Between the bed and camper.

[Newbflat]

Hi all, I have new Alaskan 8.5 CO to coming in April and I’m mounting it on a flatbed. I have a 99 f350 4x4 that getting an aluminum UTE Ltd flatbed added next month. The camper will have an insulated floor and be bolted to the bed. I’m curious on what people would recommend to go between the flatbed and the camper. I see some people use rubber mats... pros and cons? This will be set up for light to moderate off road use.

Bill

 

[CougarCouple]

Hello Bill
Sounds like a great camper looking forward to seeing mounted on that F350.
Our ATC just sits on the bed liner. I like the idea of some thin oak strips installed perpendicular to the camper. (Read that here)
I did buy a rubber bed mat but was advised against it because of water being trapped so sold it.
Have only noticed a little scuffed areas nothing bad.
Others really like the mat and say the camper doesn’t move.
Hop this helps.
Russ

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Bill, I use 1/2” horse stall mats, and do not see any cons. The mats are roughly $5 per lineal foot, and 4’ wide.

Russ’ comment on a sacrificial strip between the camper and truck is a good one. Talk to Bryan about that.

 

[Newbflat]

Thanks... I will talk to Bryan for his thoughts as well. I will definitely post here as it comes together.

 

[ntsqd]

Bought a rubber bed mat after Hole in the Rock had the camper shimmying all over the place. Hasn't moved since. Ours is the thick type that weighs about 50 lbs. and has random nylon threads visible on it's sides.

 

[Rodeor]

All the above sounds good. I have had similar concerns and solutions.
I travel daily on over 5 miles of gravel, with washboard and pot holes, so was concerned for my 10 1/2 ft CO Alaskan.
I also needed some spacing to provide roof clearance on my 2003 F250 Supercab. I already had a 3/4" rubber stall mat so added a double layer of "anti-fatigue" matting with a 2"x2" framework between it and the camper. This is complicated but seems to work, not only for the clearance needed but also some protection from vibration and moisture problems.
I do have pictures, which I am happy to share. As a new user here and still learning and have not figured out how to add them.
In any case good luck with what ever you chose for you camper.
Richard

 

[Rodeor]

Here's an attempt at adding a picture

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

<snip>
I do have pictures, which I am happy to share. As a new user here and still learning and have not figured out how to add them.
In any case good luck with what ever you chose for you camper.
Richard

Richard, there are several pinned threads in the “Member Support” forum. If you don’t find the answers there, reach out to me or the other Mods. We will figure it out together.

Edit: is your pup a GSP, or Braque Francais?