Pros - makes use of the full foot print of the flatbed, therefore more storage and space. It can allow for a side door and different inside configurations if desired, such as rear window and rear dinette.
Cons - flatbed set up adds expense. Floor level is higher and therefore overall camper height and center of gravity is higher. Higher climb into camper. I could not park my camper and truck in my garage as I can now. Harder to sell when the time comes.
Cons - flatbed set up adds expense. Floor level is higher and therefore overall camper height and center of gravity is higher. Higher climb into camper. I could not park my camper and truck in my garage as I can now. Harder to sell when the time comes.
Passed an XP Camper the other day and have to say they look nice. I've also looked at FWC's flatbed model and like the layout and extra room. However, it takes a different kind of dedication to have a flatbed camper because you lose the use of the truck. That for me is the biggest drawback. My camper is in the bed 99% of the time, but I like the ability to remove it when I need the truck. It isn't often but enough to keep me away from a flatbed.
Yes, just like a standard bed. Some prefer a flatbed for a work truck.Vento said:
CALIcamperdad
Senior Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2014
- Messages
- 237
I like the flatbed idea also. As for using the truck without the camper I can see most regular users who spend the $$$ for a nice camper in most cases the truck's primary role is to just haul the camper and is not typically the daily driver or sees very few daily use miles to start with. Not everyone uses their camper truck as their only vehicle. Which case I really like the Flatbed idea you get a good layout all the things I really don't like about the standard smaller camper is fixed with the flatbed approach. The added step up height doesn't bother me your using a step or steps either way. The effort to take a camper off a truck and put it on the truck is pretty much the same be it flat bed or standard bed. The only downer would be the added expense of getting a flatbed set up you like the looks of and of course has some nice storage boxes mounted under the bed sides etc.
If your a big traveler and camper I doubt vehicle value is going to be a big concern by the time your done with it anyway ;-)
If your a big traveler and camper I doubt vehicle value is going to be a big concern by the time your done with it anyway ;-)
I use my truck everyday, I'm always hauling or building something it seems, ex home builder but I love my truck and wouldn't trade it for anything. But I have been wanting to put a flat bed on it for a long time. I can build it myself so the only cost will be materials.
I think the extra few steps is no big deal either and I like the side entrance layout a whole lot better. Plus the added space to have 4 full humans in it would be nice for ski trips.
I think the extra few steps is no big deal either and I like the side entrance layout a whole lot better. Plus the added space to have 4 full humans in it would be nice for ski trips.
Under pros I will add that when the camper is off the flatbed has more flexibility for carrying things that would not fit in a regular pickup box. Removable sides can be added to the flatbed if needed. For off-road use the mounts between the flatbed and truck frame can be cushioned to allow some movement. Also, a flatbed camper is cool which is worth something.ski3pin said:
Under cons the flatbed installation will require custom mounts, rear lamps and fuel filler. In particular the fuel filler on modern trucks, especially diesel, can be sensitive as to angle and height. Finally, the flatbed makes the truck and camper more of a unique, integrated unit that will be difficult to upgrade should either need to be replaced. It's a commitment.
actually I was thinking about resale value for the camper down the line...........................it would hold a high value but for a much smaller market.JHa6av8r said:
Alley-Kat
Elder Statesman
I think you've got all you questions answered, and if I'm understanding correctly, you want the flat bed and understand it well.
So, I'll say go to All Terrain Campers, work with Marty and Jeff, they will do the things you want/need that FWC won't do and usually at a better price. They did a nice job for me with my custom requests for my Bobcat shell in my regular truck bed. I didn't need the newest advances that FWC offers, and FWC didn't want to make any changes to meet my needs.
When you fabricate the flat bed, try to make it a "standard" flat bed size, if that exists, it will be easier to sell the camper, if ever, later. I don't think you'll have any issue with selling it. Granted there are possibly fewer people that may want one, or could use one, however, there are also not that many out there, so, I think it will be a wash. Advertise it in the right geographic place, where there are plenty of outdoors-men with flat beds, and they will be knocking down your door.
After you've made the flat bed, Marty and Jeff can make the required foot print measurements (if you're close enough to take it by their shop), or talk to them before you start to build the flat bed (they may have some "input" for you), and you'll be "on the way". You may even want to touch base with Marty and Jeff to see what they recommend for the camper mounting technique, before you build the flat bed. I'm sure they have some good ideas, and if your' ideas are better (in your mind) they will work with you to figure it all out.
In any case, start building a relationship and partnership with Marty and Jeff on your project.
So, I'll say go to All Terrain Campers, work with Marty and Jeff, they will do the things you want/need that FWC won't do and usually at a better price. They did a nice job for me with my custom requests for my Bobcat shell in my regular truck bed. I didn't need the newest advances that FWC offers, and FWC didn't want to make any changes to meet my needs.
When you fabricate the flat bed, try to make it a "standard" flat bed size, if that exists, it will be easier to sell the camper, if ever, later. I don't think you'll have any issue with selling it. Granted there are possibly fewer people that may want one, or could use one, however, there are also not that many out there, so, I think it will be a wash. Advertise it in the right geographic place, where there are plenty of outdoors-men with flat beds, and they will be knocking down your door.
After you've made the flat bed, Marty and Jeff can make the required foot print measurements (if you're close enough to take it by their shop), or talk to them before you start to build the flat bed (they may have some "input" for you), and you'll be "on the way". You may even want to touch base with Marty and Jeff to see what they recommend for the camper mounting technique, before you build the flat bed. I'm sure they have some good ideas, and if your' ideas are better (in your mind) they will work with you to figure it all out.
In any case, start building a relationship and partnership with Marty and Jeff on your project.
MANXMAN
Senior Member
Having just climbed out from under my truck after finishing up the installation of my flatbed, I'm going to throw in my two cents.
As far as pros go, like what ski3pin said, the extra room and different interior layouts are the big ones. I would add that not having tie-downs is another.
Some of the cons mentioned were:
1) Expense -- For sure the deck and all that goes with it mean more dollars and more work for the buyer to get things ready for camping.
2) Higher floor level -- My deck is 3" higher than the floor of by box was. I don't think that is going to be much of a problem but yes, it's higher.
3) Commitment -- Although I don't plan on removing my camper except to store it inside in the winter, I would imagine most would want to remove it and use their truck for hauling other things once in a while. Most manufacturers offer sides to go with their decks so I think that could solve that problem.
4) Resale -- Absolutely it is going to be a smaller market that will buy your camper and deck as a package especially when decks don't always fit all trucks due to dimensions etc. I have even made this problem worse by building a deck that only fits '09 - '14 Ford F150 6 1/2 ft boxes.
I think that flatbed camper will remain a small part of the market here. It seems to appeal to those who dedicate their truck to hauling a camper full time.
As far as pros go, like what ski3pin said, the extra room and different interior layouts are the big ones. I would add that not having tie-downs is another.
Some of the cons mentioned were:
1) Expense -- For sure the deck and all that goes with it mean more dollars and more work for the buyer to get things ready for camping.
2) Higher floor level -- My deck is 3" higher than the floor of by box was. I don't think that is going to be much of a problem but yes, it's higher.
3) Commitment -- Although I don't plan on removing my camper except to store it inside in the winter, I would imagine most would want to remove it and use their truck for hauling other things once in a while. Most manufacturers offer sides to go with their decks so I think that could solve that problem.
4) Resale -- Absolutely it is going to be a smaller market that will buy your camper and deck as a package especially when decks don't always fit all trucks due to dimensions etc. I have even made this problem worse by building a deck that only fits '09 - '14 Ford F150 6 1/2 ft boxes.
I think that flatbed camper will remain a small part of the market here. It seems to appeal to those who dedicate their truck to hauling a camper full time.
All good food for thought, I really just wanted to buy a used one but to get the year that fits my truck the price is pretty high, so then it seems I might as well just buy a new one. And I want a 8 foot model and those seem hard to come by these days.
the tc life
Member
why not use a camper made for a regular bed and set that on the flatbed? then there is no resell issue of the camper if you decide to sell it. then you can use the outside sides for storage areas.
yes, mine is not a pop up camper but I have a regular camper mounted on a flatbed. I will never go back to a regular bed.
just a thought for you on it.
yes, mine is not a pop up camper but I have a regular camper mounted on a flatbed. I will never go back to a regular bed.
just a thought for you on it.
CALIcamperdad
Senior Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2014
- Messages
- 237
This is getting interesting
http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/2015-chevy-colorado-chassis-cab-can-carry-2-200-pounds-1689441924
If GM makes it possible to purchase a 4dr 4x4 Colorado without a box then it starts to make things interesting for the flat bed camper idea.
2200lb payload capacity hmm
http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/2015-chevy-colorado-chassis-cab-can-carry-2-200-pounds-1689441924
If GM makes it possible to purchase a 4dr 4x4 Colorado without a box then it starts to make things interesting for the flat bed camper idea.
2200lb payload capacity hmm
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