Forum Discussion

theclarkster's avatar
theclarkster
Explorer
Oct 01, 2014

Truck Camping, here we come!

Thank you all so much for your help so far. We've had numerous questions and you have all been very helpful. Our search for a TC + truck combo has finally come to an end. Our choice is:

2014 Wolf Creek 850 & 2011 Chev Silverado 3500 CC V8 6.0L

Picking up our truck this Friday and then we'll drive down to Washington State to pick up our camper sometime next week. Will definitely post a picture of our rig as soon as we have it all set up.

From what I learnt from other posts I read we are supposed to leave our tailgate at home before we go 'n pick up the camper. Well, that leaves us with not much space to pack for our Washington trip and we have a 2-year-old son with us. We plan to camp for a couple of days before we head back home.

What are some things we should bring/buy that we absolutely must have in order to pick up the camper and camp for a few days???

This is going to be the first RV we own and currently we haven't bought anything yet. Here are some things I thought we might need for the camper:

-Sewer hose
-black tank chemicals
-Toilet paper
-A small portable electric heater for our son(we'll have hook ups at the camp site)

Do you notice anything else important that I'm missing? I don't expect to have everything for our first trip. Just want to make sure we have all the essentials.

Thanks so much. We are very excited. Please come say 'Hi' if you see us camping!
Truck Campers
  • campn4walleye's avatar
    campn4walleye
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2014
    Congrats! I can hear the excitement in your words. Remember, this forum is just a click away to give assistance.

    Why an electric heater? Your dealer should provide you with at LEAST 1 filled propane tank (negotiate for 2). Regardless, your new TC heater will keep you toasty warm running propane.

    Bring things to keep the baby entertained as the pick up and inspection process can be lengthy. Take your time though and go through everything carefully. Write down specific questions and print out an inspection checklist from one of these forums. There are several good ones.
    AND:
    Enjoy your trip!
  • bka0721's avatar
    bka0721
    Explorer II
    Oct 02, 2014
    Congrats. Glad this forum was a big help, as it has been for many starting out like you and I.

    While you won't need the tailgate, why not go down to the lumber yard and get a couple of 2X8s cut to the width of your bed opening? Tag the boards together with a couple of 1X2s. That will give you the strength and security for carrying a load in the bed, plus an important second use for your trip home with your new camper.

    After you arrive to pick up your new camper, cut the boards into 24"+/- and use them for leveling ramps or security in the bed to keep from hitting the front of the bed by the camper install. I am sure you would ask the Wolf Creek Truck Camper people to cut a couple of lengths out of your boards.

    Congrats, Welcome to the forum & Happy Camping!

    b
  • louiskathy's avatar
    louiskathy
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2014
    Where in WA ?? Buying extra gear in OREGON will save you on sales tax
    (camping world is on I84 EAST of Portland a bit)..and there's a Wal-Mart right next door to that Camping World.

    Whatever you pack in the truck bed... make sure you pack it so it can be rained on... just saying...

    Hefty makes some very large zip lock bags that can store pillows/bedding/clothes and keep it dry. Heck, I've packed them and used a vacuum to suck the air out for flatter packing INSIDE the TC. Home Depot carries them. XL4 for clothes... XXL and XXXL for larger items.

    Go with the cargo net. LEAVE THE TAILGATE AT HOME.
  • More2Explore's avatar
    More2Explore
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2014
    If it's a new Wolf Creek 850 it will be delivered with a sewer hose and the propane heater will provide plenty of heat. An extra heater is not recommended by the manufacturer. ....2x on a white fresh water hose, bleach and a funnel if you want to sanitize the fresh water tank right away, garbage bags, food storage containers and bags. Unit if new will have an ice cube tray. Charge chords....it has a handy USB and 12V connections in the cabinet closest to the kitchen. hangars for any hanging clothes or coats and smaller duffel bags which can be easily stashed in the various spaces.

    I highly recommend leaving the tailgate at home, it will be so much more convenient NOT to deal with it if you are camping immediately after pick-up.

    You are going to love the camper....if you forget anything you can always pull into a store and park in a regular parking space and get those new supplies.

    Look forward to seeing photos of your set-up!!
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Oct 01, 2014
    Since you have to cross border to pick up your camper, you might just wait to do your shopping until you get down to WA. October 10-13 is an annual Fall Colors Rally that takes you east across HWY20 and back on HWY2. That would be a perfect time to test out your new setup and exposure to a bunch knowledgeable of campers that could answer questions on your maiden voyage.
  • tonymull's avatar
    tonymull
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2014
    Already got your tie downs lined up? Dealer install? Best to be clear about it. 2000 dry....so you might not need anything as far as suspension. Good chance to drive it and find out...or just look at the dealers, if you have sag, then yes...if not see how you like the drive first. You might want to pick up a rubber mat at a farm co-op store, because the dealer is probably going to be overpriced on one. Water hose will be a need at some point. You probably will find a step stool handy. If there is a drop in bedliner in the truck, have them take it out, replace it with the stall mat. You can leave the tailgate on till you get there, but they will expect you to remove it not them and you will need to stow it on the way home.
  • dakonthemountai's avatar
    dakonthemountai
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2014
    Congratulations!!! How exciting for you! Welcome to the "club"! Yes, you will need tie downs for your truck and of course those of us that have Torklift frame mounted ones will recommend them! :) I don't know the weight of your new camper, so I can't say if you need the Stable Loads or not. I purchased them before I picked up my camper and found I didn't need them. Well, that and they didn't fit anyway!

    Don't forget a basic tool kit too..

    Here's to many, many miles of fun and happy camping!

    Cheers!
    Dak
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2014
    theclarkster wrote:

    From what I learnt from other posts I read we are supposed to leave our tailgate at home before we go 'n pick up the camper. Well, that leaves us with not much space to pack for our Washington trip and we have a 2-year-old son with us. We plan to camp for a couple of days before we head back home.


    A tailgate cargo net in place of the tailgate should work just fine.

    Search >>>>>

    " Covercraft Heavy-Duty ProNet " on Amazon
  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Oct 01, 2014
    Linens, pillows, blanket unless you are doing the sleeping bag thing. pots and pans if you are going to cook, plates and utensils ( i suggest paper and plastic for the first outing), cups, some way to make your morning coffee. Bottled drinking water until you do the first freshwater tank flush and sanitize. roll of paper towels. Headlamps so you don't have to turn the lights on and wake everyone else up if you have to "go" in the middle of the night. basic first aid kit.

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