Bryan Appleby's Amazing Full Time Truck Camping Story

Hey Bryan,

I hope you made an exception to your Backpacker's Rule for the plunger you use to do your laundry ;) If not, I guess one could say you doo doo laundry :B

Phyllis

bka0721 wrote:

A couple of things you have pointed out. The first one is the comfort of living long term in a truck camper. There are sometimes weeks, or even months, that my slide never goes out. This is done mostly for the cold time of year. Then when the time comes to put the slide out, I really want to stop sitting on the Dinette. Which really is most of the time. My Mi-Fi works so well I often am outside using my iPad. But to get a break inside, I have a folding chair that I sit in, or guests do (like recently, btggraphix). I keep this always indoors, as it is stored on the bed, when not in use. It took a few tries before I found one that work and would hold up to constant use.


b

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but I'm curious... what folding chair did you get? The one thing that I will miss when going from a TT to a TC is the La-Z-Boy style chairs that are just comfortable to sit and kick back in. So, I'm probably going to do similar and plop a folding chair down as well, even with the slide out.

bka0721 wrote:
A couple of things you have pointed out. The first one is the comfort of living long term in a truck camper. There are sometimes weeks, or even months, that my slide never goes out. This is done mostly for the cold time of year.

This is one drawback of my camper is that it's not a great set-up for long term usage/comfort with the slide retracted because it blocks easy access to the rear door and the bathroom door.

Here's a thread I started last year about slideouts: Slideouts: Benefits and drawbacks

Deltabravo~ Thanks for bringing up some very good points. One of the great things my unique looking rig creates, is dialogue. It is great learning from others, using some of the things I learn and sharing some of what I have learned, with others. This is the true motivation for what I have done with the articles I have written.

A couple of things you have pointed out. The first one is the comfort of living long term in a truck camper. There are sometimes weeks, or even months, that my slide never goes out. This is done mostly for the cold time of year. Then when the time comes to put the slide out, I really want to stop sitting on the Dinette. Which really is most of the time. My Mi-Fi works so well I often am outside using my iPad. But to get a break inside, I have a folding chair that I sit in, or guests do (like recently, btggraphix). I keep this always indoors, as it is stored on the bed, when not in use. It took a few tries before I found one that work and would hold up to constant use.

The second thing is the fact of carrying material things in your TC. There truly is not a lot of room. I often ask family and friends, not to give me anything (well, except CARE packages. Love those) as I don’t have a lot of room. In fact I love what I do have and when someone gives me something, I pretty much have to get rid of something to bring the new Thing on board. Recently, while working for the Overland Expo, people are given a gift at the end of the show and this year was no different. What was different was that I declined. The poor lady was just beside herself. “You’re kidding, right?” She asked, the shock was written all over her face. I shared, “no.” I then went on to explain, that I had no room for one. I guess not all Overlanders really full time in them. That is what you have to do. Be ready to break the cycle of bringing things back to the TC. Whether a book, a coat or a new pair of boots. If not, be ready to visit the nearest Donation Box.

Yes, there is so much to talk about when it comes to extended trips and extreme boondocking. There is just not enough room to write or talk about it. Even when sitting out under the stars and clinking Long Necks with fellow boondockers.

b

bka0721 wrote:
More2Explore~ Glad you enjoyed the first part, well your request is answer. Part II is now available on Truck Camping Magazine’s web site.

The TP factor

AWESOME!! I loved it.

Excellent thoughts on a trailer. A lot of truck camper folks say "I want a camper so I don't have to deal with a trailer"

For me, I always have a trailer behind my truck camper, so I can haul my toys and other gear (generator, fuel, tools)

A trailer has never been a hindrance.

bka0721 wrote:
Mlts22~Thanks for commenting. You touched on an important point, storage to carry much more “stuff.” Such a slippery slope. Many would tell you I carry too much stuff and they are probably right. Just be careful of the Bigger Suitcase Syndrome. Fight the opportunity to carry too much, or everything. Reevaluate every year what was used the previous year, then consider discarding what hasn’t been used. I know a few people that have benefited from some of the items I have left in the donation boxes around the route I travel.

The bold text is a very good point.

Several years ago someone here in the TC forum posted a photo of their yearly routine, which was to unload EVERYTHING from their truck camper and lay it all out on the floor of their garage (or driveway), and look at it. They'd pull out the stuff that wasn't used that year and NOT re-pack it.

When I unloaded my Desert Fox toy hauler in preparation to sell it, I couldn't believe all the excess gear I had stuffed in it, some of which hadn't been used in a few years!

Thanks for the follow up post. :-)

I can relate to being solo.... I'm single, and love every minute of it. Are there things I miss out on not having a wife or kids, yes.

The big cargo trailer I have saw its maiden voyage going to OX12 with my Jeep TJ Rubicon in the back. I was way overweight that trip on the rear axle of the truck. As soon as I pulled out on to the road, and drove a mile or two, I was really tempted to go back home and leave the Jeep behind. As the trip progressed, I wasn't too fond of all that weight behind me. The truck worked hard that trip, and heading south in to Flagstaff I was fighting a headwind all day and could barely keep the truck at 50 mph.

During the trip I decided I'd never haul a 4 wheeled vehicle in that trailer again with the truck and camper.

In some regards, I have outfitted my camper in a similar way to yours, Bryan.

When I was camper shopping, I had specific upgrades already planned, to make the camper more suitable for off-grid camping.
1. replace the stereo with one that I could run multiple sources in to, such as USB, MP3 player, TV/DVD player - the game plan was to use some of the extra parts I had taken out of my Desert Fox.
2. Solar
3. Inverter/charger, preferably pure sine wave.
4. I already had a Honda EU2000i, so I didn't want a camper with an onboard generator.

When I started camper shopping, I liked the non slide AF 865 with its opposite side dinette and rear corner kitchen, and huge bathroom it had, but all of the AC electrical and access to the stereo wiring was hidden, which prevented upgrading it easily. The AF811 was the only one in my size range that looked like it offered good access to upgrade to an inverter.

I eventually bought an AF811. I have a 2000 watt Xantrex PSW 2.0 inverter/charger in it, along with 300 watts of solar. Photobucket is broke, so i can't post a photo of it at the moment.

The only thing I'd change about the 811 is to replace the dinette with a rollover sofa, which I've heard is possible at the time of build, (special request)

The big trailer was purchased used, and was only meant to be an "occasional use" trailer behind the camper with a vehicle in it (Jeep TJ), but that only occurred on one trip.

I've used it twice to haul motorcycles in when I go riding. THe time I first did it, the trailer worked well as a work shop when I was finishing up accessorizing my new bike the day before I rode it on an adventure ride.

Not long after I bought the trailer I had to replace the battery in it, so I went AGM. I added a 1000 watt inverter left over from my Desert Fox Toy Hauler.

I don't plan a lot of traveling this summer, but the 3 trips I do have planned are all in June and I've decided to use the big trailer for all 3 of the trips, one of which is the Washington Overland Rally.

I'm looking forward to reading Part 2.

bka0721 wrote:

Travel often, but by all means, Travel safe, my friends.
b

I'm smiling as I write, not because I think this funny, but because it's so absolutely perfect.

Thank you Virgil, for posting this link to the first article, of a series. We sure missed you and Maria, at the EXPO this year.

Over the years I have been approached many times for interviews and more info about what I am doing. It wasn’t until the Truck Camping Magazine group talked me into it, which began these series of articles.

Hopefully the information shared will encourage more TC Enthusiasts in taking longer and longer trips, successfully. Or even to go full timing!

Jmcgsd~ Thanks for taking the time to stop in and visiting the Truck Camper Magazine link.

GpnAz~ To my Light Thief friend, thank you always for your encouragement, support and friendship. Safe Travels to you, as well.

Sleepy~ As you know, all too well, you were one of the many go to guys for many of my questions when I first began my project. Your emails and phone calls were always greatly appreciated. While there are many of those that had a wealth of information, I have been on a 5 year long Truck Camper University which just makes your information, and others, much more relevant. Thank you, Chet.

Mlts22~Thanks for commenting. You touched on an important point, storage to carry much more “stuff.” Such a slippery slope. Many would tell you I carry too much stuff and they are probably right. Just be careful of the Bigger Suitcase Syndrome. Fight the opportunity to carry too much, or everything. Reevaluate every year what was used the previous year, then consider discarding what hasn’t been used. I know a few people that have benefited from some of the items I have left in the donation boxes around the route I travel.

Mellow Mike~ You are one of a few that have met me in some of my remote, can’t see any manmade objects in a 360* view. It would be great to host you again, some day. I have learned a lot from your posts and tests. Travel Safe, Mike.

Dadwolf2~ What a treat to have time to spend with you guys. We both have a lot to learn from each other. Till our paths cross again.

69 Avion~ D.’ you are an inspiration to all of us, in your thoughts, wisdom and zest for life. “We find that after years of struggle we do not take a journey, but rather a journey takes us”. John Steinbeck ~ Travels with Charley

67avion~ David, what the best part of you is the part of you being a generous man, a loving husband, father and friend. I count myself as being a wealthy man, having you, your family, as my friend. Thank you.

More2Explore~ Glad you enjoyed the first part, well your request is answer. Part II is now available on Truck Camping Magazine’s web site.

Skipbee~ You have been an inspiration for my own travels and I thank you for that. It is great you enjoyed what I wrote. It was my intention not to share about myself, but something that others might relate to, traveling in their own truck campers. That is why I enjoy so much the diversity in which all of us use out truck campers. Yeah, the photography part is something I am passionate about. Thanks!

Silversand~ Thanks Silver, and Dunes! It is always wonderful to receive a “High Five” from you. Right back at you and I hope you Soar during the 2014 year.

Virgil_Diesel~ After a few years of just traveling and enjoying the adventures I came to a realization of how important it was to me to stop, seek out others, whether I knew them personally, or just online. Over the last 3 years, there has been a change for me. More time to stop, sit around a campfire to clink the long necks and watch the stars, with friends. I look forward to when we can do that once again. Thank you Virgil for your support and friendship.

~DJ~ ~ Your gruff, rough exterior is really just a ruse to the kind, generous and true friend you are to me. It has been my pleasure to meet you many times, out on the road and I look forward to the next time we can. Get your motorcycle ready, I’ll be coming your way one day again, soon.

Iwon415~ Thank you for your comment. It has been a long time since I posted that report; “Kansas ~ Its not what you might be expecting” I would like to think I am looking at the world, around me, in more detail, seeing the smaller things that many of us, just seem to rush by, never seeing.

Jamminalong~ There is often questions about one leaving their families, the absences. Many couldn’t be away from their families for long periods of time and some can. But that doesn’t mean we love our families any less. This is an important part of my life and I cherish it, but I do feel and answer, that call for solitude. The quiet can be so deafening for me and the hunger for it. Thank you.

Whazoo~ So what can I say about a man I cherish. There are many out here and on this forum that are truly matching the person that we are reading in their posts. While I have many acquaintances, there is a smaller number I can call a friend, a friend as you are. You are, have been an inspiration for my travels, as well as someone I would not hesitate to call when I need help, and often do. Stay safe my friend, stay safe.

Msiminoff~ When people seek details and information from others, that speaks volumes in how serious that they are in being successful in what they attempt. You do this Mark, in all your endeavors, as well as sharing with others. Thank you for your sharing and your friendship. The best to you in all you attempt and your dreams.

Scott16~ Carry on Sir. Knowing that others are reading, enjoying what one shares and writes encourages me to continue what I have been doing. Thank you.

Clarryhill~ Now if only my own kids thought I was; “Cool.” I love embarrassing my kids, but they are certainly not embarrassed with the life I now choose to live. My daughter loves to be bring the grandkids out to my remote camps for visits. My son enjoys answering his friends questions; “Where is your dad now?” So, maybe they do think of me as maybe being, sort of Cool. Hope you enjoy Part II. Thanks.

Deltabravo~ Now that sounds like the way to go. I met a couple older than me, west of Phoenix a few months back and they had done just that with their enclosed trailer, behind their Bigfoot. She loves to sew and had a sewing center in the trailer and he had his recliner and big screen. You will need to invite us all to your next Super Bowl Party!
No mention of Wife, significant other or kids. Just one Scotty dog. While I didn’t imagine myself being alone at this time in my life, I am. More than 13 years after the end of my 20 year marriage, I still consider her one of the most important friends in my life and a friend. I discovered, too late, in how loud the call for solitude is and I don’t think another person would enjoy that with me, so I keep it that way, solo. If you spend time around me, you will find I am very spoiled by my friends, woman and man. That seems to be good, good for me. In Part II, I touch on this subject and in how it impacts ones planning and needs. I hope that benefits many, in my explanation of the; TP Factor.

Travel often, but by all means, Travel safe, my friends.

b

I didn't see mention of a wife, so I guess he travels solo?