Flatbed height?

[penner]

After entertaining the thought of going to a flatbed ATC we have decided to keep our ATC Ocelot. Really like the idea of having it on a flatbed with side storage boxes. The only problem with that is it raises the camper up more than I would want it. Anybody happen to know how to build a flatbed that is close to stock bed height? Thanks.

 

[Vic Harder]

Penner, SherpTek does... CAMPER INTEGRATION — SherpTek Custom Gear Hauling Solutions | Flatbeds, Truck Decks, and Truck Trays

Let us know if you find something you like, as I'd love to get something like this as well.

 

[penner]

Vic. There is a place called Highway Products that has some nice looking flatbeds but looking at the pics they all sit high. Bowen has some nice stuff as well ,but out of my price range. I plan on talking to some local fabricators and seeing what they can come up with. The sherp tek looks good but It looks like it doesn't have a back.

 

[Vic Harder]

Vic. There is a place called Highway Products that has some nice looking flatbeds but looking at the pics they all sit high. Bowen has some nice stuff as well ,but out of my price range. I plan on talking to some local fabricators and seeing what they can come up with. The sherp tek looks good but It looks like it doesn't have a back.

back, you mean headache rack? I wouldnt want one of those anyway. If you find a local fabricator, let me know. I found one in Red Deer, AB, but also $$$$. I'm wondering if it would be cost effective to learn how to tig weld?

 

[penner]

Not a headache rack. In some of the pics it looks like the side cabinets have no back. Could be wrong though.

 

[Defulmmt]

I seriously considered the SherpTek option and placed a deposit to get in the production cycle. Ultimately I decided not to go through with the install and have second guessed my decision since.

SherpTek says they can install their flatbed within an inch or so of the stock bed in your truck. That would address your concern about bed height. It was a real draw for me because my 2019 F250 is already too tall.

I visited the SherpTek factory and was impressed with both the people their and their product. The side lockers are very nice and professionally designed. The whole system is pricey, I think they quoted about $ 23k (us $). Pricey but I have no doubt I would have been satisfied with the product.

My wife and I travel with our 35 year old Down Syndrome son. We really could have used the extra storage space. Alternately, I purchased a Pakmule hitch carrier. We are very satisfied with it. In addition to the extra storage space it also has an option for aluminum decking making it much safer for our disabled son to enter and exit the camper. My wife and I are both in our 70s, it helps us getting in and out as well.

Here is a link to the Pakmule we purchased https://pakmule.com/product/pakmuleporch