Bedliner conversion unit for pickup truck

Abstract

A conversion unit for a pickup truck long-cab chassis frame, modified to support a regular cab, thereby providing a frame clear length of almost two feet between the cab rear wall and an open front end of the cargo bed. The conversion unit includes a plastic bedliner portion, defined by bottom and opposed side panels, and a self-supporting, integral, forward extension portion defined by an extended bottom panel portion, extended side panel portions, and a front panel upstanding from the forward end of the extended bottom panel portion. A metal framework, embedded in the plastic extension portion, is adapted to be secured to the frame clear length providing an extra-long composite cargo bed. A second embodiment of the unit provides a lower-half opening in one side of the extension portion, adapted for closure by a downwardly opening lower hatch swingably supported on the framework. A camper shell and expandable roof cap enclosure assembly, adapted to be removably supported on the unit, includes an upper-half opening in a shell side wall, adapted for closure by an upwardly opening upper hatch swingably supported on the shell, positioned in matching alignment with the lower hatch. Upon each hatch being moved to its open mode, the resulting full height opening cooperates with the expanded roof cap, whereby sufficient headroom is provided allowing a six-foot person to easily board the conversion unit enclosure assembly.