Forum Discussion

sasq40's avatar
sasq40
Explorer
Sep 12, 2019

Almost finished my build, need help finishing up

So our camping season is coming to an end but doesn't mean I need to stop working on the camper! I bought the truck in June and have been tweaking it to getting it just the way I want in. Right now I'm tying the camper down to the deck with some modified torkkift tie downs. The trucks a 2009 f550 that drives like a tank.

Now I'm looking so some help with a few things.

First thing, how's this hitch look for using a extension to haul a trailer with my jeep in it? I was thinking about getting my welder to weld a 2.5 receiver on the the hitch (I own the Reese 2.5x2 cut to 24") and building a extension similar to the torklift. My main concern is that the hitch only mounts to the side of the frame and not in top, but he truck was used as a hotshot truck so I'm assuming it towed some decent loads with that hitch.
Truck Campers
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Sep 12, 2019
    Looks like you are putting camper COG behind the axle, than you will have stinger, so putting boxes behind rear axle can stretch rear axle capacity even on dually.
    Push the boxes as far up front as you can.
  • sasq40's avatar
    sasq40
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2019
    K I'll redo them, wasn't sure what size was best. As far as the weight of the boxes there covered for what ever I throw at them, there meant to be mounted under the deck of a semi so there designed properly. I'm just trying to find the best way to mount everything to the deck
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Sep 12, 2019
    First, if you add a space and width=600 in the img tag, it /will help the screen format right for the rest of us. :)

    I suppose you have to make your own hitch for a chassis frame. I don’t think it would be that big of an issue for a great welder if you overbuild it.

    As far as the boxes go, how much weight do you plan to put in them? Ujnless you plan to put a lot in them, there isn’t any reason to put them low. And if that is the case, you’ll likely have to reinforce the boxes. I’d look at som commercial solutions like the Douglas bodies to see if you can copy them or buy from them. http://www.douglasstruckbodies.com/mobile/#page-gallery
  • sasq40's avatar
    sasq40
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2019
    Second thing. I got a bunch of tools boxes I'm wanting to mount on the truck. I have 2 options and two pictures showing what I want. The first option is to mount one 48 box on the deck and the 36 other box underneath. The other option which I like better is a 48 and 36on the deck and mount a 48 I have under the deck, but I'm unsure how to mount the camper to the deck If I do it that way as the angle of the tie downs makes it really hard to mount without modifying the boxes.

    Third and final issue I'm having is my a/c is sagging on the rear. I installed it last year (I know a little big but I bought it used for grand less then a new one) I was looking at maybe making a h frame similar to this http://store.motocorv.com.au/roof-mounted-h-frame what's the best way to tackle this?
  • sasq40's avatar
    sasq40
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2019
    I'm trying to post the pics of the rig but the forum is have a heck of a time letting me post anything
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Sep 12, 2019
    I am welder as well and I do have education in construction design, but I would hesitate to DIY something as crucial as tow hitch.
    You might be good in building, but imagine potential for trouble in case of accident.
    Bite the bullet and order superhitch from Torklift.

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