So what did you do to your Truck Camper today?

[Mello_Mike]

I saw these threads in some of the other Open Roads RV Forums, but didn't see one for TCs.

I'll start...

I installed Interior LED puck lights and a 12v power outlet.

[Mello_Mike]

jefe 4x4 wrote:
Mike,
With 169 pages of 'what did's' i thought i should finally add something here too.
With help from my neighbor, we installed a pair of add-a-leaves to the Dodge. Ugh! This was tough work getting the Dana 80 axle apart from the suspension. At one time we had 3 floor jacks and a high lift jack engaged. As soon as the weather clears I'll post some pix. Here is what I learned about the before and after:
1. The 'before' clearance between the upper secondaries and the Stable Load block was 1/2" on rear block and 1/4" on the front block.
2. The 'after' clearance is now 2-1/2". When I get the camper on tomorrow I'll see how much deflection I get out of the upper secondaries with the weight of the TC pushing down.
3. There are now a total of 8 leaf springs on each side of the rear axle.
4. The unloaded ride is about the same as before: a bit stiff, but not egregious.
regards as always, jefe

Cool, Jefe! Sounds like you'll have plenty support now. Looking forward to seeing those pics.

[jefe_4x4]

Mike,
With 169 pages of 'what did's' i thought i should finally add something here too.
With help from my neighbor, we installed a pair of add-a-leaves to the Dodge. Ugh! This was tough work getting the Dana 80 axle apart from the suspension. At one time we had 3 floor jacks and a high lift jack engaged. As soon as the weather clears I'll post some pix. Here is what I learned about the before and after:
1. The 'before' clearance between the upper secondaries and the Stable Load block was 1/2" on rear block and 1/4" on the front block.
2. The 'after' clearance is now 2-1/2". When I get the camper on tomorrow I'll see how much deflection I get out of the upper secondaries with the weight of the TC pushing down.
3. There are now a total of 8 leaf springs on each side of the rear axle.
4. The unloaded ride is about the same as before: a bit stiff, but not egregious.
regards as always, jefe

[JoeChiOhki]

Split some firewood next to it, wondered why the drip pan for the fridge was completely full of water when I checked it, even though the fridge has been off for months, the door completely open and the drip pan was long since emptied.

[Mello_Mike]

kerry4951 wrote:
Nice job Mike. Its surprising how many times I use the ladder each year. Its just nice to be able to climb atop to check on things. Im up there a few times each year while on the road to clean the solar panels off. They do get very dusty at times. Living in Arizona you can appreciate that.

Thanks, Kerry. I agree. Ladders are a must have item. I'll also be using it to mount a flagpole as well as a wind turbine.

The funny thing is, I was originally told by Northwood Mfg. that my camper didn't have the blocking necessary to support a ladder. I had to get the blueprints for the rear wall as well as investing in a metal stud finder to verify that the blocking was there.

[kerry4951]

Mello Mike wrote:
Installed a rear ladder.

Nice job Mike. Its surprising how many times I use the ladder each year. Its just nice to be able to climb atop to check on things. Im up there a few times each year while on the road to clean the solar panels off. They do get very dusty at times. Living in Arizona you can appreciate that.

[JumboJet]

Installed two new 925CCA AGM Type 31 batteries. Shortened the #2 gauge battery cables to eliminate rat's nest. Washed all the bed cloths, dirty towels, dishes, etc. Cleaned the refrigerator inside and out along with the rest of the TC.

Getting ready to travel to Bristol, TN for a NASCAR race.

[805gregg]

I got my hardwire surge protector, I will install it tomorrow

[Mello_Mike]

Installed a rear ladder.

[Butch50]

Reddog1 wrote:
I may have missed it, but I did not see anyone mention the fact Atwood water heaters not only do not use the anode rod, they also state not to on their heaters. The Atwood and Surban use different materials in their tanks. The Surban's use a steel tank, and the Atwood's aluminum, as I recall.

I think most residential tanks are steel, and use the anode rod. How often do you drain your water heater tank at home? How often do you change the anode rod?

Wayne

Very true and the reason Suburban tanks are steel with a glass lining. The reason for the anode rod is the glass well crack and the anode becomes the sacrificial metal. If it doesn't have the anode rod and you have any cracks in the glass lining in your tank you take chance on damaging the steel tank. The magnesium or aluminum on the anode is a softer metal than steel so it erodes away saving the steel in your tanks. The same way as the sacrificial anodes on the outboard and outdrives on boats.

[Ski_Pro_3]

starcraft69 wrote:
We put a rubber bed matt in the truck. Custom fit for silvered 2500 It looks good. We are getting her ready today to take off for a week and a half trip to so-cal going to see our friend mickey mouse and friends.

Where are you staying while down there?

[starcraft69]

We put a rubber bed matt in the truck. Custom fit for silvered 2500 It looks good. We are getting her ready today to take off for a week and a half trip to so-cal going to see our friend mickey mouse and friends.

[ggadwa]

Yesterday was the warmest day(37 degrees)in several weeks so I just couldn't help myself...Had to go out and pay attention to my lonely sheltered 2011 Eagle Cap 950 TC....Waxed the November trip bugs off the front of it and opened the front Water Pump and Plumbing Access Panel and did a bunch of foam pipe and foil panel insulating in and around the accessible plumbing. All in anticipation of our next road trip south. No date set yet but sure getting anxious.

GARY

[flipskid]

Well i did this to the truck recently; installed my super hitch receiver that i was lucky enough to find used. I had to get new bolts and nuts though. It came with a 48" hitch extension the plug extension, the chain tensioners, and leveling bars and mounts for a trailer! Put in some new bump stops for the rear overloads so they engage quicker-what a difference. Put on some front leveling leaf springs to get rid of the nose sniffer stance my 04 ford had. new good year shoes and new shocks on the front. Next its time for oil/filter and fuel filter changes again.

[billtex]

vwoval wrote:

btggraphix wrote:

vwoval wrote:
My front hitch came in the mail today . Was going to install it before camping this weekend but its rained all day. I bought the wrong one off ebay (seller said it fit my truck but it fits hd not standard version of my truck and I would have to pay shipping back to seller,always read the small print) so I will be selling a front hitch. also installed some hubcaps I had laying around on my little trailer

But the big question is did you camp anyway? 😉

going this weekend and next weekend 🙂 happy camper

Did you see the title of this thread?

[vwoval]

btggraphix wrote:

vwoval wrote:
My front hitch came in the mail today . Was going to install it before camping this weekend but its rained all day. I bought the wrong one off ebay (seller said it fit my truck but it fits hd not standard version of my truck and I would have to pay shipping back to seller,always read the small print) so I will be selling a front hitch. also installed some hubcaps I had laying around on my little trailer

But the big question is did you camp anyway? 😉

going this weekend and next weekend 🙂 happy camper