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David Kelton, Yorba Linda, California
Camper Porch and Storage
2000 Ford F250
2007 Sunlite 865SE
I wanted to make it easier to get into our 2007 Sunlite truck camper. My modification also adds storage on the porch as well as below it. As you know, storage is critical on a truck camper. Who wants to clutter the inside?
I ran lumber all the way under the camper with aluminum bars added for stiffness. A storage box with running lights was added with storage in front of it.
The diamond plate aluminum boxes are homemade as well as a four inch tube for waste disposal.
The diamond plate storage boxes were built using a diamond blade, belt sander, and pop rivet gun.
The porch was framed with the camper off of the truck. I added 3/4-inch plywood strips below the camper and bolted 1/4-inch by 2-inch by 6-foot aluminum to strengthen the porch. The porch is covered with 2’ X 6’ and vinyl flooring and L-trim. A 4-inch ABS tube was attached on the underside.
The 5’ X 2′ box has an aluminum frame between the box and bumper with plywood side walls on three sides for access from the rear.
I added LED lights and two plastic cargo boxes.
This modification has worked out fantastic. I carry enough firewood for more than a week, extra propane, a BBQ, and a step stool to get in. I made a handle where the jack mount is for safety. I don’t leave the jacks on because I often go off-roading.
Materials Used:
Seven 2 X 6 X 12-foot Home Depot 4 -1/4″ X 6-foot lumber
60-feet of 3/4-inch X 3/4-inch aluminum
Three 2’ X 4′ diamond plate aluminum, from Schorr Metal
Stainless steel screws
Pop Rivets
LED lights
Vinyl flooring
Carrier hitch receiver basket
Plastic boxes
It took me three days to complete this modification and cost me $1,000. In my opinion, the skill level of this modification is a Craftsman.
Disclaimer: The modifications above are submitted by Truck Camper Magazine readers. It is your responsibility to make sure that any do-it-yourself modification project you undertake is safe, effective, and legal for your situation.
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