Long box camper overhang - Problem??
We have a Bigfoot 9.6 on our 2010 Dodge Ram 3500. Both the Bigfoot and Ram are long bed models, however, we have an auxiliary fuel tank in the front of the truck bed so the camper doesn't sit up against the front bulkhead of the pickup bed.
The fuel tank is 12" (front to rear) and is currently mounted 6.5" from the front of the bed. Since we've replaced the 3" deep rubber bumpers with 1/2" foam, our current net position is 16" aft. We're planning on moving the fuel tank 4" forward which will reduce that to 12".
Our question is about the structural integrity of the camper since the camper isn't supported fully at the rear. Note that it is currently sitting on a sheet of 3/4" plywood and 2" foam and a bed mat. We're thinking of adding a second sheet of 3/4" plywood to provide additional stiffness/support to the overhanging camper.
The bottom line question is . . . Does anyone have any actual experience - good or bad - with this kind of overhang?
FYI: There is zero air in the air bags when this photo was taken. Also, we are not concerned about the weight distribution/handling in this thread. Those issues are being addressed separately.
The fuel tank is 12" (front to rear) and is currently mounted 6.5" from the front of the bed. Since we've replaced the 3" deep rubber bumpers with 1/2" foam, our current net position is 16" aft. We're planning on moving the fuel tank 4" forward which will reduce that to 12".
Our question is about the structural integrity of the camper since the camper isn't supported fully at the rear. Note that it is currently sitting on a sheet of 3/4" plywood and 2" foam and a bed mat. We're thinking of adding a second sheet of 3/4" plywood to provide additional stiffness/support to the overhanging camper.
The bottom line question is . . . Does anyone have any actual experience - good or bad - with this kind of overhang?
FYI: There is zero air in the air bags when this photo was taken. Also, we are not concerned about the weight distribution/handling in this thread. Those issues are being addressed separately.
