Sheriffdoug wrote:
Sleepy, I will read you post again, and digest the information, carefully. I AM listening!
It wasn't meant for you as much as it was remembering for me.
I hope that it makes sense.
Last words..... (well you can hope)
I love to spend money, even give it away... but I hate to waste it.
I was frugal in my approach to buying and outfitting my truck and camper but I wanted the best I could afford (and I did that on my first T/TC in 1970)
At the end of 2002 the cost of my truck, camper, taxes, and interest made my total expedature $110,000 (interest paid or interest lost on saved money turns out to be about the same.)
I did take my new truck and camper "investment" off road a few times in the early years... but the truth is fancy campers with slide rooms, and GMC SLT trucks aren't meant to go rock climbing.
There are trucks that are set up for off roading and....
... there are hard topped canvas campers that are built for and meant to do "Rugged or Extreme Truck Camping". When we see the trip reports that their owners share with us we know in our hearts that our T/TC's shouldn't attempt it.
I added many modifications to our TC to avoid campgrounds including PVSolar panels to suppliment the built in generator, just to be totally self sufficiant... mods that are expensive to install, frugal forever...as I added weight and money my desire to bounce over boulders diminished.
You already know how you intend to use your T/TC investment... have you figured out where your limits are?I like BTGraphics approach for off-roading... he drives as far as reasonable with his big truck and camper... then gets out the motor bikes.
Others do their final assults by mountain bikes, back packs, kayaks, four wheeler ATV's, "jeeps" and even motor cycles.
Blush! We have fold-up Dahon bicycles... and got to using them so infrequently we quit hauling them in the back seat of the truck.Have you considered any of these... or already do them?
