I am about to start construction on a small slide in for a 5.5 foot bed 2016 F150. The primary use will be for a place that is safe and dry to sleep in while travelling. It will be followed by a second build next winter of a larger hard side for a 2018 trip through Alaska. I wanted to give you all some details and a couple drawings for feedback before I start cutting the composite honeycomb panels.
Here are my design criteria:
Light enough to unload and load without camper jacks ( I have a bed height loading dock at my shop.) My estimated weight without a battery or fluids is less than 450 lbs.
Weather tight in all conditions.
Standard twin size bed so that inexpensive ikea foam mattress can be used along with standard bedding.
Open interior feel.
Do not need standing headroom, it is currently designed with 5'2" headroom. I am a boat designer and builder and have done a lot of work with sitting headroom interiors.
I would like to retain the F150 Tailgate and back up camera. I tow frequently and do not want an overhang, therefore the bed will be crosswise behind the cab.
When the tailgate is closed the camper cannot be opened, and with the F150 auto locking tailgate the camper should be very secure.
Access to pantry and cook ware is outside.
Door hinges at the top.
Pictures coming as soon as I figure that out.........
Don
Here are my design criteria:
Light enough to unload and load without camper jacks ( I have a bed height loading dock at my shop.) My estimated weight without a battery or fluids is less than 450 lbs.
Weather tight in all conditions.
Standard twin size bed so that inexpensive ikea foam mattress can be used along with standard bedding.
Open interior feel.
Do not need standing headroom, it is currently designed with 5'2" headroom. I am a boat designer and builder and have done a lot of work with sitting headroom interiors.
I would like to retain the F150 Tailgate and back up camera. I tow frequently and do not want an overhang, therefore the bed will be crosswise behind the cab.
When the tailgate is closed the camper cannot be opened, and with the F150 auto locking tailgate the camper should be very secure.
Access to pantry and cook ware is outside.
Door hinges at the top.
Pictures coming as soon as I figure that out.........
Don