Went on a one night test run with the "new to me" camper

[getpower1]

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.

[dave17352]

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?

x2

[mkirsch]

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?

[gbopp]

Nice article, thanks for sharing.
The cube heaters do a nice job. If you want quiet, look at the oil filled electric heaters. They take up more space but they work well and are quiet.
You'll never think about a tent again. 🙂
Enjoy your travels.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

For heat, we use an electric heater with a true thermostat: you set the temp to 68 or so, and it maintains that temp. I'm a light sleeper, and every time the furnace on our motorhome fired up, it woke me up. I can only imagine how much worse it would be in a camper's close quarters.

Our first venture out with our camper was a 3-week tour of the Pacific Northwest. It was wonderful - you'll love the nimbleness and comfort of a TC!!

[Golden_HVAC]

Yes you will like the anti-sway bar once it is attached. How large of diameter? I think that my 1975 F-350 Supercab had a factory 1-1/4" bar, and they come in 1.5" too.

I also had a steering stabilizer, it hooks to the frame and steering rod, and dampens any road vibrations, so it steers easier, especially nice in cross winds.

I probably would not put 75 PSI into the air bags, but if you like a really solid ride, go for it. . . What is their max rating? I would stay about 25% less than the max rating, for bag longevity.

Tires. Soft sidewall tires can effect handling. I changed the tires on the back of my class A motorhome from firm all steel sidewall Michelin tires to softer polyester sidewall Goodyears. I had to change to all steel goodyears within 400 miles because handling was so poor. At least I hope that you are running 90 PSI in your tires while you have such a heavy load on them.

Have you checked your rear axle weight? I was surprised to find that mine was close to the tire weight rating.

AS for my first trip, I figured the Grand Canyon was out in the desert, so it must be warm, and Thanksgiving weekend 1987 would make a 'wonderful' trial trip. Well my first camper did not have a furnace, but had 4 burner stove and a oven. Only 1 group 24 coach battery + group 27 engine battery. It was cold. And so foggy that I could not see into the canyon. Ice was about 1/2" thick on all the roads, but going from Williams, I figured if that MCI Greyhound bus can make it, so could I.

I did slide a bit in the icy Grand Canyon south rim parking lot, after stopping, with my foot on the brake, I started moving downhill.. But I managed to park OK, and did fine.

On the way out, I was following a water delivery truck (they trucked in drinking water back then to the Grand Canyon, not drilling wells within the park boundarys). My buddy said 'that truck stinks diesel fumes' so I was back about 1,000 feet. A car passed me, and got into the ditch when it slide from the passing lane all the way across the road into the ditch as a car approached.

Now I check the Weather.com for reports before going anywhere. . . I want to know I can use my swimsuit before leaving.

I just checked weather.com and here it will stay just above 33, so I am good going to work today and tomorrow. Friday looks good too.

Have a great time camping!

Fred.