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RE: Do you take yours?
Sorry but wii camp (pun inteneded) to get away from all the technological crap. We have a STRICT no technology rule (cells remain off except to call the next CG for reservations). Anyone wants to get in touch with me, they're welcome to try CB19, but even that's off unless we're on the hi-way. I won't even let my Daughter play her DS when we're at the campsite (it's permissible on the road to keep her out of our hair).
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buggsy
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01/18/10 09:55am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Tying down a Kayak
As shown in the signature - tied to the front jacks or also to the camper mount points. One note you'll want to make sure you've got a couple twists in each side of the ratchet straps, or it'll vibrate against the side of the t/c like nothing you've ever heard.
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buggsy
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01/18/10 09:43am |
Truck Campers
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RE: TC's in New England and the east
Weighing in from NEPA. Went from T/C (no bath) for 3 years to tow behind popup (no bath) for 3 years to the back to another T/C (bath, hot water, etc). Sure we've been looking at new campers, but every one is a T/C. People who aren't familiar with them say they're small - all depends on how you camp. Unless we're sleeping, we're outside. Had relatives visiting us at a CG last year - got caught in a rain storm. We got 4 adults, 3 kids and even the dog in in the camper and out of the rain. We typically do 8-10 1 nighter's while sightseeing, but also 102 week long stays in ours. I can't remember who, but at the fall rally, someone hit the nail on the head "T/C'ers are more outside people, totally the opposite of those that pull in with a 40' class A and just stay inside. We park the truck and the very first thing to come out is the lawn chairs." I'm not sure where you're coming from, but there are a few RV shows in the spring in PA - 1 in York and I believe another in Valley Forge. I suggest calling shows first for a list of Dealers, then call the Dealers and see if anyone's bringing a T/C - not too many Dealers bring them to shows from what I've seen.
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buggsy
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01/18/10 09:37am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Foam boards to raise TC?
Same setup, 3 years including several back road adventures (logging roads) no problems.
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buggsy
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01/11/10 10:45am |
Truck Campers
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RE: New truck, old camper -- questions
Agreed on the tailgate idea. On the Golf Cart Batteries, search the site, many people have used them.
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buggsy
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11/19/09 10:28am |
Truck Campers
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RE: electronic rodent repeller?
We've had good luck using Irish Spring soap (the dollar store brand though). Either just open the box, or perforate it well. I've got 5 or 6 in our TC (not including the one that we actually use in the Bathroom soap dish), and seems to keep the pests out (even when you leave the door open for 3 weeks). Try to concentrate on areas they may get in.
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buggsy
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11/19/09 10:24am |
Truck Campers
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RE: New truck, old camper -- questions
1) Depends on the camper - ours only needed 1" and yes we do take it off-road with no clearance issues.
2) Personally I prefer the rubber mat style to keep things from sliding - I've heard of many people putting the rubber mat over the spray in to help with this.
3) Chains and turnbuckles work just fine. You need to avoid anything that attaches to the newer Ford bumpers though. Without reinforcement, they really flex.
4) Wouldn't need red flag, however, I must caution against this - I've had tailgates come off of my trucks when I've hit a bump and they were left down and it isn't pretty. A simple bar could easily be fabricated to hold the tailgate down without too much trouble. You could even just run a ratchet strap across the top of the gate and down to the frame/trlr hitch. The goal would be to keep the gate from bouncing if you hit a bump.
5) The only battery we have is in front of the wheel well on the Drivers side. Standard marine battery box JUST clears the camper when turned the correct way. Watch the wires when unloading - it takes a while to re-hook all of them if you goof and they get snagged (trust me).
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buggsy
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11/16/09 10:53am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Help with weird older style tie downs
You fail to mention how far you need to haul the new toy. DW hauled ours home (about 10 miles) with no anchors (a rubber bed mat is a wonderful thing). DISCLAIMER - Even though it didn't move, I can't recommend this approach for legal reasons.
You may also want to check around your local RV shops. I got a set of used universal frame mount brackets for $50.00 from a local joint (they were sitting out in his junk-pile) - yep they needed sandblasting and paint, but it was worth my time compared to $ for new.
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buggsy
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11/16/09 10:44am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Platform - Foam vs Wood
And BTW - what was damaged? I've accidentally launched our rig at a couple of RR x-ings already and haven't had any damage.
OH I almost forgot - the true manufacturer recommendations are probably to buy a different truck.
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buggsy
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11/16/09 10:30am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Platform - Foam vs Wood
We've been using foam board (pink in my case - color don't matter - it's the mfgr's choice) for 3 years now with no problems. We actually attached it to the bottom of the camper with 2 sided carpet tape. We've been on plenty of rough roads (my wife refuses to let me forget about the 2 hour trip across 1 of the state forests in 4 low because the road was so rough) and not had a problem. Even after the trip from PA to IL this year (950 miles straight thru) still didn't have to re-tighten the turnbuckles (a key that the camper moved or settled).
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buggsy
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11/16/09 10:28am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Jamboree's for 2011
Speaking of which (you brought it up) what is the 2010 schedule?
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buggsy
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11/05/09 10:31am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Jamboree's for 2011
Jim - I'll have to make sure I bring extras.
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buggsy
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11/04/09 09:46am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Jamboree's for 2011
Another Jamboree? In PA? With Jim and Cathy running the show? We don't even need to know when, or exactly where - we're in.
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buggsy
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11/03/09 09:06am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Inflatables? High pressure floors?
DJ - I can understand what you're saying about getting it on top of the T/C (hence why I'm following this thread. I've been evaluating other options myself from Inflatable Pontoon Boats to Inflatable and hardside 8' kayaks (could mount on the ladder vertically). If you do find something that will work for you, I wouldn't mind hearing about it as it may help me figure out which way to go (even if you just PM me).
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buggsy
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10/05/09 10:54am |
Truck Campers
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RE: truck camper weight---again
I can't speak to the UK laws, however, anywhere I've travelled, I get the same response from locals - if you don't look overloaded, they're not going to stop you for being overloaded. From what I've heard, a guy rolled past a trooper with over 2 ton of dirt on a 1997 1/2 ton F-150 (Nope, the suspension, tires, axles, etc are not stock) and although the trooper looked twice, he didn't go any further. (Just what I've heard)
Bottom line: know your vehicle, know your load, drive responsibly and you should be fine.
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buggsy
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10/05/09 10:42am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Inflatables? High pressure floors?
I'm curious as to why you have written off a regular canoe. My friends and I each have one and they are VERY stable (we fish standing up I might add). It also takes a lot less effort to maneuver versus any other kind of row-boat. So far as the racks are concerned, when my friend had his jeep, we just strapped it to the roof (initially with padding, then once the new-ness wore off, we even skipped that) with ratchet straps from each end of the canoe to each respective bumper. Because the canoe was longer than the jeep, it actually helped some as stray limbs skidded over the canoe (versus hitting the jeep). Note the picture in my signature - this setup has served me well on many state forest roads. The canoe protects the roof/fridge vents as well.
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buggsy
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10/02/09 10:24am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Tire replacement What do U use
Currently also running the General Grabber AT2 tires in load range E on the SuperDuty. Handles well both with and without weight, on and off road. So far, they're holding up the best compared to prior tires (Pirelli and Nokian) as both of the prior brands did not wear well, nor did they offer much for off road traction. And I will be the first to admit that I ask a lot from my tires (from mud to snow to ice to rocky state forest roads - all with a load on the truck). As I see you're in CA, depending on where you run, you may want to look at a more conservative tread pattern in the General line though as some think the Grabber AT2 pattern leans toward the aggressive side (although I personally consider it quit mild compared to what I run on my F-150 truck in the winter).
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buggsy
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10/01/09 06:40am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Internet window shopping for TCs
That t/c is 9 years newer than mine. Having said that, here's the usual list of what to watch for. Is that the dry or wet weight? Also, see if you can find a sticker on it (some are outside, some are hidden in the cabinets) with the weight/capacities. Check for the usual water leaks/stains. Any buckling in the siding anywhere should tell you to proceed with caution. Look closely at the jack mounts and tie-downs. Check the critical measurements of your truck (tailgate opening, wheel well width, cab height from bed) against the corresponding measurements on the camper. Now the biggie - does it have a front cab-over window? If you answered yes, you can plan on re-sealing that at least once, but the good news is the sealant (butyl tape) is fairly cheap and it's easy to do in an hour or two.
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buggsy
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09/29/09 10:47am |
Truck Campers
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RE: 2009 Fall NE Truck Camper Jamboree in PA (Pictures Added)
We wanted everyone to know that we had a great time at our first rally. Everyone made us feel welcome. We will try to attend another one next year. Thanks again.
Rich and Tracy
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buggsy
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09/20/09 02:14pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Getting a new (to me) TC home, help??
I've had no problem with the Stake pocket tie-downs, I actually use them on the Rear of my setup now. If it's coming with them, I'd drop them in the pockets assuming they fit (if they can be bolted easily go for it, of not, they'll still prevent sliding) and use turnbuckles to hold, then I would also ratchet strap from the anchor points on the TC down to the Frame of the truck. The tie downs in the pockets will serve as a backup to the ratchet straps (at least as far as sliding). Use GOOD ratchet straps (In my case, I usually take the maximum load I think I'd tie down and multiply by 5) so for a 2,000 lb camper, I would be looking for 10,000lb ratchet straps.
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buggsy
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09/15/09 07:48am |
Truck Campers
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