The ace of FT truck campers tells all: Pt. II

Bryan, you're a dead ringer for our new neighbor, I did a double take when I opened the article. He's also a real adventurer, a fellow intrepid spirit.

Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading that, and look forward to more. This summer has been void of any camping, so living vicariously is a lift.

Great article. Thanks for sharing, Bryan! I have always enjoyed your postings and TR's.

TimH

Happily my wife Elaine is the one who originally chose our wandering lifestyle, albeit in a fifth wheel rather than a TC. But then size is at times a benefit as when we had seven others of our family with is on beach in Yucatan with four sleeping in tents. So this can be done as a married couple. Size is a detriment as well since there are great places we can no longer get to e.g. Calukmal and the spot we loved at Laguna Azul. So there are definitive trade offs
Reed and Elaine

languiduck wrote:
It's also clear that you don't have to be so gruff and passive aggressive when responding to couple simple questions. I have pretty thick skin but I think I may have chosen the wrong forum to come to...

You need to understand - there are some of us that have owned our TCs for several years and use them as designed, others (and it is their perfect right to do so) that use them as permanent fixtures and permanent living quarters.

Then, there are others because of the number of years they have owned their TC, slept xxxx number of nights in them, posted xxxx number of responses on this forum, that are the EXPERTS in most all matters, and feel it is their duty to chastise those that question the norm.

The norm as advertised by Lance Campers "A truck camper is like no other RV. Unlike a motorhome, you build out your truck your way - whether a rugged 2 wheel drive or over the top 4 wheel drive set-up. Then you can choose the truck camper that matches your needs for livability. And unlike a motorhome, when you get to your destination, you can unload your camper and have your truck available to sight-see or do some great 4-wheeling!

So get on the road. Get off the road. Haul your toys. Launch your boat. Even bring along your horses. Then set up camp and go further than you ever have before. That's why, since 1965, Lance Campers have been America’s Favorite Campers, and Earth’s Most Versatile RVs."

This thread is NOT about the norm - but I would not chastise you as others have for asking a question that you thought was relevant.

One other thing, if I was not married, I might just pack up and do the same things the focus of this thread is doing.

More than once, I have slept in a Holiday Inn Express and will match wits with anyone. LOL!

Aha, I've just been alerted to the "B" fest happening on rvnet. I'll chime in to say Bryan has the most complete mobile "life" rig I've ever seen. What he doesn't have he doesn't need. Who could ask for more? Motor on B Man...

In the normal course of events the students become the teachers, if taught well.
In the RV world there is the brand competition. My beater can beat your beater etc. That will prolly never subside. But the interchange of experiences is the basic substance, as in," I tried A but it fell apart, B was good", etc.

Gentle persuasion has, for me been my best technique, loud or aggressive methods usually don't work. Of course there are many ways to "skin a cat" too.

"Beat up old camper on a dented truck" in this case is like saying, "That picture of the ole lady in the rocking chair, by Whistler ain't nutten!"
or " What's up driving that old Mustang convertible?" Some folks just don't recognize classics, but that can be taught also.

Confrontation usually fails to produce worthwhile results. That old foe, jealousy, oft times restricts info exchange. Writers like jefe, Whazoo, and others here are the ones that change minds. We are blessed to have access to their tales and knowledge.

jefe 4x4 wrote:

Over on the Expo Portal, a returning Afgan vet called my Lance/Dodge a "beat up old camper on a dented up old truck." I resemble that remark, but am not put off about my own boondocking dentity. Those aren't beat-ups, they're stretch marks; always appearing when you're at the very edge of docking at the boons.
jefe

too funny! Oh the stories those dents tell!
we still luv you here jefe...

A couple days ago I was ready to pull the plug for this link. Too much speculation, opinion, and hear say, coupled with some unaccustomed harsh talk. It's been my 10 year experience on this forum that we celebrate different strokes, appreciate cross pollenization, and have compassion with those who don't speak TC. Things have leveled out some so it will stay. Bryan's personal people chops have again proved invaluable at quelling the riot.
Once we got back on topic, things got much better.
The fact is, once we plunk down our cash for any certain RV, we either learn to live with its foibles, or not; what every they may be.
Over on the Expo Portal, a returning Afgan vet called my Lance/Dodge a "beat up old camper on a dented up old truck." I resemble that remark, but am not put off about my own boondocking dentity. Those aren't beat-ups, they're stretch marks; always appearing when you're at the very edge of docking at the boons.
Sail on, O ship of Bryan, sail on.
jefe

In an attempt to get back on topic, I will say Bryan is one of the most helpful, generous Folks I have run into on this forum. Or anywhere...he shared his time and knowledge (and some secret back country spots!) with my Family.
His lifestyle may not be for all, there is much to be learned from his experience.

Rock on and safe travels bka,
Bill

languiduck wrote:
But isn't the point of a TC so that you can use the truck you already own and still have use of the truck when not out on a trip? Plus the ability to pull your toys, and many other things that attracted us to one? I'm trying to understand the benefit of buying a new truck chassis and then outfitting it with a TC and storage boxes and not being able to have use of the truck when you get to your destination or when at home. Is it because the TC is already built and easy to fasten to the chassis?

That's only one point of a TC versus other RV's. Some others are:

1. 4x4
2. More capable tow vehicle
3. Separately upgradable chassis or TC
4. Removable for truck service
5. Safer travel space for passengers