Truck Camper Bumpers – Need Guidance

[Kevin]

So now that I got my 2019 Northstar Laredo SC loaded on to my F-450 (thanks for the input on the extension brackets) I have some additional challenges. First one is bumpers, so the Laredo has no bumpers on it, just a very thin plastic on each side, and as you can see in the pictures I can’t bring the camper any closer to the cab or the rear sides of the Laredo that drop down will come in contact with my dually fenders (this camper was just not designed to go on a dually!). So I can get it about another 1.5″ closer and I think be plenty safe, but based on my measurement up front from the front of the camper to front of the bed by the cab its about 5″. Recommendations on what type of a bumper to put in there? Most of the bumpers I look at on etrailer and what not are only 2″ or maybe 3″. Or do I just put something else in the gap to stop it from moving forward?

Also, the rear tie down point is in the way of the dually fender as well. But I ordered the Torklift A7004 repositioning kit of the rear tie down point for duallys (https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/TorkLift/TLA7004.html) The most expenses L-brackets known to mankind?

Thanks for the help on the bumpers!

Attachments:

You must be logged in to access attached files.

[Kevin]

I found these… 1 foot long, 6″ of bumper. I could mount on either side. Curious what others do.

Model D6-12 (1 foot ) Extruded Dock Bumpers

[Kevin]

One last item to cover, I feel plenty comfortable with the small amount of camper that is not in the bed, so no problem there. This was in my old F250 with a short bed. See pic of rear. I do like the fact I can tow now without any additional hitch extension equipment.

Attachments:

You must be logged in to access attached files.

[Mike]

I got shorter bumpers for my 890. I looked at Grainger, they had some small dock bumpers that worked for me but they had longer ones too.

Nice looking rig!

[Kevin MacAfee]

I don’t have a dually so I can’t opine on that issue. My Bundutec fits right up to the headache rack on my flatbed and there is a small strip of plastic that acts like a bumper.

I would think you could easily fashion bumpers out of wood to close that gap. Use salt treated or paint them to help them last. A 2X6 is really 1.5″ thick so 3 of those plus a 1×6 which is really 3/4″ thick would make up that gap nicely.

Of course, given current lumber prices, the extruded ones might be cheaper. 😉 If it were me, I’d use the wood as it would me a full width bumper that could easily be replaced if needed.

Cheers

[Kevin]

Thanks Kevin, that makes a lot of sense to me. I was just looking at Grainger and all the options and I think the wood option would work great (may need loan for the 2×6’s? ;-). It gives me some storage space to! Gotta look at the positives!

So just need the rear tie down relocation kit and then I am mobile.

In retrospect wonder if I shouldn’t have gone with the F-350 SRW. I kept reading you can never have to much truck. Once I get all this dialed in though I think I’ll be happy with it.

[Kevin MacAfee]

You could probably store chairs or a small table there for sure.

The truck dilemma is always a factor but you’ll be happy once you get mobile.

Good luck!

[Author]

Posts