i am 100% noob to truck campers but not to trucks and off roading but i am also not calling my self a expert
before i get into campers i would like to know what is more important having super light weight how much would be to much with a 6k payload and COG... how do the 2 specs come in to play with off roading i know the COG need to be at or forward of the rear axle beyond that i don't know much
i would like to define the off roading ill be doing it will mostly be on trails but if i need to i would like to be able to travel off trails if i need get to the right camping spot but no MAJOR rock crawling or mud bogging
that said i would like to also have a 6'' lift and 3'' body lift for when i do not have the TC with me. would this lead to way to tall and unstable.
also what is too tall too
as for camper i know i want a hard-side i like them best and ill be going to mostly cold climates. with bears and other not so friendly wild life (i know they got collapsible kinda and the clamshell like the Alaskan dont like dont want i would rather not be able to do or go certain places then not have the hard side.
i would like but not need a dry bath but the toilet has to be the flushing kind
i dont need a slide but if i found one light enough it would be a +
and lastly i would take a larger fridge with the freezer attached over a oven
any imput and info would be great
* This post was edited 06/17/14 01:32am by Scars1989 *
Good Luck,
Brad
Wake Up America
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12V Cummins wrote:
Id take a look at northstar as they are non basement so will sit a little lower than most hardwalls. Ive seen a few videos of people off roading with them in Australia. Pretty impressive stuff
what do you mean by non basement
Id take a look at northstar as they are non basement so will sit a little lower than most hardwalls. Ive seen a few videos of people off roading with them in Australia. Pretty impressive stuff
JaredWPhillips wrote:
Check out the CampLite truck campers from LivinLite.
ive been looking at the camp lite and the palomino the camp lite dont seem all that much heavier if not the same what i see the camp lite seems to be better about not rotting and rusting
Check out the CampLite truck campers from LivinLite.
Scars1989 wrote:
12V Cummins wrote:
Id take a look at northstar as they are non basement so will sit a little lower than most hardwalls. Ive seen a few videos of people off roading with them in Australia. Pretty impressive stuff
what do you mean by non basementId take a look at northstar as they are non basement so will sit a little lower than most hardwalls. Ive seen a few videos of people off roading with them in Australia. Pretty impressive stuff
Many campers have a basement or void below the floor where the fresh water and waste water holding tanks are mounted. Basements are typically 8-12 inches tall. Non-basement models don't have this added height which is better for off-road use.
I agree with the Northstar recommendation if you want a well-made camper with a lower center of gravity. Unfortunately, these non-basement models have very small holding tanks. That's the only knock against them.
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Most of the time when you raise the truck you are getting softer suspension. This is going to compound your sway problems.
You are also gong to have problems with the camper jacks not being able to take the camper off the truck without putting additional blocking under them and when you pull out from under the truck that sucker is going to be way up in the air. You are going to have to make sure you are on level ground and that there is no wind blowing when you want to load or unload the camper.
With any camper especially one with any basement (which most of the 4 season campers have a heated basement) you are going to be pushing 13' tall. My NL on my stock Ram dually is over 12' tall to the top of the AC. Add another 9" or more on top of that and you are at 13' and that is without bigger tires.
Please rethink what you are planning to do.
This is IMO
But bottom line it is up to you.
Butch
I try to always leave doubt to my ignorance rather than prove it
2021 Winnebago View
Total height is 11'1" to the top of the AC unit. My opinion is you should try and stay under 12' just to keep from hitting who knows what. The Northstar rig like mine could probably be jacked up without being too high, but I wonder about the handling( and safety) going away as the center of gravity climbs.
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I really don't intend to come across as a grumpy old man but, reconsider....think it thru... and please let us know what you end up with.
REX
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![[image]](http://s375.photobucket.com/user/deejis-photos/media/IM002561_zpsa381a113.jpg.html)
~DJ~ wrote:
This is my truck with a 4" BDS suspension lift on 35" Toyos. It does jsut fine for "light" off roading.
![[image]](http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/deejis-photos/IM002561_zpsa381a113.jpg)
This is my truck with a 4" BDS suspension lift on 35" Toyos. It does jsut fine for "light" off roading.
Nice, but he was asking about a hardside.
Butch50 wrote:
When you are talking off road and 3" body lift and a 6" suspension lift just doesn't go together for a hard sided camper. Then you will probably want to go to bigger tires which raises you even more. With stock tires that big of wheel wells are gong to look really screwy, so that means either 35 or 37" tires. Now you have added another 2.5 to 3.5" in height. Do you realize how high your center of gravity is going to be. With a setup like this you are asking for sway problems going down the road with no cross winds at all. Also when you are going down any kind of trail if there is any slight side slope to it the rig being this high is really going to lean over.
Most of the time when you raise the truck you are getting softer suspension. This is going to compound your sway problems.
You are also gong to have problems with the camper jacks not being able to take the camper off the truck without putting additional blocking under them and when you pull out from under the truck that sucker is going to be way up in the air. You are going to have to make sure you are on level ground and that there is no wind blowing when you want to load or unload the camper.
With any camper especially one with any basement (which most of the 4 season campers have a heated basement) you are going to be pushing 13' tall. My NL on my stock Ram dually is over 12' tall to the top of the AC. Add another 9" or more on top of that and you are at 13' and that is without bigger tires.
Please rethink what you are planning to do.
This is IMO
But bottom line it is up to you.
no i completely agree with you and that was my fear the it would be to unstable i trying to do to much with one truck is what it looking like When you are talking off road and 3" body lift and a 6" suspension lift just doesn't go together for a hard sided camper. Then you will probably want to go to bigger tires which raises you even more. With stock tires that big of wheel wells are gong to look really screwy, so that means either 35 or 37" tires. Now you have added another 2.5 to 3.5" in height. Do you realize how high your center of gravity is going to be. With a setup like this you are asking for sway problems going down the road with no cross winds at all. Also when you are going down any kind of trail if there is any slight side slope to it the rig being this high is really going to lean over.
Most of the time when you raise the truck you are getting softer suspension. This is going to compound your sway problems.
You are also gong to have problems with the camper jacks not being able to take the camper off the truck without putting additional blocking under them and when you pull out from under the truck that sucker is going to be way up in the air. You are going to have to make sure you are on level ground and that there is no wind blowing when you want to load or unload the camper.
With any camper especially one with any basement (which most of the 4 season campers have a heated basement) you are going to be pushing 13' tall. My NL on my stock Ram dually is over 12' tall to the top of the AC. Add another 9" or more on top of that and you are at 13' and that is without bigger tires.
Please rethink what you are planning to do.
This is IMO
But bottom line it is up to you.
i wanted a lift like that so when i got where i was going i be able to leave the TC behind go where i want and so on but it is looking like my fear is coming true so ill be rethinking my set-up for sure but thank you for your imput
Reddog1 wrote:
I think Butch50 made every point to consider. Personally, I would not even consider what you are want to do. Sometimes you cannot have it both ways. I can't help but think the lifted truck is for bling-bling. I suggest you load the TC you want and run it a while, before you do as lift. I think you will then understand what we are talking about.
definitely am rethinking thank you for your input thats why im here its cheaper to ask around before i make a dumb rookie mistake hahaI think Butch50 made every point to consider. Personally, I would not even consider what you are want to do. Sometimes you cannot have it both ways. I can't help but think the lifted truck is for bling-bling. I suggest you load the TC you want and run it a while, before you do as lift. I think you will then understand what we are talking about.
and the idea behind the lift was so that i could leave the camper behind go do what ever crazy stuff i could find then come back but also have the option of going Off the Grid if you will if i wanted to and bring the camper with
sky_free wrote:
Nice, but he was asking about a hardside.
Nice, but he was asking about a hardside.
Hardside or pop up makes no difference in ground clearance. I am just showing what a truck is capable of with a 4" lift.
~DJ~ wrote:
Why such a drastic lift for "light" off roading?
the drastic lift was for when i wanted to leave the camper behind but i wanted the option to bring it with as well if i wanted to go OFF the Grid if u will having said that with all this im put i am re thinking my set up for sure
Why such a drastic lift for "light" off roading?
Rexsname wrote:
Please reconsider the amount of lift you plan for the truck. It's usually best to have the largest tires you can fit with the least amount of lift. Body lifts are the wrong way to do a Camper. Think it thru....the camper, with all of its weight, is in the bed of the truck. That bed is now supported by the body lift brackets, resting on the frame. Now take it off-road and the twisting really begins.
I really don't intend to come across as a grumpy old man but, reconsider....think it thru... and please let us know what you end up with.
REX
your fine REX thats why i am here i had not considered the body lift and the flexing of the frame at all. sometimes i think my truck is invincible then a wise man like you brings me back to reality haha Please reconsider the amount of lift you plan for the truck. It's usually best to have the largest tires you can fit with the least amount of lift. Body lifts are the wrong way to do a Camper. Think it thru....the camper, with all of its weight, is in the bed of the truck. That bed is now supported by the body lift brackets, resting on the frame. Now take it off-road and the twisting really begins.
I really don't intend to come across as a grumpy old man but, reconsider....think it thru... and please let us know what you end up with.
REX
the idea was i could take or leave the camper at home or camp ground if i wanted but also take it with me i wanted to go OFF the Grid if u will but with factors like what u pointed out looks like ill be making more compromises
sky_free wrote:
Nice, but he was asking about a hardside.
~DJ~ wrote:
This is my truck with a 4" BDS suspension lift on 35" Toyos. It does jsut fine for "light" off roading.
This is my truck with a 4" BDS suspension lift on 35" Toyos. It does jsut fine for "light" off roading.
Nice, but he was asking about a hardside.
i like that setup kinda what i am going for i would go with a dully though and a more square bumper like the old ranch hands
Here's one option:
http://www.conqueror.co.za/commander.php
![[image]](http://www.conqueror.co.za/commanderlarge.jpg)
sue t.
Pictures from our many RV Adventures to Yukon & Alaska from Vancouver Island. Now we live in Yukon!
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD,4X4,NV5600
2014 Adventurer 86FB
sue.t wrote:
Maybe consider a trailer designed for off-roading. Off-road "caravans" are popular in Australia.
Here's one option:
http://www.conqueror.co.za/commander.php
Maybe consider a trailer designed for off-roading. Off-road "caravans" are popular in Australia.
Here's one option:
http://www.conqueror.co.za/commander.php
That would be a Campertrailer not Caravan here. The one shown is a South Arican built example that is sold here.
dadwolf2 wrote:
Dually's are not the best offroad vehicle choice either.
I've had this debate before what's your to cents
Dually's are not the best offroad vehicle choice either.
As for the truck there's no way I'd run a body lift and a TC due to the weight not being supported well in the bed.
A suspension lift may work but I'd keep it small. How about a 3 or 4" lift, trim the fenders if you need even larger tires. If you get really wide tires you may need dually brackets on your camper jacks just to clear the tires.
Scars1989 wrote:
dadwolf2 wrote:
Dually's are not the best offroad vehicle choice either.
I've had this debate before what's your to centsDually's are not the best offroad vehicle choice either.
My two cents are the same as what I found on Pirate4x4:
"The problems with wheeling a dually are the width, the lack of traction due to ground pressure when unloaded, rocks getting stuck between the duals and they are usually a horribly long wheelbase so they get high-centered easily and take a football field to turn around. It can be done but you are extremely limited."
I started with a northstar laredo, which had the best offroad capability of the campers I have owned. It had the smallest holding tanks, and the cassette toilet filled up in one day. I am not able to dump my tanks while boondocking in anza borrego state park. Sleeping was okay when my kids were very small
![[image]](http://s912.photobucket.com/user/anutami/media/imagejpg1.jpg.html)
My next camper an eagle cap 800 was wider and taller, still great offroad hard side. It provided larger holding tanks but still was a non-basement camper and lacked a bunk bed for my son. As my kids continued to grow I needed more room.
![[image]](http://s912.photobucket.com/user/anutami/media/IMG_4469.jpg.html)
Then I found the perfect offroad camper (except for the tie downs...that is another story)
The wolf creek 850. This camper is perfect for light off road use. It is taller and I get a bit more sway than the eagle cap, but has huge holding tank capacity, and comfortable sleeping room for a family of 4. I would recommend buy used and find out what you want then upgrade to the camper you really want. Also, I have never seen a dually when we go out on the jeep trails with the camper.
![[image]](http://s912.photobucket.com/user/anutami/media/IMG_6282.jpg.html)
Good luck
Nolan
2001 Ford F350 LB Diesel 4x4 CrewCab Stick
2015 Wolf Creek 850 Thermal Pane Windows, Oven, Reinforced Anchor Bolts, 200w Solar, Torklift Tie Downs, Fastguns, Stableloads
Scars1989 wrote:
So here is my story i am 25 ill be buying a Ford F-350 Dually Super Cab (or extended if u prefer basicly not a 4 door ) with a 8' bed
i am 100% noob to truck campers but not to trucks and off roading but i am also not calling my self a expert
before i get into campers i would like to know what is more important having super light weight how much would be to much with a 6k payload and COG... how do the 2 specs come in to play with off roading i know the COG need to be at or forward of the rear axle beyond that i don't know much
i would like to define the off roading ill be doing it will mostly be on trails but if i need to i would like to be able to travel off trails if i need get to the right camping spot but no MAJOR rock crawling or mud bogging
that said i would like to also have a 6'' lift and 3'' body lift for when i do not have the TC with me. would this lead to way to tall and unstable.
also what is too tall too
as for camper i know i want a hard-side i like them best and ill be going to mostly cold climates. with bears and other not so friendly wild life (i know they got collapsible kinda and the clamshell like the Alaskan dont like dont want i would rather not be able to do or go certain places then not have the hard side.
i would like but not need a dry bath but the toilet has to be the flushing kind
i dont need a slide but if i found one light enough it would be a +
and lastly i would take a larger fridge with the freezer attached over a oven
any imput and info would be great
So here is my story i am 25 ill be buying a Ford F-350 Dually Super Cab (or extended if u prefer basicly not a 4 door ) with a 8' bed
i am 100% noob to truck campers but not to trucks and off roading but i am also not calling my self a expert
before i get into campers i would like to know what is more important having super light weight how much would be to much with a 6k payload and COG... how do the 2 specs come in to play with off roading i know the COG need to be at or forward of the rear axle beyond that i don't know much
i would like to define the off roading ill be doing it will mostly be on trails but if i need to i would like to be able to travel off trails if i need get to the right camping spot but no MAJOR rock crawling or mud bogging
that said i would like to also have a 6'' lift and 3'' body lift for when i do not have the TC with me. would this lead to way to tall and unstable.
also what is too tall too
as for camper i know i want a hard-side i like them best and ill be going to mostly cold climates. with bears and other not so friendly wild life (i know they got collapsible kinda and the clamshell like the Alaskan dont like dont want i would rather not be able to do or go certain places then not have the hard side.
i would like but not need a dry bath but the toilet has to be the flushing kind
i dont need a slide but if i found one light enough it would be a +
and lastly i would take a larger fridge with the freezer attached over a oven
any imput and info would be great
Welcome to the Truck Camper forum, several of us TCers have hard sides camper and go off road. I myself have a lance 815 (2002), which has worked out very well on different back country trails/roads. Go into the Truck Camper Trip Report and you'll many back country reports and you can see what rigs have been used in these reports.
With Ford's frame flex I personally wouldn't lift my truck with a hard side camper on it, that would increase the the side to side motion that happens during off road stressing components even further than what normally occurs. Keep your camper as low as possible.
Lippincott Pass, Death Valley NP
![[image]](http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Travel/Death-Valley-A-Weekend-Trip/i-xKR2cwH/0/M/Death%20Valley%2C%2011-10-2012%20part1%20307-M.jpg)
White Rim Trail, Canyonlands, Ut. jefe4x4 is with us in Dodge with a Lance 165s.
![[image]](http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Travel/White-Rim-Trail-1/i-sp3hxVg/0/M/WRT3%20283-M.jpg)
Our trip on the Old Mojave Road through the Joshua Tree Forest, jefe4x4 and c.traver2
![[image]](http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-bTGdrvs/0/M/Mojave%20Road1b%20138-M.jpg)
![[image]](http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-pKRcsXP/0/M/Mojave%20Road1b%20140-M.jpg)
White Rim Trail/green River side
![[image]](http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Travel/Alex-and-Julies-Romps-to-Utah/i-LJmgWrV/0/M/108-M.jpg)
South Draw 4x4 trail, outside Capitol Reef NP
![[image]](http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Travel/On-The-Way-Homepart2/i-NqzSwC7/0/M/WRT7%20457-M.jpg)
As you can see by several of the above photos width is just important as height is.
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For offroad use I want as narrow and short a vehicle as possible. A DRW crew cab pickup truck with or without a camper is the worst possible choice. Try to find a single military vehicle that has DRW - they don't exist.
Decide on a TC first.
Decide on a truck that is way more than what you need, typically a SRW F350/3500 with all the suspension bells and whistles, including secondaries. A short bed has a shorter turning cirle and thus better off-road. Fewer TC's are available for a shortbed but there is a market for them and the ones I've seen are very good.
Remember, too much truck and a not-so-tall, narrow, lightweight camper is a good thing, off-road.
Keep all the heavy stuff down low.
Depending on how far out you want to get, off-road, a small lift is not bad. Remember the farther you get away from stock the more woes you will have, off-road.
You want some traction aids to keep you going forward, but I don't think a front locker for a TC is needed. Why? Because if you are going to get your axles twisted up enough to need a front locker, you will need more than that to survive. What? By this time you will need to consider a pivoting frame flat bed, either a 3-point or a 4 point diamond shape so as not to pull your camper apart. If you are only on dirt roads, you won't need the lift or traction help beyond the factory rear limited slip. (mostly for surviving roads without the camper on. Not enough ground pressure on the rr axle.)
In any case, get there by degrees. I call it Incrementalism. It's not good or bad it just is.
If I were to go out right now and buy a Truck Camper, it would be a Lance 865 for a short bed. Several of the others mentioned above are tantalizing but way too heavy for me. So, check the actual weight of the prospective camper, not the advertised or guessed at weight.
Carry on. Here's our rig on Soda Dry Lake on the Mojave Road in March:
![[image]](http://s194.photobucket.com/user/jefe4x4/media/DSCN1015_zps93371178.jpg.html)
regards, as always, jefe
* This post was edited 06/20/14 06:47pm by jefe 4x4 *
'01.5 Dodge 2500 4x4, CTD, Qcab, SB, NV5600, 241HD, 4.10's, Dana 70/TruTrac; Dana 80/ TruTrac, Spintec hub conversion, H.D. susp, 315/75R16's on 7.5" and 10" wide steel wheels, Vulcan big line, Warn M15K winch '98 Lance Lite 165s, 8' 6" X-cab, 200w Solar
twodownzero wrote:
That is really awesome that you guys have taken your campers to such remote places.
What else would we do with them? Sit in a campground or my Aunt Alice's driveway? Heck, I could have spent the same money I spent on my Truck and Camper and got a really nice new Motorhome and done just that. That is really awesome that you guys have taken your campers to such remote places.
Now get out there and get some dust and dirt on your own Truck Camper!
b
bka0721 wrote:
Now get out there and get some dust and dirt on your own Truck Camper!
b
Now get out there and get some dust and dirt on your own Truck Camper!
b
Ya Buddy!
2014 Wolf Creek 850SB
2012 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD
7,220# Truck/10,400# Camper Fully Loaded
~DJ~ wrote:
Hardside or pop up makes no difference in ground clearance. I am just showing what a truck is capable of with a 4" lift.
sky_free wrote:
Nice, but he was asking about a hardside.
Nice, but he was asking about a hardside.
Hardside or pop up makes no difference in ground clearance. I am just showing what a truck is capable of with a 4" lift.
DJ, Beautiful Rig.
I would not use DRW for offroad use, yours is perfect. Popup Camper & SRW(single rear wheel). Then you can go seriously offroad.
I am currently having a 2008 Ford E350 Sportsmobile 4x4 6.0 diesel penthouse being built at the moment as a second Camper to my Ram 3500 Crew & Eagle Cap 1160(monster tc.
Before, during & after.
![[image]](http://s704.photobucket.com/user/sheriffdoug/media/2008Forde350van.png.html)
![[image]](http://s704.photobucket.com/user/sheriffdoug/media/2008FordE350ebvan.jpg.html)
![[image]](http://s704.photobucket.com/user/sheriffdoug/media/SportsmobileD.jpg.html)
![[image]](http://s704.photobucket.com/user/sheriffdoug/media/SportsmobileInterior.jpg.html)
![[image]](http://s704.photobucket.com/user/sheriffdoug/media/Yellowsportsmobile4x4.jpg.html)
![[image]](http://s704.photobucket.com/user/sheriffdoug/media/sportsmobile5.jpg.html)
This is how my E350 6.0 diesel will look when finished.
Theres all kinds of vehicles. So, I will have the best of both worlds.
* This post was last edited 06/21/14 07:45am by Sheriffdoug *
2012 Ram 4x4 Crew Laramie LB 3500 HO Auto diesel
Eagle Cap 1160 Super Springs Big Wig Sway Bar Front Timbrens, Fastguns
RearCam SolarPnl Expdtion Shvel/Axe Kit
Thermopane Windows,, Dcted Heat & R/cycle aircon
Genset WoblStopprs
.jpg)
A dually is going to be too wide for some trails. A SRW is better.
A regular cab or extended cab SHORT bed is a better choice than a crew cab long bed. A shorter wheel base is less likely to get high centered, and is easier to turn around when you hit a dead end.
Lastly, a pop-up will have a lower center of gravity and will rock and sway less as well as provide better overhead clearance.
And stay with a light weight camper. There is absolutely nothing worse than pounding down a bad road with a seriously overloaded truck.
This isn't just arm chair advice. We've been wheeling campers for 10 years and learning the hard way by doing it wrong with long, tall, overweight rigs.
Post pics when you get set up. Have fun.
Whizbang
2002 Winnebago Minnie
http://www.raincityhome.com/RAWH/index.htm
anutami wrote:
I have some experience with light offroading with hard sides. I guess it depends on what you are looking for in a camper, how comfortable you want to be, how much room you need and what type of camping you will be doing.
I started with a northstar laredo, which had the best offroad capability of the campers I have owned. It had the smallest holding tanks, and the cassette toilet filled up in one day. I am not able to dump my tanks while boondocking in anza borrego state park. Sleeping was okay when my kids were very small
![[image]](http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac329/anutami/imagejpg1.jpg)
My next camper an eagle cap 800 was wider and taller, still great offroad hard side. It provided larger holding tanks but still was a non-basement camper and lacked a bunk bed for my son. As my kids continued to grow I needed more room.
![[image]](http://<br>
<br>
i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac329/anutami/IMG_4469.jpg)
Awesome trip & photos, Thank You.
Then I found the perfect offroad camper (except for the tie downs...that is another story)
The wolf creek 850. This camper is perfect for light off road use. It is taller and I get a bit more sway than the eagle cap, but has huge holding tank capacity, and comfortable sleeping room for a family of 4. I would recommend buy used and find out what you want then upgrade to the camper you really want. Also, I have never seen a dually when we go out on the jeep trails with the camper.
![[image]](http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac329/anutami/IMG_6282.jpg)
Good luck
Nolan
I have some experience with light offroading with hard sides. I guess it depends on what you are looking for in a camper, how comfortable you want to be, how much room you need and what type of camping you will be doing.
I started with a northstar laredo, which had the best offroad capability of the campers I have owned. It had the smallest holding tanks, and the cassette toilet filled up in one day. I am not able to dump my tanks while boondocking in anza borrego state park. Sleeping was okay when my kids were very small
My next camper an eagle cap 800 was wider and taller, still great offroad hard side. It provided larger holding tanks but still was a non-basement camper and lacked a bunk bed for my son. As my kids continued to grow I needed more room.
Awesome trip & photos, Thank You.
Then I found the perfect offroad camper (except for the tie downs...that is another story)
The wolf creek 850. This camper is perfect for light off road use. It is taller and I get a bit more sway than the eagle cap, but has huge holding tank capacity, and comfortable sleeping room for a family of 4. I would recommend buy used and find out what you want then upgrade to the camper you really want. Also, I have never seen a dually when we go out on the jeep trails with the camper.
Good luck
Nolan
I know I've been there....except we got the rig up out of the wash to camp. It's the same place as your pic, about 2006. Thanks for the re-visit.
jefe
![[image]](http://s194.photobucket.com/user/jefe4x4/media/DSCN1548.jpg.html)
Whizbang, I agree, DJ has the ideal rig for hard-core TC-ing and he got there incrementally. Now with bullet-proof drivetrain and suspension, he would be hard to follow up the the two-track by most of us.
* This post was edited 06/21/14 06:31pm by jefe 4x4 *
I
![[image]](http://s375.photobucket.com/user/deejis-photos/media/Misc/BrianTC_zpsdaa0ca50.jpg.html)
'll let him get on here and give the details.
That is a nice looking rig. It looks like a Chevy, which needs some lift for off-roading anyway. It's the lowered swoop in the frame that can hang lower than Ford/Dodge does. Looks to be a 6" to 8" lift to me; and beadlock wheels. No air cond. Nothing on the roof. That is experience in action. I wonder if those steps are spring-loaded and fold down when you step on them? I see some standard tie-downs. I wonder if he plays with the tension on those, off-road to keep from pulling his Big Foot apart while frame twisting? The interesting thing to me is the double cab, which could carry up to 6 people in a pinch, and offers a lot of accessible storage, but there is no way six full-size bodies could fit over night in the camper. Just an observation, not a criticism. My guess is the full height is 10', 8".
jefe
Hardside, low , off road truck camper
Excellent for travelling in low clearance areas, hard sides, and an excellent camper.. Cassette toilet for remote areas...etc
2004.5 Dodge 4x4 SRW Diesel, 245/70R19.5 Michelin XDS2, Bilstein Shocks
Torklift Stable loads, BD Steering Stabilizer Bar, Superchips "TOW" Programed,Rickson 19.5 wheels
2006 8.5 Northstar Arrow, 3 Batteries 200 Watts Solar,
12 Volt DC Fridge.
orfsotr wrote:
Check out www.expeditionportal.com, lots of info and forums.
Check out www.expeditionportal.com, lots of info and forums.
This too. ExPo is actually my home forum for all this kinda of stuff (see sig link), though I'm probably here just as much for the TC-focused experience and solutions that I am working on the most (re: not traveling the globe yet).
'The TerraShuttle'
1993 Chevrolet Silverado K3500 6.5L mechanically-injected turbo-diesel 4x4 quad-cab SRW long-bed, Olympic White, 278k miles, 2001 Lance 815 self-contained TC rig
My build thread
Wayne
Moderator
Reddog1 wrote:
The Thread is starting to drift. Please stay on topic; "NEW GUY Looking for Best Hard Side TC for light off roading". It about TCs, and does not include other RV types.
Wayne
Moderator
The Thread is starting to drift. Please stay on topic; "NEW GUY Looking for Best Hard Side TC for light off roading". It about TCs, and does not include other RV types.
Wayne
Moderator
Not trying to be rude but I belive that was a TC I had posted just a different style of TC
And to every body thank you for all the Input y'all are giving I like the ideas recommendations y'all have provided me WHEN I have more time I'd like to post some follow questions to ur posts I'll be back on this thred later today or to night
Wayne
Moderator
Just a suggestion if you want a hard sided camper why not get your dually and load it up and then have a Jeep that you can raise and tow behind the truck. Then when you get to your location set up camp and take the Jeep off roading. If cost is a problem buy a used dually, used camper and then a used Jeep.
If you really want to do off roading this is the way I would go. In fact that is just what I'm doing. I have a Can Am Quad 2 passenger that I thinking about switching to a Rzr side X side. We also have Jeep, it is a new one so I'm not going to do any real rough off roading with it. I'm going to set it up so I can tow it behind the TCer
Scars1989 wrote:
Enough about the class C i posted let's stay on topic I do not want my thred closed
Enough about the class C i posted let's stay on topic I do not want my thred closed
Are you buying a lifted DRW or a normal DRW?
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
Maybe a new thread with the new question would make more sense.
jimh425 wrote:
Are you buying a lifted DRW or a normal DRW? Maybe a new thread with the new question would make more sense.
Scars1989 wrote:
Enough about the class C i posted let's stay on topic I do not want my thred closed
Enough about the class C i posted let's stay on topic I do not want my thred closed
Are you buying a lifted DRW or a normal DRW?
Maybe a new thread with the new question would make more sense.I'll be buying a standard DRW and then doing a lift
![[image]](http://i.imgur.com/fsGMjbzl.jpg)
anutami wrote:
I guess it is do able. here is a page from northwoods brochure for some inspiration it can be done.
I guess it is do able. here is a page from northwoods brochure for some inspiration it can be done.
Ya that there is exactly what in looking todo
jimh425 wrote:
Have you thought about converting a DRW chassis to super single?
Have you thought about converting a DRW chassis to super single?
Yes in not against that my whole idea behind the dually is the extra stability I know it may limit my places I could go but I would also be using this truck for other things I even thought about using spacers and putting two 12.5 in the rear it weird but I've seen it done
Scars1989 wrote:
Ya that there is exactly what in looking todo
anutami wrote:
I guess it is do able. here is a page from northwoods brochure for some inspiration it can be done.
I guess it is do able. here is a page from northwoods brochure for some inspiration it can be done.
Ya that there is exactly what in looking todo
Those pictures are of a rig of a fellow that is on here. He no longer has his AF as now he owns a NL.
bka0721 wrote:
Now get out there and get some dust and dirt on your own Truck Camper!
b
twodownzero wrote:
That is really awesome that you guys have taken your campers to such remote places.
What else would we do with them? Sit in a campground or my Aunt Alice's driveway? Heck, I could have spent the same money I spent on my Truck and Camper and got a really nice new Motorhome and done just that. That is really awesome that you guys have taken your campers to such remote places.
Now get out there and get some dust and dirt on your own Truck Camper!
b
One of the reasons I bought my truck camper was so that I can pull my rock crawler while still having a camper to crash in. I try to avoid taking my tow vehicle out to the kind of situations you guys demonstrated here. But I'll be less scared after seeing those pictures!
BG
Scars never came back. Wedged his dually between 2 trees, was stuck there for a month. Finally ripped the truck out from under the camper before the snow set in and has never posted again!
Lol
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold
Grit dog wrote:
Pulled this from the past!
Scars never came back. Wedged his dually between 2 trees, was stuck there for a month. Finally ripped the truck out from under the camper before the snow set in and has never posted again!
Lol
Pulled this from the past!
Scars never came back. Wedged his dually between 2 trees, was stuck there for a month. Finally ripped the truck out from under the camper before the snow set in and has never posted again!
Lol
Hey guys I'm back long story..... In the next few days I'm going to go through this form and catch up I'll be in touch but I will say I never did buy anything I had to pay for a lawyer haha
woodhog wrote:
Take a look at these...
Hardside, low , off road truck camper
Excellent for travelling in low clearance areas, hard sides, and an excellent camper.. Cassette toilet for remote areas...etc
Take a look at these...
Hardside, low , off road truck camper
Excellent for travelling in low clearance areas, hard sides, and an excellent camper.. Cassette toilet for remote areas...etc
Absent spending an appreciable amount of money (we were quoted $2K) on top of their already not inconsiderable purchase price, Alaskans don't come with a bathroom nor holding tanks. This makes them non-players in some campsites that require the units to be self-contained.
Their stock shower setup is a dishpan set in the aisle with the sink sprayer as the shower.
Their cabover models also leave the sidewalls open to the elements until someone climbs up there to raise them. Those panels also lay flat on the mattress when the top is lowered so anything on them will run right into your bedding.
We looked at Alaskans HARD when we first started shopping for a TC back in the day but ultimately decided they had too many trade-offs for us.
Our Outfitter had more amenities and while spendy was still cheaper then the Alaskan.
* This post was edited 08/12/16 07:54pm by Steve_in_29 *
2007 F350,SC,LB,4x4,6.0/Auto,35" tires,16.5 Warn,Buckstop bumpers
2007 Outfitter Apex9.5,270W solar,SolarBoost2000e,2 H2K's,2KW inverter,2 20lb LP on slide out tray,4 Lifeline AGM bats,Tundra fridge
95 Bounder 28' ClassA sold
91 Jamboree 21' ClassC sold
They are very popular among a small segment of the TC crowd, which is itself a small segment of the large RV pie. There are a LOT of the few Alaskan camper owners that LOVE them. A plus is they are custom made to be exactly the unit YOU want - if you buy new.
A better deal is to search out a solid used unit configured close to what you think you want, to see if it is a "fit" for you and your uses. Again, not for everyone. If it is a fit, you can order one exactly like you want new from the factory.
Advice-The Alaskans are wood construction, so be very thorough on a pre-buy inspection.
Just a random thought about the physics of twisting TC frames, tie downs, and truck suspensions.
jefe
Scars1989 wrote:
12V Cummins wrote:
Id take a look at northstar as they are non basement so will sit a little lower than most hardwalls. Ive seen a few videos of people off roading with them in Australia. Pretty impressive stuff
what do you mean by non basementId take a look at northstar as they are non basement so will sit a little lower than most hardwalls. Ive seen a few videos of people off roading with them in Australia. Pretty impressive stuff
I'm in the minority on this forum when it comes to this mfg. pm me for about 30 reasons why.
2015 Keystone Springdale Summerland 257rl
Tow vehicle: 2003 GMC K1500 ext lb
Previous: 14 years of 3 popups and a hybrid tt
PAThwacker wrote:
Northstar truck campers are exported from the US. They make narrow truck campers built to off road with or ship in a shipping container. Slick operations to say the least.
Northstar truck campers are exported from the US. They make narrow truck campers built to off road with or ship in a shipping container. Slick operations to say the least.
These days, not that common in Australia,more off road Camper choices available