shooting from truck bed
Oct 31, 2016 13:45:36 #
I just bought a 4x4 pickup truck in order to get into the back country. Thought I would get a tonneau cover to stand on for extra height, but today a salesman said the folding covers he had (including Extang models) could possibly buckle under my weight (180 lbs. or so). Anyone have experience with shooting from a tonneau cover or other gear from the back of a truck? Ladders maybe? (Yeah, I know Ansel did it but he had a different rig!)
Oct 31, 2016 13:50:22 #
I wouldn't trust the solid ones (Fiberglass) to stand on. They are good for reducing drag but if you want to do that take off your lift gate and put a mesh up in it's place. Better standing in the bed.
Oct 31, 2016 14:08:25 #
Ansel Adams modified a 1947 Pontiac station wagon with a six-point mounted, steel-framed, 4x8-ft platform. You need to consider a DIY platform, starting with a commercial rack mounted in truck bed, like painters or gardeners use.
Oct 31, 2016 16:02:40 #
I bought a cover from BAK:
http://www.bakflip.com/?gclid=CI_43ovphdACFUJbhgoduUMFhA
They have a variety of solid panel covers and are very well built, as well as being easy to install. They show weight capacities of up to 500lb. (Evenly distributed). I often stand in the bed of my truck to shoot. If I did want to stand on the cover I would simply carry a 4'x4' piece of 5/8 or 3/4 plywood to lay on the cover first. That would distribute my weight (200lb) enough that I wouldn't worry about it. Glue some old carpet to one side so you don't damage the cover. Or, you could build a platform in the bed of your truck that just clears the cover. Open the cover and you are set to go!
http://www.bakflip.com/?gclid=CI_43ovphdACFUJbhgoduUMFhA
They have a variety of solid panel covers and are very well built, as well as being easy to install. They show weight capacities of up to 500lb. (Evenly distributed). I often stand in the bed of my truck to shoot. If I did want to stand on the cover I would simply carry a 4'x4' piece of 5/8 or 3/4 plywood to lay on the cover first. That would distribute my weight (200lb) enough that I wouldn't worry about it. Glue some old carpet to one side so you don't damage the cover. Or, you could build a platform in the bed of your truck that just clears the cover. Open the cover and you are set to go!
Oct 31, 2016 16:08:26 #
Fabricate some sturdy braces of some type and place under the tonneau at strategic points on the truck bed.
Oct 31, 2016 16:11:40 #
LFingar wrote:
I bought a cover from BAK:
http://www.bakflip.com/?gclid=CI_43ovphdACFUJbhgoduUMFhA
They have a variety of solid panel covers and are very well built, as well as being easy to install. They show weight capacities of up to 500lb.
http://www.bakflip.com/?gclid=CI_43ovphdACFUJbhgoduUMFhA
They have a variety of solid panel covers and are very well built, as well as being easy to install. They show weight capacities of up to 500lb.
this; no problem standing on it when I was 240#
Nov 1, 2016 07:24:43 #
I have a BakFlip Aluminum cover on my Ram truck that is rated for 400 pounds. I weigh 205 pounds. I stand on it or sit on it without any worries.
Nov 1, 2016 07:40:21 #
I've used the bed of mine for a platform. I extend my tripod to its max, without extending the center portion. I use a small step ladder to be able to see through the camera, which is now 6' or so above the bed. That works for me. As for using a cover, I don't know any that I'd trust to be strong enough.
--Bob
--Bob
doc9900 wrote:
I just bought a 4x4 pickup truck in order to get into the back country. Thought I would get a tonneau cover to stand on for extra height, but today a salesman said the folding covers he had (including Extang models) could possibly buckle under my weight (180 lbs. or so). Anyone have experience with shooting from a tonneau cover or other gear from the back of a truck? Ladders maybe? (Yeah, I know Ansel did it but he had a different rig!)
Nov 1, 2016 08:12:37 #
Remember, a vehicle is not a stable platform because it sits on inflated tires and springs. When shooting, sit, no moving (use delayed release) and stop breathing for longer exposure times.
Years ago I shot the stained glass in a church using portable scaffolding to 30'. I discovered that when I first climbed up, even my heartbeat was detectable on the scaffolding.
Years ago I shot the stained glass in a church using portable scaffolding to 30'. I discovered that when I first climbed up, even my heartbeat was detectable on the scaffolding.
Nov 1, 2016 08:25:55 #
Tjohn wrote:
Remember, a vehicle is not a stable platform because it sits on inflated tires and springs. When shooting, sit, no moving (use delayed release) and stop breathing for longer exposure times.
Years ago I shot the stained glass in a church using portable scaffolding to 30'. I discovered that when I first climbed up, even my heartbeat was detectable on the scaffolding.
Years ago I shot the stained glass in a church using portable scaffolding to 30'. I discovered that when I first climbed up, even my heartbeat was detectable on the scaffolding.
So, you are saying that the best way to get the shot is to set the timer and then die? Now that's dedication!
Nov 1, 2016 08:54:42 #
I looked st tjat issue when I had my pu. The answer wsd rv jacks at four corners to lift the truck body off the suspension. Stable as a rock
Nov 1, 2016 09:54:03 #
I frequently shot from the bed of my truck, and even off the roof of the cab. Don't know if I'd trust standing on a bed top, though. If it's one of those foldable ones, can't you simply fold it back, then use a small stepladder?
Nov 1, 2016 10:25:13 #
I would make a frame of 2X3's with a plywood top and just put it in the bed when needed. Fiberglass is strong and could hold your weight but it's flexible!!!! you'd be moving a lot on any but the thickest.
Nov 1, 2016 10:35:03 #
doc9900 wrote:
I just bought a 4x4 pickup truck in order to get into the back country. Thought I would get a tonneau cover to stand on for extra height, but today a salesman said the folding covers he had (including Extang models) could possibly buckle under my weight (180 lbs. or so). Anyone have experience with shooting from a tonneau cover or other gear from the back of a truck? Ladders maybe? (Yeah, I know Ansel did it but he had a different rig!)
I love the idea of shooting from the back of a truck, Ansel Adams style. But even a sturdy tonneau cover does not sound like a good idea.
What you need is a sturdy platform that will not buckle or vibrate when you are on it. A ladder or step-stool is not any good if you want to use a tripod, besides not being as stable, and will not give you a way to quickly (and safely) change position or angle of view. If the height of the truck bed is not enough, then you could build a platform on one of the kind of frameworks that contractors use to carry ladders, etc. (make sure it will be very stable). Use "joists" so that the floor is supported at regular intervals, and use good thick plywood. Should be able to get a frame that allows bolting the floor onto it. Also, no matter how good it is, don't make it too high - the higher the more likelihood of vibrations/slight movement.
Nov 1, 2016 11:06:06 #
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