New Hallmark owner

[CanadianVikingY]

Hello!

New member here at RV.net! Not new to camping (having done everything from tenting to class A to travel trailer to toy hauler back to tenting and then most recently an Aliner A-Frame trailer. We were very happy with our highly modified Aliner and had no ideas of changing when a opportunity came along for a 2003 Hallmark Guanella LX w/2003 GMC Sierra 2500 HD duramax. Both are in new condition having had very little usage and been garage stored when not in use. The truck is a regular cab long box 2WD - not ideal as I would have preferred 4WD, but again it’s in amazing condition with new E rated tires, air compressor/bags and only 90,000km (55,000 mi) on the odometer. So, sold the Aliner and now looking forward to joining the pop-up truck camper world. I will be asking plenty of questions in the appropriate forums as there are many upgrades I would like to make to both the truck and Guanella LX. For the truck I’m looking at things like an e-locker, Warn “hidden” front winch, and Wilco Offroad hitchgate. For the Guanella I’m planning a trip to the Hallmark factory to have some accessories added including a rear ladder, roof rack, maxtrax, and shovel/axe kit. I look forward to talking to you all and getting feedback from others who have done similar things.

Cheers,
Thomas

[CanadianVikingY]

Hi!

The 2003 Guanella LX was garage kept since new and in amazing condition. It has the original (for the year) rubber roof that has been regularly maintained and has a factory installed solar. Given the condition of the roof, I think I will stick with it, although a Bill @ Halmark did mention that replacement with a composite is an option.

My use will be a little different than the original owners so I’m looking at doing some upgrades. I spoke with Bill at Hallmark and he indicated that everything I want to do can be done at the factory. So I’m thinking of heading there in September to have this work done, but before doing so I thought I would solicit feedback from other Hallmark owners of similar vintage (pre 2008) units.

This is a list of items I am thinking about, and comments or feedback is appreciated.

Done at Hallmark Factory
- add rear ladder
- add roof rack (Bill said this would be done with used racks canibalized from rubber roofs that are being replaced at the factory)
- add shovel/axe kit
- add maxtrax (sand ladders)
- add rear awning

The ladder and roof rack is done in hopes of adding a Thule or Yakima (or other brand) of roof cargo box. Bill is not sure the box will be possible, might need to settle for a basket

Items I will do:
- recertify horizontal propane tank
- upgrade all lighting to LED
- replace original CD player/ stereo with something Bluetooth enabled
- replace dual batteries

I’m sure there will be other things that come up but just looking for feedback/insight into any of the above items (and of course anything else I should be doing).

Thanks!

Thomas

[Freedom_49]

Hey Thomas - congrats on the purchase. As a fellow Calgarian and someone who owned both Outfitter and Hallmark campers, I made the trip between here and Colorado more than once. There are some great places to camp along the way - I always wanted to spend some time in the Bighorn Mtns and never did.

Don't know if it's in your budget or not, but I have seen some Hallmarks refitted with the one piece roof. The mods turned out great and completely updated an older camper.

The guys at Hallmark are super people and will treat you well. Enjoy your new rig.

[ISBRAM]

Welcome, I’m a two time Hallmark owner.
We went to a travel trailer for a few years, but ended up buying another new Hallmark in 2011. Now my wife thinks she wants to travel around the country in a Class A for a few summers. I’m still shopping for the right one for us.