Hi Rene T
Glad to hear you worked out what camper to get for your short bed truck. Sounds like a great rig. I believe you were getting geared up for an Alaska Trip. Sounds like great fun.
I have two observations on supporting a pickup camper:
1. We used a big Lance pickup camper (mid 80s model) in our 1999 F350 CC Long Bed. I needed spacers to provide adequate clearance between the camper overhang and the roof of the truck. Since I'm the curious type (and an aerospace engineer), I decided to remove a panel on the bottom of the camper to see where the camper loads transfer to the truck bed. Turns out the primary load paths are at the bulkheads (forward and aft panels that contact the bed) and secondarily along the sides of the camper. Very logical when you think about it. I used 2X6 lumber to make a "picture frame" and added an additional 4X8 sheet of OSB to the bottom of the camper between the picture frame and the floor with 4" screws, attaching to the existing wooden frame work of the camper. I did not want to mess with loose pieces. 15,000 miles, and no issues with the floor. Many rough roads and heavy cross winds. Tore one of the tie down bolts out on a unmarked dip in the road (Lesson learned: vehicle rebound loads can be very significant). My conclusion: Support of the bulkheads may be important, but without seeing the substructure, it is hard to judge. I'd make sure the front bulkhead has good support.
2. We upgraded to a big 2007 Arctic Fox for our new 2013 Diesel Pickup. I checked out how these are made, and they use a welded aluminum space frame for the primary structure. VERY stout. VERY heavy. Many intermediate supports within the perimeter frame, so probably less important to get a direct load path at the bulkheads although my guess is this is still the best practice. We leave this camper on the jacks most times when removed with no noticeable problems, and most of the weight is on the front jacks (monstrous steel plate jack brackets). I'm using supports now after having a utility trailer that we left at our AZ home blow off 4 jack stands this past summer while we were away. The Arctic Fox structure is so stiff, I had to use very accurate shims to get all 4 supports to take load.
Note: My F350 truck bed is "corrugated" in the length direction so perfectly uniform support is elusive
. Based on wear patterns in the bed liner, most of the load is transferred at the front bulkhead.
Have a great Alaska adventure!
Erich