Forum Discussion

waterhound's avatar
waterhound
Explorer
Sep 27, 2013

Newbie Questions

Background - My GF and I have decided to go Full timing for the next couple of months. In the past I have owned a 40' Fifth wheel and 35' TT. I really want something easy to use, tow, and set up.

We have decided to try our hand at a truck camper. I want it to be really simple and have narrowed my choice to a Lance 1130 or 1140. I really like the lay out of the 1140 but they are hard to come by in good shape. So mostly likely will end up with a 1130.

I think I have found a 2004 1130 in really good shape with a few upgrades with all the available packages when ordered new. I have two large Thule boxes for the top. We also have a 2005 toyota Rav4 5spd with blueox baseplates/tow bar and a braking buddy. I planned on ordering torklift brackets.

Almost forgot -my tow vehicle is 1999.5 F350 crewcab 2wd DRW 7.3 auto

Questions-
first off - Is the 1130 enough space for two active adults not to kill each other?
2. is there some interior mods for baskets or more space for clothes? I remember seeing one but can't find it anymore.
3. we will be TCing in the mountains and I plan on adding insulations to cabinets and and outside storage areas. Anything else I can do to help? within reasons and not pulling off the underbelly
4. did 2004 include storm/double pane windows in the all weather package?
5. Can I use my OEM class IV to tow the toad with a hitch extension?
6. I have bed liner, What else do I need to put TC in my bed. I have read about a bed liner but wondered if insulating sheets would be better. And do I need 2x4 in front of the bed?
5. Where can I get a pass through window gasket?

I think that is all for now.. Thanks!! in advance
Truck Campers
  • Reddog1's avatar
    Reddog1
    Explorer II
    Sep 28, 2013
    I believe it is important to note the voltage of the LEDs. I have experimented with many LEDs over the years, and found if The LEDS is only 12-volt, they will have a short life, compared to a 9 to 30 volt LED. I have also found the boards to direct the light better than the bulb type. I prefer the White, for more light. I have ordered from this source, with no problems.

    This is a very good LED, especially at $10: Bayonet Single Contact BA15S Base 9 LED 5050 SMD Module 8 to 30 Volt DC

    I also use these: 30 LED Light Panel Module Festoon Wedge Bayonet Bases
  • waterhound's avatar
    waterhound
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2013
    Wow thanks for all the replies

    let me clarify - i have a rhino liner in the bed and considered a mat or foam to give better insulation from the metal truck bed to reduce heat loss through conduction

    bobndot - haha yes GF is girlfriend, and i will only only be towing 4 wheels down, I read all the post in the university but the http://home.comcast.net/~netboy/ website is the one I couldn't remember! thanks again

    Eycom - I like the info.. I think we will be good space wise - I planned on a foam pad under the bed but the electric one is very interesting

    Buzzcut1 - camper has all the factory covers and insulators but I plan on adding in the areas you mentioned

    Reddog1 - you must be a fast typer, good ideas about rolling and folding, I use that method when I travel by plane, I plan on only towing my toad 4wheels down with a braking buddy, thanks for all the good info, I thought about the led -could you send me a website you have dealt with for lights? I read alot but still workng on getting better at searches

    rottidawg - great link
  • Reddog1's avatar
    Reddog1
    Explorer II
    Sep 27, 2013
    Questions-
    first off - Is the 1130 enough space for two active adults not to kill each other?
    Although not a Lance, I have a 11.5 foot non-slide Bigfoot. My wife and I have no problem. It may sound silly, but just how often would both of you be standing up at the same time? It is uncomfortable to dance. The only time I see a non-slide as an issue, is if one of you has the runs, and the other is standing in the aisle between the person with the runs and bathroom.

    2. is there some interior mods for baskets or more space for clothes? I remember seeing one but can't find it anymore.
    We have very few clothes that require hangers. Clothes that fold or can be rolled will maximize your storage space. In the closet (and some cabinets), we have clothes, extra towels and other cloth items in plastic boxes (Walmart), so the boxes can be stacked. Shoes also go in plastic boxes. We also use the back seat of the truck, with plastic boxes. We put the dirty clothes in the back seat, in a plastic bag.

    3. we will be TCing in the mountains and I plan on adding insulations to cabinets and and outside storage areas. Anything else I can do to help? within reasons and not pulling off the underbelly
    I added insulation to my TC. I prefer to use the 1-inch foam board and duct tape to hold it in place if needed. It is easy to cut with a utility knife. Some places require several small pieces pout on place then taped together. The pink fiberglass batting does not have much for R value, so I do not use that. In a couple of areas, I doubled the thickness of the foam board.

    I also used the foam used on residential plumbing on all water lines, even those that were not likely to freeze. On the hot water lines, it helps reduce the heat loss between uses.

    4. did 2004 include storm/double pane windows in the all weather package?
    I can't help you on this question. My TC does not have storm/double pane windows. I use the bubble/alum foil type insolution in my windows when needed. Actually, seldom remove it from the Cab Over and pass through windows. I also have it under the mattress and seat cushions. I store the window pieces under the mattress or cushions when not in use. I cut it for two pieces per window, so I can fully insulate or partial. Although it blocks the view, it is typically used at night, and partially or fully open during the day.

    5. Can I use my OEM class IV to tow the toad with a hitch extension?
    It depends if you tow with a trailer, or flat tow. With a trailer, I would upgrade the hitch. To flat tow, your existing hitch will be fine. The only tongue weight is the hitch extension. All you will need is an extension with side chains. You probably will need a Tow Brake (about $500). Do a search on RV.NET for some ideas.

    I have been flat towing my Samurai since 2005, for thousands of miles. I have never had a problem. I prefer not to tow a trailer for several reasons, especially to avoid the cost of doing it safely.

    6. I have bed liner, What else do I need to put TC in my bed. I have read about a bed liner but wondered if insulating sheets would be better. And do I need 2x4 in front of the bed?
    I would not use a plastic bed liner, simply too slick. I used the foam for a while, but it would breakdown at the side edges of the TC. I used 2x4s with 1/4s attached, and foam board between. That works to provide support to keep the foam board from breaking down. Overall, I like the Horse mats best, but they are heavy and spendy.

    Whatever you use, make sure it goes at least two inches outside of the perimeter of the TC floor. Your TC will rock side to side, and will move slightly. It may be splitting hairs, but by extending past the perimeter of the TC floor it offers more support.

    The 2x4 in front of the bed may or may not be required, Some TCs have rubber bumpers mounted in the front, and may not need the 2x6. The objective is to prevent the TC from hitting and bending the front top rail of the truck bed, it bends easily. I prefer the 2x4, to use the entire with of the bottom of the bed front to give the support for frontward movement of the TC. This area is the strongest.

    5. Where can I get a pass through window gasket?I can't help on a source. I have had them in the past, years ago. I can honestly say I found them of little value. Most of the type that allowed you to open and close the window would rub the paint off. The type that was permanently mounted would not allow for opening and closing the window, and create greater requirements for heating and cooling the TC. The alignment of the truck window and TC window could also be an issue. I would not install one today if it was free.


    If your TC does not have a switch for the water pump, I would suggest installing one. When you are not in the TC, you can turn the pump off. In my opinion, especially fulltiming, an accumulator is very valuable. The accumulator allows the pump be off, and depending on which accumulator is installed, you still have about 1 gallon of water. especially nice at night when someone uses the bathroom. I used a Home Depot Accumulator.

    If you will not have shore power, I also suggest changing all lights to LEDs. I prefer the flat boards, much cheaper. I highly recommend a Wave3 heater.

    You have ask quite a few questions of which you may want more details on. I suggest you break them down, and start a new thread with questions on the same subject in each thread. Some of the questions would be best answered in other Forums, such as Tech and or Towing. I think you will get more in depth answers. Do use the search feature, lots of info there.

    Wayne
  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Sep 27, 2013
    open the outside shower compartment, you should have a big gap leading up and under the shower pan. fill that area with pink fiberglass batting. I would also put some insulating batting inside each exterior compartment door. If it doesn't come with it see if you can get the snap on skylight and vent covers from Lance, they help keep in the warmth in the winter and keep out the heat in the summer.
  • Eycom's avatar
    Eycom
    Explorer
    Sep 27, 2013
    waterhound wrote:
    ... Almost forgot -my tow vehicle is 1999.5 F350 crewcab 2wd DRW 7.3 auto. Nice truck... I drive the same.

    Questions-
    first off - Is the 1130 enough space for two active adults not to kill each other? Debatable! OK most of the time with a lot of "excuse me(s)". In time you'll figure out the ergonomics with just two people. Add a third and it's, "get the hell out of my way." Sometimes you feel like you have to go outside to change your mind.
    2. is there some interior mods for baskets or more space for clothes? I remember seeing one but can't find it anymore.
    3. we will be TCing in the mountains and I plan on adding insulations to cabinets and and outside storage areas. Anything else I can do to help? within reasons and not pulling off the underbelly. A mattress pad warmer will be most welcome on cold nights. Used to be, various sizes were offered in 12v model and marketed by Electrowarmth. Today, only one size, a single, is made. I believe Backwoods Solar carries them, offering a better price than Electrowarmth. The other alternative is 110v models, easily found at Walmart. While dry-camping, most require a pure sine wave to handle the sensitive controls.
    4. did 2004 include storm/double pane windows in the all weather package? My 1121 with all weather package didn't come with double pane windows; Just the under-closed storage tanks with duct heat from the furnace.
    5. Can I use my OEM class IV to tow the toad with a hitch extension? I don't tow.
    6. I have bed liner, What else do I need to put TC in my bed. I have read about a bed liner but wondered if insulating sheets would be better. And do I need 2x4 in front of the bed? My bed-liner was a drop-in which, according to the dealer, would have afforded too much movement and therefore was removed. A spray-in or rubber mat would be desirable. I use the Happijac tie down system and have had no complaints
    5. Where can I get a pass through window gasket? A call to Lance might help you.

    I think that is all for now.. Thanks!! in advance
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Sep 27, 2013
    What kind of bedliner do you have? If it's the hard plastic kind get rid of it. Plastic liners are too slick and the TC will slide around. You will want either a spray on bed liner or a rubber mat to keep the TC from sliding around. I use heavy horse stall mats available from a farm store.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Sep 27, 2013
    1130, is a non slide LB unit with nice counter space. I would use one with two people. It can be a little narrow at times but i think see your plan to get close ;) I hope 'GF' means girlfriend not grandfather.

    I'm not sure about the OEM hitch on your truck. The 1130 has a long overhang. I think you will need to use a 36" - 48" towbar extention on your hitch.
    Because my 2004 GM OEM was weak , I did change my OEM for a 2.5"x2.5" . My extension bar reduces down to 2x2 to accept standard heads and ball mounts.

    Unless there are issues with your particulr hitch. The OEM hitch might work with a tow bar, towing a toad on all 4's, there is very little tongue weight. Hopefully,someone with experience in this will post that specific info. for you.




    Look here for mods . 'Camper Interior', 'storage'
    http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25966285.cfm

    You might find some ideas here too:http://home.comcast.net/~netboy/

    Good luck , have fun,

    Bob
  • waterhound's avatar
    waterhound
    Explorer
    Sep 27, 2013
    Oh I did look at many diff slideouts but we have a very limited budget and anything new enough for a warranty is out of reach. Besides we really want to maximize our storage space

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