2015 Ram Trucks

[Bedlam]

I'm seeing these on dealer lots. Any one already have one at home? Why the 2015 over 2014?

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

Yep didn't think about the CC frame, that said the pics in the TC forum the GM/Chevy trucks do seem to have the largest gap between the top of the cab and the camper overhang.

Don

[Bedlam]

The overhead cab over clearance verses cab roof is based on deck height. A chassis cab has straight frame rails that ride higher than a pickup frame, so the bed deck is higher. This gap is also affected by cab height - The Fords have the tallest cabs and I think GM's is the shortest. The gap between the back of the cab and camper is dependent on deck length and whether the camper was designed for a short bed or long. My Arctic Fox is designed for a short bed yet is sitting on a 9' deck.

[The_Mad_Norsky]

Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:
Another question for you TC guys. Why the huge gap between the cab of the truck and the camper? I see some that are almost touching the cab and then others like bedlam's with a larger gap.

Don

In my case, I had to space mine back a little so the back lower "wings" of the camper would not hit the tail lights of the pickup. So it is not tight up against the cab, but about 4 inches back from the very front of the box. Used two 2 X 4's screwed together and laid on edge as a spacer at the bottom front of the camper.

Unknown for others, but I can only assume pickup tail light clearance issues towards the rear of the camper is one of several reasons they are not snug up towards the cab of the truck.

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

Again not meaning to sound disrespectful to bedlem, just in my humble opinion the set up looks a tad but unsafe. But the whole in-bed camper scars the poop out of me! Looks top heavy and ready to topple over in any wind gust. But with dual rear wheels it probably drives just fine.

Another question for you TC guys. Why the huge gap between the cab of the truck and the camper? I see some that are almost touching the cab and then others like bedlam's with a larger gap.

Don

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

DirtyOil wrote:

I just was questioning the spring hold downs. Having drove big trucks and having to secure loads it just looks a little weak to me.

actually those aren't "spring hold downs", the are chains with turn buckles , as you know driving big trucks you would have used either ratchet straps or chain boomers... the later with the old style "lever boomer" which are outlawed in these parts, the new boomers are the "ratchet" style.
His words not mine

Bedlam wrote:
The friction of the pad material between camper and truck keeps it in place just fine. Spring loaded tie downs at the same tension on each corner keeps the camper from shifting due to bumps or vibration.

The pick up box will and does keep the camper from just sliding left or right, that whole set up just does not look safe to me. I would not like to see the end result of any hard emergency avoidance maneuvers with that set up.

I do understand and have seen some setups just not up close and personal. Can say i have never lost a load and the only load I had shift was a load of tires and wheels loaded and the trailer closed and sealed by the company I picked the load up from. Got to Keystone RV and when they opened the back doors some of the tire/wheels came tumbling out the back door! Fun times.....not. More paper then I wanted to do.

That has been the way truck campers have been tied down for years. There would be square tubing attached to the underside of the frame at the front of the box and extend pass each side of the box and the turn buckles attached to the tubing/camper. At the back the turn buckles were attached to the rear bumper at each corner or another piece of tubing was installed. In some cases tie downs were installed in the "stake pockets" - which I and many others would agree is about as safe as no tie-downs at all.


I think you get the picture now? :W

while on the subject, in my MTCs (mobile treatment centers - first-aid) we are only required to bolt(4 bolts) the camper-ette to floor of the box and install a internal roll cage... roll cage yes, but just bolt it to the floor and not the frame.... lol.

[DirtyOil]

I just was questioning the spring hold downs. Having drove big trucks and having to secure loads it just looks a little weak to me.

actually those aren't "spring hold downs", the are chains with turn buckles , as you know driving big trucks you would have used either ratchet straps or chain boomers... the later with the old style "lever boomer" which are outlawed in these parts, the new boomers are the "ratchet" style.

The pick up box will and does keep the camper from just sliding left or right, that whole set up just does not look safe to me. I would not like to see the end result of any hard emergency avoidance maneuvers with that set up.

That has been the way truck campers have been tied down for years. There would be square tubing attached to the underside of the frame at the front of the box and extend pass each side of the box and the turn buckles attached to the tubing/camper. At the back the turn buckles were attached to the rear bumper at each corner or another piece of tubing was installed. In some cases tie downs were installed in the "stake pockets" - which I and many others would agree is about as safe as no tie-downs at all.







I think you get the picture now? :W

while on the subject, in my MTCs (mobile treatment centers - first-aid) we are only required to bolt(4 bolts) the camper-ette to floor of the box and install a internal roll cage... roll cage yes, but just bolt it to the floor and not the frame.... lol.

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

Like I said not a truck camper guy, never had one and to be honest have never seen one up close in a truck. I just was questioning the spring hold downs. Having drove big trucks and having to secure loads it just looks a little weak to me.

The pick up box will and does keep the camper from just sliding left or right, that whole set up just does not look safe to me. I would not like to see the end result of any hard emergency avoidance maneuvers with that set up.

Please know Bedlam, I'am in no way slamming you! I just find that whole set up unnerving. Maybe that is why I have never ever considered looking a truck camper, just way to top heavy for my liking. That is why I would never buy a high top van conversion. Rode in one in high winds and said this S#$T is not for me!

Good luck Don

[DirtyOil]

Not being a truck camper guy I have to ask. Will those tie downs hold that securely to the deck? Seems to me that the pick-up box is what keeps it from sifting. Maybe weld some 4" by 4" angle iron to help block it in. Or at least that is what I would do.

only thing the pick-up box will do is keep camper from sliding over the side of the truck, it'll still shift side to side as its not a "tight" fit. As Bedlam's picture shows, the camper is tied down, just as one would be required to do in a pick-up box. Not only to keep it from sliding backwards but remove side to side movement.

[larry_barnhart]

Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:
Not being a truck camper guy I have to ask. Will those tie downs hold that securely to the deck? Seems to me that the pick-up box is what keeps it from sifting. Maybe weld some 4" by 4" angle iron to help block it in. Or at least that is what I would do.

Good luck Don

nothing wrong with slow if you get where you are going before dark .:)
chevman

[Bedlam]

Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:
Well I have to disagree 110% with your comment "10 years ago, Dodge had front end and transmission issues with the worst fit and finish truck. While being owned by Daimler they made huge improvements each year. " Damn-Lire had owed us for six years ten years ago and those were the worse times Chrysler had ever had! Robert Eaton....never mind.

Enjoy your new truck I'm sure it will serve you well.

Don

Could you expand on this post? I'd like to hear it from the guys that were there. Otherwise, post some links for us to read.

[Cummins12V98]

Bedlam wrote:
7.5' of the short bed truck camper fit on the the rear deck without clearance issues. We decided we are headed out to the Olympic Peninsula and Strait of Juan de Fuca for our maiden trip with the new setup.

Harvest Winery Tour

November 8 and 9, 2014
11 a.m. - 5 p.m

Sip and savor the flavors of fall, enjoy seasonal activities and marvel at nature’s vibrant palate during the Olympic Peninsula Wineries’ Harvest Wine Tour, November 8 and 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The eight artisan wineries are located in the Peninsula towns of Chimacum, Nordland, Port Townsend, Sequim and Port Angeles. “Fall is spectacular on the Olympic Peninsula,” says Wineries Association President Vicki Corson. “The Harvest Tour Weekend is a great opportunity to get away, taste some fantastic new wines and discover delicious new pairings for your holiday table.” Visitors can take a photo with their favorite of the “wine scarecrows” that greet them at each venue, enjoy an evening of jazz music and more!

NICE!

That should do the job.

[buddyIam]

I used 8, 3/4 inch lag bolts to hold mine down. That plus 2 tie downs at the back. It isn't sliding anywhere. 😉

[Bedlam]

The friction of the pad material between camper and truck keeps it in place just fine. Spring loaded tie downs at the same tension on each corner keeps the camper from shifting due to bumps or vibration.

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

Not being a truck camper guy I have to ask. Will those tie downs hold that securely to the deck? Seems to me that the pick-up box is what keeps it from sifting. Maybe weld some 4" by 4" angle iron to help block it in. Or at least that is what I would do.

Good luck Don