...

    The 2001 F450 flatbed I used to have - had rear axle rated at about 15k, so I could carry 10,000 lb forklifts on it.
    With TC you have issue with sliding the weight to the front, but then even the heaviest campers are less than 5000 lb.
    So I wonder how did you load it to exceed rear axle rating?
    When changing the truck is 1 option, removing flatbed, or making it shorter might be another.
    From what I know Dodge 4500 with the same configuration will have smaller payload than Ford.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Jul 28, 2020
    My Ram 5500 is about 11,000 lbs with steel enclosed boxes and flat bed, I suggest going up to a F550 or 5500 if you go to the chassis cab.

    I have the short range Torklift FastGuns running from my camper tie downs to the stake pockets of my flat bed. They are quick release so I still have access to the enclosed boxes that I have tucked under the wings of the camper. I use a horse stall mat between the flatbed and camper to keep it from moving and have it properly blocked up front so it does not shift forward more than I want.
  • zulu52's avatar
    zulu52
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2020
    Just Google Turnbuckles. They are everywhere online in all sizes.
    Zulu
  • portscanner's avatar
    portscanner
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2020
    Kayteg1 wrote:
    You can go to local DMV and rate your truck for higher GVWR if paying higher taxes will make you feel better?
    Did you weight axles and compare the load to their ratings?
    Than in some states you can register the set as RV and avoid commercial fees.


    I am over the GVWR and the rear GAWR by > 1000lbs. And that is before we put in our "stuff" (we bought it, filled the fuel tank, took it to the scales - had not had the chance to load food, dogs, personal effects....or beer!)


    Turnbuckles are available at any hardware store, but hopefully a member with flatbed will give you direct experience.



    Did not know if the turnbuckles were special (do you need springs like with the big frame tie downs?) or how to specify the weight ratings to purchase them.

    It is a 9 foot bed, so going to get a stop installed 1 foot from the front so we dont have it sliding forward, and something on the sides, just in case. Got a couple of other things we are going to do. The one thing I dont know is what to use for turnbuckles. Go to Home Depot and purchase the biggest honkin turnbuckles I can find?
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Jul 28, 2020
    You can go to local DMV and rate your truck for higher GVWR if paying higher taxes will make you feel better?
    Did you weight axles and compare the load to their ratings?
    Than in some states you can register the set as RV and avoid commercial fees.
    Turnbuckles are available at any hardware store, but hopefully a member with flatbed will give you direct experience.

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