Mostly Off Road T/C Questions

geodasher wrote:
My opinion is that the campers mentioned here reach their limit at light off-roading. The materials, components and designs may be reasonably good quality but they are basically the same approach used for decades. They work well for standard campgrounds and maintained forest roads, but things break when subjected to rough roads. Everything is prone to failure including the camper mounting, structure, appliances, storage, and water tightness. If you are a seasoned backcountry rat who is comfortable with frequent inspections and fixing stuff then they are usable, but frustration may set in after enough repairing, rebuilding and replacing. Goes with the territory? Part of the fun? Personal choice.

Of all the removable truck campers I have seen the only production unit that is specifically designed for off-road is the XPCamper. It is built from the truck frame up to fix the limitations inherent in conventional campers: a cushioned suspension system, true monocoque shell, slim profile, marine grade appliances and latches, and self-sufficient power and water systems. However, you had better be willing to wait a year or more to get one, and to pay a premium.

Hi Geodasher. Read your statements and felt that you might be painting pretty solidly with a big paint brush. After reading, posting here for years, I have found many, including myself doing just what you claim is not done, successfully.

While I won't travel the routes many of the XTC users do, I am down those routes in other ways. This means I am traveling on roads and paths that most TC users don't. Paved roads is and are not my usual choice or travel. Also, I am traveling in a BIG hard sided camper, pulling a trailer. For the most part, I have had NO ISSUES with damages or equipment failures in the manner you have detailed. All for the last 7+ years. So maybe I have a better test platform than most. Almost all the equipment, supplied from the original manufactures, are still performing flawlessly. The only thing I have changed? The water pump for a quieter one. Luck? Maybe. More experience and decision making abilities? Possibly. Better chosen equipment for the task? Probably.

Here we can learn from many of those here and this thread has been a perfect outlet for those that have. As has been your comment too, as others may want to check their equipment more frequently than they might have had, before. For that reason, good comment, Geodasher.

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