Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: So what did you do to your Truck Camper today?

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Topic: So what did you do to your Truck Camper today?

Posted By: AnEv942 on 02/27/13 10:54am

Im unsure on the ARB- all Ive seen (pics of) mounted to sides of vehicle roof racks etc not RV walls? But Ive not really looked. If so would think poles a tad short for camper? Curious why an ARB verses mounted self contained type, lack of height above door?.

On ours I had to mount the awning rail upside down to get enough height for some slope and clear the door when open-it does ride the wheel. And its a short awning, extends 4', mostly to keep water out, not a shade awning.

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Posted By: Reddog1 on 02/27/13 11:33am

For my TC use and needs, I cannot see the value of an awning over the door. Maybe it is how a given TC is designed. I an either inside going out, or outside coming in. Either way if it is raining, I am going to get wet. It is my understanding, it is not advisable to leave the awning out if there is wind, or you risk damage to it. If true, it does not prevent wind from blowing rain in the door. It looks to me, with no wind, a rear awning it only prolongs yourgetting wet by maybe one or two steps.

My door has a rain gutter above it, to prevent the rain from entering the door.

My post is an effort to understand, and not intended to be a troll. What am I missing, besides an awning?

Wayne

Posted By: Ski Pro 3 on 02/27/13 12:08pm

Reddog, I have an awning over my rear door and use it a lot, especially when it rains. I use this dry area to put on and off muddy shoes, my waders, jackets, etc. and not get those wet items in the camper until I'm ready to hang them in the bathroom. I can also sit out if it's only drizzling and enjoy watching the weather without being in the weather. My generator, bikes, etc. can also be under there without getting wet. The pitch of the awning can be adjusted so water sheds off to one side or the other, can be pitched steep to keep more sun or rain out, etc. It's very versatile.

Also, the shade it provides helps keep internal temperatures down if I'm parked so the door is facing the sun. I usually try to park so the sun is not facing a large side of the camper to keep heat down inside during summer.

Stop by any time and take a look at it. I have beer in the fridge and coffee in the pot!!

Posted By: JumboJet on 02/27/13 12:22pm

Reddog1 wrote:

My post is an effort to understand, and not intended to be a troll. What am I missing, besides an awning? Wayne

My 1st 2 TCs did not have an awning, then I purchased one with a side awning and a rear awning and loved them.

I now have a 1050S with the rear awning I installed. The shade alone helps a lot in our Southern heat.

This was the day I installed it:

[image]

Posted By: bka0721 on 02/27/13 12:32pm

Nice awning Jumbo. But, it looks like you have more than 4 inches above the door and you installed the awning a lot higher. I did see a pop camper install some custom brackets to elevate his awning higher, to allow better access in and out of the camper.

As for awnings, I used them often in my racing days, but with the frequent winds that arrive while I am gone or inside, I made a decision not to have one. It is just a personal choice, as many enjoy having them too.

b

Posted By: Ski Pro 3 on 02/27/13 12:36pm

The only disadvantage I have with my awning on the back is the roof ladder is blocked from getting on the roof. I don't stow things up there anyways, but wanted to point that out.

My camper, a Lance, is just like JumboJet's. Thanks for posting the photo. I couldn't find one of mine that way.

I like your back deck too. I'm working on a design that will slide out from under the camper overhang from the truck bed.

Posted By: WVbassmistress on 02/27/13 01:27pm

My thinking may be all wrong on this, but here it is.

First, this camper is itty bitty. Anything I can do to expand usable space is a win for me. As was previously stated, place to take off shoes, unleash the dog and wipe her down, annex to boot the Little Man to....you get my point. Maybe eventually add sides to increase usefulness...who knows. I am feeling my way thru this thing.

Second, for various reasons, the pop up is what I have to work with and if I can keep the rain away from the 2 piece back door to prevent leaks, that is one less place I have to worry about. (call me a girl...I worry alot)

I chose the ARB type because of 1) weight (I want to say around 22 lbs) 2) cost (well under $200) 3) mounting flexibility (I hope). It is intended for mounting on a roof rack, but since you have to buy the mounts separately, does it really matter what the intent was...just what you are able to come up with to make it work for you.
4) with the frame seems more stable than a "bag awning" and comes with case that stays mounted, you don't have to take it on and off.

There was considerable awning discussion on the Expedition Portal. I'll probably spend half the evening tracking down the pictures of mounts. I believe there are also pole extensions out there. I foresee this being used primarily when we are set up for days with it off the truck and it won't be so high up.

Here is the back of my little TC so you can get a better idea of my problem.

[image]

Sorry this became it's own discussion..should I move it to somewhere else?

Maximum photo width=640

The subject of the Thread is very broad, and in my opinion invites this type of discussion. It is Ok to leave it run here, or you can choose to start another thread. Personally, I would let it run it's course here.

Wayne
Moderator

* This post was edited 02/27/13 08:03pm by an administrator/moderator *

Posted By: JoeChiOhki on 02/28/13 08:23pm

Let's see, I pressure washed the deck and did yard work around it. I've also sat in the camper alot playing Minecraft on my laptop [emoticon]

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Posted By: mountainkowboy on 02/28/13 09:20pm

Got the toter....Red....smogged and tagged today.

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Posted By: SpknTC on 02/28/13 09:44pm

Did my emissions and got my tags yesterday! $60 for the Truck and $15 for the TC.
One step closer!!

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