Forum Discussion

rockychancegirl's avatar
Jul 28, 2013

1970 Wolverine TC

I'm a brand-new newbie and have been rummaging through TC information for a few years. Only arrived at two conclusions: my F-350 DRW is enough and I can't afford a new TC. Yesterday I set out into the quasi-wilds of central Virginia and bought a truck camper that was even more appealing when I found the manufacture date sticker inside a cupboard door (I looked there because I my research told me essential details get put there by the manufacturer). 10/18/1970. Wow. The southern gentleman selling it had it for a year and his brother-in-law bought it new which explains the un-messed around with condition. Selling because his half ton pickup couldn't carry it. There is water damage from a heavy snowfall and the inside wall has obviously been replaced due to that, along with the insulation but was assured no frame or structural damage. This camper has only three jack points - which I have seen on other older campers so I'd very much like to remedy that and am wanting to install the post-type extension legs on all four corners with swing-out brackets for the front.
The other appeal is that there is no battery, generator or even water tank; there is a hot-water tank, 3-burner stove, oven, fridge, double stainless steel sink, toilet and shower combo and furnace. What more does a newbie need to worry about? The lights work, the camper was plugged in to show me the fridge works. The gas was on so we could light the stove etc.
The seller had some sort of anchor system that consisted of 4 brackets that fit into the truck bed rails in each corner, get bolted in and short turnbuckles that attach to the camper. The holes in the brackets and my truck bed did not line up hence cargo straps to mitigate vertical lift. I think I like the tork-lift version; will be pursuing that.
I felt like a pioneer with an overloaded Conestoga; not too shaken though because I haul a lot of hay with the same result; gentle left-right movement and a long line of cars behind me. I like to think they're using this time for quality conversation.
I have two pictures taken right at sunset when I got home. Will be taking more today and post 'em if anybody is interested.
Oh, and as a newbie I am open to suggestions.
  • Thank you all for the welcome. I'll check on the Avion camper rebuild as I found more of what appears to be water damage; some old, some new. I couldn't upload more than 1 picture to my original post so will work on that. I stayed on back roads going home so I could go slower but fewer opportunities to pull over. Once I got to a 4-lane the ride was much better for me (no more sway) and for the people behind me.
    I looked all through the camper and found a lot of storage space so I don't know if a water tank was removed or it really never had one. The water heater needs to be lit once it's filled and (I thought) drained and shut off if I'm not using it for any length of time. I don't know anyone with a truck camper so this is where I'm looking for the knowledge base.
    How do I determine whether the frame can handle a reconfiguration to 4 legs vice 3?
  • You need to work on eliminating that "gentle left-right movement" because it will become distracting when you travel. Hauling a pile of bales a few miles home once in a while is one thing, hauling this thing for hundreds of miles will be something entirely different.

    Are you sure it doesn't have a water tank? The water heater requires an external source of water to keep it full at all times.
  • Good luck with your new purchase. If you are handy with tools and like to tinker, those can be fun. I made a little money on my first one. About $2 an hour but made money. In the state of alaska i understand there is a law, if you have 5 or more vehicals behind you and you are traveling less than the posted limit, you must pull over at the nearest opportunity and let them pass. I wish all states would adopt that law. I understand it is heavily enforced. I live in the left lane, type A all the way. When traveling with my camper I always honor that rule. I believe you are more likely to cause an accident by going to slow.
    Happy camping
  • Welcome
    Can't wait to see more pics
    If you have any questions someone here can surely anwser them.

    Bob W.
  • Welcome to the forum. You are in for an adventure with your "Conestoga". Take a look at the Avion Camper rebuild string and see if there are ideas there that may help. No doubt there will be someone on the Forum who is familiar with your TC and can offer some advice.
  • looks like an interesting unit..the tie straps work well don't they is how i hauled my fraklin home..putting a fourth jack on is doable just have to check to see if framing can handle it..i converted mine to four during my rebuild..look around at truck camper university there is all kinds of stuff..tips and mods... enjoy your t/c