An epilogue....... of sorts.
The first year of using our truck and camper was a total success!
The F150 surprised us with how well it handled the 4x4 roads around Moab with the camper and all our gear. The fact that we got 21mpg over the entire trip was above our expectations too.
It is no surprise to anyone that we have zero issues with the flatbed shell that ATC built for us. It took all the shaking from the washboard roads and twisting from the 4x4ing without any problems.
The deck was also trouble free. I gave it a good check over when we got back and there is no cracking of any of the aluminum or even any scuffs in the powder coating.
We have lots of trips with the camper planned for next year and then we will sell it because ATC will have our new flatbed camper ready by the end of September.
ATC is going to build the new one with slightly different dimensions and with a 5 foot cabover instead of the 4 foot one we have now. The cabover will also be 2" deeper for more room so we can leave the sleeping bags in place when we lower the roof.
Really looking forward to building out the interior of the new camper this winter. It will have a different layout and some different equipment in it as well.
Should be another fun year.