Finally pulled my truck camper out of storage..

[poriggity]

So, I've been a member here for years, and have always had a Lance LC980 sitting in storage, just waiting for me to pull from storage and clean up. Well, my 3 year old daughter expressed interest in going camping with daddy, and mom wants to go too, but she doesn't rough it in tents quite as well as I do. So, the decision was made to pull the camper out of storage and begin cleaning it up and testing everything out. I have a trip planned at the end of june, and another at the end of August. Here are some pictures of it after pulling from storage:













I spent most of Sunday and a lot of Monday cleaning it up. I still have a little cleaning to do. I plugged the camper into the house power and all electrical appliances seemed to work fine, including AC, fridge, lights and all. I need to fill the propane tanks to test the genset, and I need to pull the awning out to check the condition. I also need to take the truck to someone so they can wire it for the camper. in order to legally move the camper, I purchased a set of magnetic tow light, and fixed them to the rear bumper on the camper and plugged them into the 4 pin wiring on my truck so I'd have brake lights and turn signals.

I also realize that when fully loaded, I will be over the trucks GVWR, but not over the tire and axles ratings. After the truck is wired, I'll also be adding air bags to the rear to help with the squat a bit, but I'm excited to have it out of storage. Before anyone says anything, the ratchet strap up front was just to get it out of storage.. I am already planning on picking up some chain to use with the turnbuckles for permanent mounting. I'm doing a lot of research, and learning a lot from here. I look forward to being able to participate more!

Scott

[poriggity]

Dak, I'm sending you a pm now. The turnbuckles that were in the camper are not the correct size to fit my truck, so I can definetly use something. I'd gladly give you a 12 pack or two of your favorite beverage in trade. Sending pm now.

[AnEv942]

dakonthemountain wrote:

Hi Scott,
That could be fun!.. Also, if you need some turnbuckles I have a number of them in different sizes from various campers through the years that I'd be happy to give you. No charge of course, I just don't need them. PM me if you are interested.

Best,
Dak

Mightly big of you Dak-I was just going to say, as OP mentioned 'chains with turnbuckles' to ensure there some spring load somewhere.

[dakonthemountai]

poriggity wrote:

dakonthemountain wrote:
Just realized you are right next to me in Blue Jay! Happy camping!

Dak

Too cool Dak! We should hit Big bear for some camping together!

Scott

Hi Scott,
That could be fun!.. Also, if you need some turnbuckles I have a number of them in different sizes from various campers through the years that I'd be happy to give you. No charge of course, I just don't need them. PM me if you are interested.

Best,
Dak

[Powerdude]

Check the caulking.

[poriggity]

Jaxom wrote:
Very nice.

Check into Stable Loads instead of the air bags. Do a little research here. Most seem to prefer the Stable Loads. YMMV

Just checked out Torklifts site.. the Stable Loads do look nice... I may have to check them out. I am taking the truck and camper to have the truck wired asap, and I may talk to the place that's going to do the install and see if they stock them, and can do the install while the truck is in there...
Scott

[poriggity]

dakonthemountain wrote:
Just realized you are right next to me in Blue Jay! Happy camping!

Dak

Too cool Dak! We should hit Big bear for some camping together!

Scott

[Jaxom]

Very nice.

Check into Stable Loads instead of the air bags. Do a little research here. Most seem to prefer the Stable Loads. YMMV

[dakonthemountai]

Just realized you are right next to me in Blue Jay! Happy camping!

Dak

[poriggity]

Bonesquatch wrote:
That's in great shape for an '88! Looks like you'll be having a heap of fun in your rig. Well done!

I have to agree with you there. For a camper that's been sitting in the California desert in outdoor storage for the better part of 15 years... No leaks, no frame rot, needs minor interior repairs. Wallpaper is all pulling off the walls, some cabinet seals will need to be replaced, but overall, it's in dang good shape as is, and has no leaks... I'm pleasantly surprised at how nice it is now that I've spent a good couple of days cleaning. I've got a bit more to do on the inside, but Ive inspected all the plumbing and wiring that I could and it all looks darn near new... I'm not really sure how I got this lucky. Next steps are to replace the coach battery, and get the propane tanks recertified and filled to make sure all the appliances work on propane. I was amazed that all the appliances that will run on 120V AC power did so with no issues, including the fridge and AC, and all interior lights... 🙂

Scott

[Bonesquatch]

That's in great shape for an '88! Looks like you'll be having a heap of fun in your rig. Well done!

[oldtrojan66]

Great news! Hope everything works out for you. Whatever you camp in, there's nothing that beats it! Have the most fun possible and be safe!

[poriggity]

I figure with the queen bed up top, and bunk beds in the dinette area, it'll suit our family for a while.. (me, my wife, and 3 year old daughter, with 1 more on the way.). Might get tight a few years down the road, but it'll work for now..
Scott

[dakonthemountai]

Yay! Best of times are yet to come!! Enjoy your camper! Nice floor plan!

Dak

[Boatycall]

I take mine out of storage AT LEAST once a month...

X2 on the "Happy Camping!"