Camper Didn't Fit

[PCline]

My 97 Lance 11' camper didn't fit on the bed of the truck. I had measured the cab height and bet rail height before I loaded and it looked like everything was going to fit.



Unfortunately, I measured the rail height at the front of the bead only. At the rear of the bed of the rail height is about 3/4 in taller.



Luckily, while dropping the camper on I noticed this and slipped a piece of cardboard between the rail cap and camper. When I couldn't wiggle the cardboard anymore I declared it wouldn't fit.



My solution for the moment is a piece of 3/4 CDX plywood underneath the camper.



I think I'll end up screwing to the bottom of the camper and putting some flashing and paint to make it look like it's supposed to be there.

 

[ralbert]

Well maybe your problem just made my decision. I have a 99 3500 w/355s auto and I have been thinking about a 04 3500 6 speed 410s. I also have a 95 11' Lance so that would not fit also. Guess I will look into a trany upgrade. We head to Alaska this week so I did install my exhaust brake. I know it will not help much without a upgraded trany but any help might be great if needed. Good luck with that new truck. Rob

 

[JWhitcomb]

What about putting a horse mat or two in the bed. Will keep the camper from moving around better than a sheet of plywood.

 

[PCline]

How thick are they? And generally how much do they cost?

 

[JWhitcomb]

I have seen them both thick and thin and various prices. Best thing to do is google them or call a local horsey type place.

 

[L_Rutigliano]

PC Line: I had the same problem and posted my question a couple months ago.



I bought two rubbermaid bed mats and now its fine. I have maybe 1/2" of clearance at the back. Total cost for two: $80.



A friend of mine at work didn't like this idea, so he went to Les Schwab Tires and bought one of their bed mats made from recycled tires. They have 1/2", 3/4" and 1" thick mats and they are absolutely beautiful. He bought the 3/4" thick for $80. He has plenty of clearance at the rear now.



Hope this helps.

 

[PCline]

Thanks for the info guys. I like the idea of the rubber mats better than my plywood.



I just got back from a trip to Eastern Washington and with the plywood the camper actually moved back about 1/2" from it's starting position. I have the Line-X spray in bedliner, and although it protects the bed real nice, it's kinda slippery. I think the rubber mat will grip the bed and camper real nice.