So, we were able to use this thing a lot sooner than I thought. Gave me a good idea of some things I need to watch out for and some things I need to keep an eye on. Stayed within 50 miles of home at the house that my girlfriend's dad is building for her sister and her husband. Was able to test out the furnace and hot water heater and things like that.
Some things I learned: The refrigerator didn't work because I wasn't even close to level front and back. This didn't matter all that much because all I had in there was some bottled water and some adult beverages (I tend to drink adult beverages more at cellar temperature than cold).
The air bags work great! It was actually very surprising! I aired them up to about 75 psi and everything seemed way more stable and the ride was way better than with nothing. I have however already ordered a rear sway bar. I found out that it is still needed.
The furnace works great, but I don't like the idea that it's using all of that propane. So for being plugged in, I think it would be better to get a small plug in type heater. This way it's also not kicking on and off all of the time with a big whoof and Fire and all of that. Just seemed like a big production for some heat to keep the camper warm.
The last thing that was notable to me is that taking a shower even in a space like that could be the best shower you've ever had. This is one of the reasons for me to go the camper route. We also do dirt biking in the winter and boating in the summer. I was done being cold all night long in a tent, and then not being able to stand up to get dressed, or having to get dressed in the middle of the night and go outside to use the facilities. All things a young, strapping male should endure...but I make good money and I'm done. Not to mention how nice the showers will be!
There are some more smaller thoughts, but I'll leave this here and give you guys a few pictures of the first time out. All in all, I think I'll be happy with this camper long term. Still a few things that need to be sorted out, but nothing some time or energy in thinking can't handle.
Some things I learned: The refrigerator didn't work because I wasn't even close to level front and back. This didn't matter all that much because all I had in there was some bottled water and some adult beverages (I tend to drink adult beverages more at cellar temperature than cold).
The air bags work great! It was actually very surprising! I aired them up to about 75 psi and everything seemed way more stable and the ride was way better than with nothing. I have however already ordered a rear sway bar. I found out that it is still needed.
The furnace works great, but I don't like the idea that it's using all of that propane. So for being plugged in, I think it would be better to get a small plug in type heater. This way it's also not kicking on and off all of the time with a big whoof and Fire and all of that. Just seemed like a big production for some heat to keep the camper warm.
The last thing that was notable to me is that taking a shower even in a space like that could be the best shower you've ever had. This is one of the reasons for me to go the camper route. We also do dirt biking in the winter and boating in the summer. I was done being cold all night long in a tent, and then not being able to stand up to get dressed, or having to get dressed in the middle of the night and go outside to use the facilities. All things a young, strapping male should endure...but I make good money and I'm done. Not to mention how nice the showers will be!
There are some more smaller thoughts, but I'll leave this here and give you guys a few pictures of the first time out. All in all, I think I'll be happy with this camper long term. Still a few things that need to be sorted out, but nothing some time or energy in thinking can't handle.
nice looking carbiou tc you have there in a bout a week i'll be picking up mine which is a 1998. According to the tag on mine it weighs over 3400 pounds and i have a ram 3500 looks like you might be a little over weight with your truck. i am not the weight police just be carfule which i know u will since you drive a big rig. wife and i drove one for 1.5 million miles. any way congrats on your tc.
My first test outing was a Wal*Mart parking lot a few miles from my house. It's so liberating having your own, mobile space with the comforts of home.
The fridge should work even if it's not level, though operating it out-of-level too many times will render it toast. If it wasn't working at all during your test run I'd suspect that it wasn't on (assuming 12V) or lit (propane).
There are a lot of propane vs. electric heat threads out there. When you're boondocking you have little choice but to use the propane. I find that the hum of the furnaces help me sleep, but it's jarring to some. In your case, when docked I'd use a portable electric heater if it gets the job done. I've tried that in mine and it just doesn't cut it below freezing.
Welcome to the addiction.
The fridge should work even if it's not level, though operating it out-of-level too many times will render it toast. If it wasn't working at all during your test run I'd suspect that it wasn't on (assuming 12V) or lit (propane).
There are a lot of propane vs. electric heat threads out there. When you're boondocking you have little choice but to use the propane. I find that the hum of the furnaces help me sleep, but it's jarring to some. In your case, when docked I'd use a portable electric heater if it gets the job done. I've tried that in mine and it just doesn't cut it below freezing.
Welcome to the addiction.
mkirsch wrote:
Propane fridges only need to be within 3 degrees of level. That is 5" in 8'.
On a 16' long pickup truck, the front would have to be 10" higher than the rear, or the rear would be 10" higher than the front. You would barely be able to stand up, and you'd be sliding out of bed.
Where it was sitting on blocks, it didn't look anywhere near 10" off level to me.
Did the fridge work before?
Didn't check, but it was off level. So noticably that we slept with our heads towards the back of the truck camper. The refrigerator did not work before, but we swear we got it to fire up on propane at a buddy's house before we left. Last night in a level driveway plugged in, it worked great. Pictures are deceiving. It had to easily have been 10" off level. For that time, it was just the best we were able to achieve. We plan on going back there this weekend for another one night stay. I walked around before we left and I have another place to park this thing so that it should be level with minimal blocks, if any. Haven't mentioned before, but it is a 3-way unit.
Airbags are rated for 100 psi. From what I understand, airlift has a great warranty and I'm also sure that companies like this under rate these kinds of products to give some dummy room. The ride really wasn't that stiff from stock at 75psi. If they were much lower, the ride felt really unstable around sweeping turns. 75 or so worked great on the pressure. I ordered a hellwig sway bar. I'm not into finding the best "now". I just know that in the old school days that they were the only ones worth buying. I found a great price on one and snatched it up. The tires are rated for 3750lbs each at 80psi. The axle is a Dana 80. I feel plenty safe with the info that I have so far. I'm no stranger to hauling heavy weight. This is what I'm sitting in right now patiently waiting to start my four day weekend.
Edit: not sure if I also mentioned this or not, but the refrigerator seems to be working just fine now. I have already started looking into a small heather to run off of electricity. I have to beef up some insulation too. There are doors on the inside of the camper so you can access the bed and they seem to have a few gaps that I would lose heat through. Even just some packing tape on the hatch seams would keep the heat in a little better.
