3rd Gen's and Campers 101

[DPelletier]

Well, it took some doing, but my camper is loaded and I'm ready to go! I ran into several unexpected "issues" trying to put my camper on my new truck, none of which I had with my second gen. I thought I would share them in case it may help someone else. Keep in mind that some of these issues are particular to DRW trucks only and some may be only applicable to the Bigfoot 2500 series camper.

- 1) Problem #1 - can't bolt on the front camper frame-mount tie down brackets to the frame without drilling holes. Whilst drilling can be done if you follow the TSB guidelines, you need to install a sleeve in the boxed frame to prevent overtightening from deforming the frame. Solution: We welded extension pces onto the 2001 tiedowns and used another plate to sandwich the tie-down to the frame. On the driver's side, this was difficult because of the fuel tank. Had to drill and tap the 1/4" inner plate and cut the bolt to the exact lenght.

- 2) Problem #2 - new reciever hitch is round tube and you can't insert square tubing into it for the rear camper tie downs. Solution: 2 1/2"x2 1/2" square tubing (2" ID) fits into the pocket on the lower part of the receiver. We welded these tubes onto both sides to allow for the removable tubes to attach.

- 3) Problem #3 - Fuel door. You can't open it (at least with my camper's front attachement points). Solution: I used a piece of 1 1/2" square tubing 3/16" thick and relocated the attachment point forward to allow the fuel door to open.

- 4) Problem #4 - rear tiedowns hit the rear dually fender. Solution: same tube that I used above also extends the rear attachment point approximately 7" rearward.

- 5) Problem #5 - truck taillights hit rear of camper. New bed is longer from front to rear of taillights. Solution: a piece of 5/8" plywood cut to fit on the front of the bed provides adequate clearance.

- 6) Problem #6 - Can't get in the truck. New QC doors hit the camper overhang, even when using a 1/2" thick rubber mat. Solution: a piece of 1/2" plywood and four 2'x4' 1/2 rubber mats. Total thickness above metal bed bottom is now about 1 1/2"

Check out my readers rig pics for details on how this was all done.

Hope this helps somebody and saves them some time.

Happy Camping,
Dave