camper frame mount?

[LMautone]

A quick question. I'm shopping for a camper mount system. one dealer was telling me that for the rear mount of his frame mounting system they use the hitch on the truck. Specifically the side square openings. they drill a hole for a pin and slide the mounting bar in the side of the hitch and the same for the other side. then lock it in with a pin. Anyone ever hear of this and does it sound like a good idea. I thought so... .

Louie

 

[dresslered]

That is a much better method than mounting to the bumper. Make sure that the front tie-down is mounted to the frame as well or you are going to risk damaging your truck bed and/or camper. I would recommend Tork-lift camper tie-downs. They are pricey, but so were the truck and camper.

 

[Crazy Horse]

Hey LMautone - Here is a photo of the set up, it really work good with the happy jacks. Use a couple pieces of 2 inch square, 1/4 inch thick tube. I ran mine into the receiver about 4-5 inches and brought them out a little more than even with the bumper. You'll need to either notch one side of the extensions or file down the casting ridge inside the receiver to get it to slide in. Cap the ends after you mount a couple of 3/8 inch eye bolts near the ends. Here's a pic of mine.

 

[LMautone]

thanks.

i thought it sounded good. I don't want anything attached to the thing dc calls a rear bumper. it tends to bend if you stare at it to long.

and yes the front is frame mounted also. dealer said its almost like a hitch attached to the frame and you slide the mount into a receiver tube and slide in a pin. then they use my rear hitch for the back since its already there.

 

[dresslered]

LMautone-

I think that you've found a good dealer as usually they try to push the Happi-Jak junk (easier install and cheaper). What camper did you end up getting?

 

[LMautone]

Were going to get an S&S Ponderosa 11DB, (Dry Bath). We haven't ordered it yet, Cause were still thinking about options, etc...

 

[dresslered]

LMautone-

Beautiful camper!



However, in my opinion, you are looking at way too much camper to be carrying with a 2500. I believe that the 11DB is nearly 3000-lbs dry! After you fill up the tanks and add your "stuff" you will be exceeding 4000-lbs. easily! This is far too much weight for a 2500 in both GVWR and safety wise. I would recommend nothing less than a dually.



As an additional recommendation, I would suggest adding the frame mounted tie-downs prior to your purchase. Then, before you buy the camper, you will be able to take it out for a test drive.

 

[BV]

Hitch used for camper mounts

I made my own that extend out from the side of the hitch tubing. Cost was around $30 for the 2" tubing and a case of beer to the neighbor for welding on some plates to hold the buttons onto.



I don't have the camper anymore and the factory hitch was replaced so the set I made could be available for a 6 pack and shipping charges.

 

[WyoJim]

Camper mount

BV, I'll take you up on your offer. Convert that all into dollars and tell me where to send the check. WyoJim

 

[LMautone]

Ok, I know that the 11db is 3000#'s dry. I was originally looking at the 9. 5sc and that's 2800#'s dry. My wife saw the 11db and said, "this is so much nicer. " Then she gave 1000 reasons why we need a dry bath. Then she reminded me that she perfers to rv in a $250,000. 00 class a and it would be nice if we could afford it . Then I interupted and said, "ok it's only 200 more pounds than the 9. 5. "

P. S. If your wife said we should buy something bigger and better what would you do?

 

[dresslered]

Louie-



You are definitely in a tough predicament!



The slide-in's are extremely nice because you can go places that you can not go with a trailer. Insurance is also extremely cheap on them (compared to a travel trailer or fifth wheel), and registration is zero! However, please do a search on the topic of overloading a 2500. There are others that where surprised as well. The 9. 5sc at 2800# is still too heavy (my opinion). You need a dually for the stability. Additionally, having only two tires in the rear won't take the load (they will be overloaded-check your weight ratings). If your wife experiences a cross wind with your new camper set-up, it might be the last time she ever rides with you! !



I think that something has to give. Look at the light weight designs or consider a travel trailer. A comparably equiped travel trailer (which even has more room for the wife) is actually cheaper than a slide-in! A 2500 Cummins can pull ANYTHING!

 

[Ramrod]

11 DB

Lou,



If you are going to buy a S&S go ahead now and put the torklifts on now. Drive down here for the day and we will hook up my 11db. This way you can test it out. I can give you a valuable opinion since I sold my 2500 for the 3500. You can drive my rig with the camper on it as well. It only takes a few minutes to switch it on and off. We are about done traveling for the summer so we should be around alot once school starts.

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Sounds good !

I must agree with David, I like my sidetubes but they're incompatible with Torklifts. The rear mount alternative sounds worthy of further analysis. Do you have any more details, pictures would be nice too!

 

[LMautone]

Hi Mike,

that sounds like a good idea. It won't be for a little bit though. I ordered my Rancho 9000's from Hotroad-offroad.com and they should be in this week. Then i have to buy and install airbags. And finally I can purchase mount system. After that I may take you up on the offer.

Louie

P. S. Anybody have any preference on airbags. I can get the Airlifts from Camping World for a good price.