sabconsulting wrote:
Jefe 4x4 started this other thread talking about how to handle twisting of the truck frame:
Clicky...
It occurred to me that most of us just have regular domestic pick-up trucks with regular load beds. However you have a commercial vehicle with a nearly 15 ft flatbed. I imagine the chassis and flatbed of your truck will be designed to flex quite a bit.
I assume the camper body you are building is designed to remain rigid - in which case have you thought about how you are going to attach it to the load bed? I'm guessing you would want to ensure it is not rigidly attached causing all the twisting of the chassis / load bed to be transferred into the camper frame, breaking something.
Steve.
Thanks. I have had some concerns about mounting to the flatbed, but mostly concerns about giving enough clearance between the camper overhang and the Isuzu cab such that when the frame/flatbed twists, it does not cause the camper to contact the truck cab. The 20 foot steel flatbed is quite thick and rigid and is u-bolted in many places to the frame. I drove a tire on a curb and the frame/flatbed seem to stay as one unit, meaning there may not be issues with twisting being transfered to the camper frame (except the cab/camper overhang clearance issue, which I have given almost 5 inches allowance).
So all of that said, I am thinking of using your typical camper tiedown devices directly to the flatbed.
edit: After looking at the link you posted, I also see that they were refering to mostly wood frame glue and screw campers. I do wonder if my fully welded tubular steel frame might hold up a bit better to flex...
