I plan on putting a passageway between the truck and the box. Now there is a 20 in gap between the two. In order to move the box forward I would have to move the wheel wells which I don't want to do. How should I deal with the gap?
Adventurer
Expedition Leader
Well, I see 3 options:
1. Cut the frame and shorten the wheel base so the camper gets closer to the cab.
2. Build a tunnel between the cab and camper.
3. Build out the cab backwards to mate up with the camper.
I wish I could remember where I left my keys...
Adventurer
I'd say if the pass through is that important to you, continue the box lines with fabbed sheetmetal and framework. You can keep the passage way through the center and have storage cabinets built in on either side. These could be exterior accessible compartments similar to the ones already on the box. I wish I had photoshop skills but I don't.
Desert Solitaire
2004 SMB 4x4 EB-50
2001 Nissan Xterra
Expedition Leader
At least he has the option of making the air flow a bit better from coming over the roof of the truck and not smashing into the vertical front wall of the camper...
I wish I could remember where I left my keys...
Adventurer
The frame rails look flat out back. Can you relocate the suspension points forward, and shorten the drive shaft?Originally Posted by hdemetrious
Explorer
Hmmm...
Rocky Mountain Land Cruiser Association TLCA # 5513
'04HZJ79 (project), '91HDJ81, '87BJ74, '04 Kamparoo and a Dodge
Paved roads are another example of needless government overspending.
Explorer
...or just build a new box! That thing you have mocked up on there is all wrong...way too small for that size truck. If you're going to live with all of the compromises associated with a vehicle that large, AT LEAST have the living space to make it all worthwhile. You could put that box on an F350 chassis without any problems (and would get WAY better mileage!!). Seating for 4 and sleeping for 1 (or two friendly people). Just doesn't make sense. Custom box. Period.
That is all.
1986 Ford E350 4x4 Quadravan Camper "Boomer"
The Boomer Build Thread
Adventurer
Go get a 16ft (or so) travel trailer bolt it down to the frame, DONE!
Adventurer
O, very cool build man!!!!!
Explorer
On commercial trucks it is pretty easy to move the rear axle forward, springs and all, because the frame rails are straight. Just cut the heads off the spring hanger rivets, move forward desired amount, drill new holes and fill them with some frame bolts and nuts. Then just shorten the driveline. Pretty cheap and easy for medium duty truck stuff. A good truck shop should have frame bolts and nuts in stock. I see the truck has air brakes, they are much easier and cheaper to maintain than hydraulic brakes on medium duty trucks.
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