Changing my setup to clear cab - Thoughts?

[adamis]

My 2001 Bigfoot doesn't clear my 1999 cab roof without being raised in the bed. I need ~2.5 to 3" of lift to make it work. For a couple of years I've gone with a thick rubber mat, then 2" of foam sheeting (1" thick, two stacked together) and then another rubber mat. In previous threads, I've mentioned issues with the camper moving around more than I'd like. Reading of some other people's comments, I am thinking part of the movement might be because I have too much give with the combination of foam and rubber. It isn't that the foam can't hold the wait but that it does with enough compression such that it can bounce around.

I'm now thinking of changing to the following... Truck bed -> rubber mat -> 1/2" plywood -> 1" foam -> 1/2" plywood -> rubber mat. I would glue the sandwiched plywood and foam together to get a single piece.

Alternatively, I could go with 4 sheets of 1/2" plywood glued together and avoid the foam altogether, My concern with this option is the weight is more than I could manage on my own should I need to remove it. Admittedly, the camper stays on the truck all the time so it is more of an unlikely issue. There is weight to be considered also but I'm not certain if having 4 sheets of 1/2" is really going to be that big of deal when I would already have 2 sheets of 1/2" ply.

Any thoughts?

[mountainkowboy]

If it were me I would make something like this, but wider so that it's kinda self centering while sitting in the bed.

[sgip2000]

Back in the old days, pallets were used.

[burningman]

I think you’re better off making some camper guides or corner braces in your truck bed to positively locate the camper. That will stop it from moving around better than anything else.

[Z-Peller]

I'm using 2x 3/4" and 1x 1/2" sheets of plywood for 2" lift plus rubber mat under and rubber mat on top. 300 lbs but I have GVWR ok for it. I sawed the sheets lengthways into 2' x8' so I can handle them myself. When I stack the sheets in bed I put a deck screw each end. Travel many thousand miles with no camper moving around issues. When I take camper off at home I just pop out the deck screws as I unstack and put the plywood on the sawhorses under camper for support.
My plywood stays dry with the rubber mats.

[Grit_dog]

Adamis, agree, the movement is likely the result of multiple layers that are able move independently.
Building a frame is good idea I think. Can be lightweight either for removal or just payload.
I think the biggest advantage of building a frame is you can build it to fit tight in the truck bed. Then rubber mat on top of a thin plywood deck. If the deck to mat interface is still slipping, a series of “traction” screws in the plywood would secure the mat from slipping on the plywood.
Another idea is buy thicker foam. iDK the cost but I’ve used foam 2-4” thick sheets in construction. You can get 40,60,100 psi compressive strength. 40 is plenty. I was using in load bearing scenarios (lightweight void space under structural concrete)
FWIW I’ve never noticed excessive slipping with a bed mat directly on painted truck bed. It does move a little as I have a board that resides between the wheel well and camper. (Doubles as a short tailgate when camper is unloaded short term and the real tailgate is at home). I’ve noticed the camper has pinched that board tight on occassion.
So that could be another option. Take up the gap between the wheel wells and camper sides with a couple pieces of lumber slid in there with your current setup.

[srschang]

Couldn't you attach a couple rows of 2x4s doubled up to the bottom of the camper? That would get you 3", and you wouldn't have to worry about putting anything in the bed of the truck

[Optimistic_Para]

Plus, a 2x6 frame could be designed so as to provide some useful storage.

[nodepositnoretu]

I tend to agree with side car flip, in addition use pressure treated wood or paint it well..

[SidecarFlip]

I think I'd construct a lift frame of 2x4 or 2x6 .40 retention lumber instead. Would be lighter and would allow rain drain from the bed whereas the plywood would be a sponge for rainwater.

Just my thoughts.