Introduction and Questions

Bedlam wrote:
Just a thought on this camper renovation: Tally up what needs to replaced and consider buying a second used camper as a donor for parts if you find much of the appliances or infrastructure faulty. You may find that it is easier to save the the skin and build fresh structure from the dimensions of the original one. I can understand the sentimental value because I am dealing with a potential project of my own from my late FIL.

You will run up against weight limitations of a 1/2t truck quickly if you plan to add any modern amenities to the camper. You are better off finding a 1t with large enough cab for your family. It will also give you the capacity to tow something behind the camper in the future.

thanks for the response. fortunately, we have discussed our intended use for this camper, and have no plans on adding much. Currently, there is a furnace that is AC/DC/LP that works well, a 2 burner gas stove, a toilet with holding tanks and a 16 gallon water tank. we do not want to add anything to the existing system short of probably a couple small fans, swapping the existing lighting for LED lighting and possibly adding a few batteries to the camper. originally the batteries were stored in the truck engine bay but for multiple reasons i am uninterested in that sort of a set up for dedicated batteries.

i am hoping to make the compromise on this camper (if the dry weight really is around 1000 pounds). ford's proclaimed 2013 f150 with max tow and HD package payload is 2700 pounds. i'm trying to vet that out, because i'm a little skeptical ;)