FWC Flatbed Discussion

[nico]

FWIW, I remove my camper several times a year. Reasons you might want to include:
1. you need to haul something other than the camper (lumber, etc);
2. you need the truck serviced but the garage you use either doesn't have a door high enough or a lift strong enough to lift the combined weight (this happens more often than you think;
3. you need the camper left someplace to have it serviced.

Now I have helped several people load and unload their flatbed campers that were bolted directly through the floor. I have no doubt its strong but lining up 4-6 bolts when the camper is suspended in the air is like eating soup in the rain -- sure, it can be done but why?

When I had my Bundutec Odyssey built and loaded on my Alumline flatbed, I wanted an external option. My flat bed has rub rails and we drilled holes in those rails in the front and in the flatbed frame in the rear and use Fastguns attached to the jack plates to secure the camper on. I also added an aluminum side plate so the camper would not shift sideways.

In 80,000 plus miles and lots of it off road and off camber, the camper has never moved and the holes have not enlarged at all. And its very easy to remove.

I've attached a picture for reference -- just another way to consider.

Hope this helps.

macafee do you have any close up photos of the side rail and the attachment on the bed?

 

[Hoopy]

Taking off and reinstalling my flatbed Hawk would be a nightmare with six holes with bolts and plated to all line up.

I love the FWC flatbed models (just ordered a new Grandby!) but I would encourage anyone that installs a flatbed model to stop thinking of their vehicle as a 'truck" and more of a "go-anywhere RV"! Because that is what it has become!

We have our Fwc flatbed mounted as a permanent rv. would not want to take it off. We had a slide in and that was a poa to take on and off and use the truck as a daily driver. This set up for us works well. And as always there are pro and cons. But we are happy with it the pocs are great ! I can't imagine lining up holes to remove our FB either Hoopy

 

[kmacafee]

macafee do you have any close up photos of the side rail and the attachment on the bed?

Let me see what I can find

 

[kmacafee]

macafee do you have any close up photos of the side rail and the attachment on the bed?

Here you go.

 

[nico]

Here you go.

thnk you! those are called fast guns? are those the best option?

 

[kmacafee]

Yes. They work well.