Forum Discussion
sabconsulting
Jun 11, 2013Explorer
Sounds great.
I personally wouldn't change the wheels, unless they aren't rated for the load you will be carrying. Temptation is to put bigger diameter wheels and tires on, but that raises your height, reducing stability and raises your gearing putting a bit more strain on transmission and brakes.
You might be able to get upgraded brakes - others will probably be able to make suggestions there. I've noticed that with a manual transmission I barely use the brakes but with an automatic you are having to use the brakes all the time to fight the engine as you come to a halt so brakes become more critical.
Don't buy a generator right away, you can decide if you need one later depending upon the type of camping you do. If it is mainly summer use and you have a fridge that can run off LPG you won't need much battery power and the truck alternator should be sufficient to keep the battery charged if you are driving every day or so. Personally I don't have a generator: More weight, takes space, means carrying fuel for it, another piece of equipment to maintain and a bunch more money to spend. What I have done that is well worth it is fit a couple of solar panels and charge controller. These not only keep my power-hungry compressor fridge running, but also keep my camper battery conditioned and charged when I'm not using the camper.
Good luck with the camper,
Steve.
I personally wouldn't change the wheels, unless they aren't rated for the load you will be carrying. Temptation is to put bigger diameter wheels and tires on, but that raises your height, reducing stability and raises your gearing putting a bit more strain on transmission and brakes.
You might be able to get upgraded brakes - others will probably be able to make suggestions there. I've noticed that with a manual transmission I barely use the brakes but with an automatic you are having to use the brakes all the time to fight the engine as you come to a halt so brakes become more critical.
Don't buy a generator right away, you can decide if you need one later depending upon the type of camping you do. If it is mainly summer use and you have a fridge that can run off LPG you won't need much battery power and the truck alternator should be sufficient to keep the battery charged if you are driving every day or so. Personally I don't have a generator: More weight, takes space, means carrying fuel for it, another piece of equipment to maintain and a bunch more money to spend. What I have done that is well worth it is fit a couple of solar panels and charge controller. These not only keep my power-hungry compressor fridge running, but also keep my camper battery conditioned and charged when I'm not using the camper.
Good luck with the camper,
Steve.
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