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Re: Truck to fit camper
I like the diesel for several reasons, one for sure is the high mountains, with the turbo diesel we just cruise up hills. I like the exhaust brake going down steep hills, never really need to brake. All depends on where one will drive it most of the time. Travel well!1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Is it common to remove your truck camper at your camp spot?
It depends on many things, remote/isolated spots, never a need. When we come to a spot where we will be for a while and want to be able to move easily or if there are height restrictions (like where we are now) and we want to be able to access some remote trailheads, we take it off. Ours is pretty easy to take off and put back on, it is just a cost/benefit analysis. To each their own. Regards...5.4KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Truck modifications
Thanks for all the replies, the information on this site is super helpful. As we just put on another 1,000 miles, in pretty gusty spring winds (man, we saw trailers both 5th wheel and bumper pull swaying and being flung all over the roads, some clearly were set up right and did better but some were just sketchy to the point of my wife and I cringing), and again, more terrible roads in places, some urban race car type stuff happening around us, and other mayhem, I am reinforced in my original feelings about the new rig setup, in fact as I drive it more I appreciate it more. It is probably a combination of things (including dumb luck), the weight and balance (being very, very careful around weight and it's location), the new mods, plus the information that folks like you all provide got our rig right where I wanted it to be. I am running 80 psi rear and 75 front, that seems to be the dialed in point, for now. We considered a DRW at the start, I have driven them before for work, they are awesome haulers and just workhorses all around. It would have driven us to a larger NL, which we would have liked in some ways but we like to go off into the wild a bit and it would have been too much weight and width. Not out of the picture for the future after we get done with these missions. ' Something about truck campers that just fit us. At times it is tight with us working remotely from the road, I would like a better place to sit in the evening than the dinette (oh, my kingdom for a recliner at times) and with all marriages, we would like to be in another room, but for all that, we are good partners, my wife is rugged and for our mission right now, it is perfect. We are grateful for what we have. I hope you all have a great season out there, enjoying it and being safe. Again, thanks for all the insights. Regards524Views0likes0CommentsRe: 2021 Northern Lite 10-2 Le wet bath
With our 8-11 on our SRW (with modified suspension) we do not lower the jack legs unless it is very windy. There is a little movement without them down but not a big deal. Before the mods we were camped in a remote spot that was rocking us so much that we put them down for the night - it was intense, probably gusts to 60 plus.... man. Good luck!664Views0likes0CommentsTruck modifications
Hi all, An update from the road. When I got this rig (2019 Silverado 3500HD and Northern Lite truck camper) the only suspension modification I put on was Torklift Stableoads. We traveled for about 15k over 3 months and while it was okay, I knew it could be better. Some sway and although the truck handled some back trails and high winds, it just felt like it could be better. The stock OEM shocks were about the same - okay but just had trouble keeping up with the "rebound", settling out the ride after a bridge expansion joint (a pet peeve of mine, are we just not able to smooth that out?) took longer than I liked and they just seemed a half step behind. Also, the OEM Wranglers were noisy, and just did not have the grip and ride I want. Covid happened. Our plans were sidelined. Life.... We are lucky enough to be able to return to roadlife but I knew that I needed to make some changes. After much research, (some of it right here, thank you all who contribute your knowledge and experience), I changed the tires to the Michelin Agilis Crossclimate, did that last winter as the Wranglers sucked in the snow/ice. They were a significant improvement, quieter, better grip, more "solid" and much better winter tires. I then replaced the OEM shocks with Bilstein 4600s - again significant difference (better) with the truck camper off. I then installed the Timbren severe duty bump stops, as they do not touch unloaded, no change with the camper off. Put the truck camper on and drove 1,300 miles in three days, brutal traffic at times, gusty high winds, snow, snow squalls, terrible roads (it is like a 3rd world country in places) and a wide variety of situations. I can say that all the modifications made a significant improvement to the ride, the handling and overall driving experience. The shocks dampen the ride with authority, they "keep up" and recover stability quickly. The Timbrens are significant as well, with the camper on before them I was 1/8" lower in the back, not bad at all but now, I am 1/8" higher. The sway is gone. I can feel the weight obviously, but going over uneven pavement, up into driveways or driving in 25 mph winds that were a direct crosswind, gusting to 35 - completely different and better. The tires are sure and very trustworthy. I am not a paid endorser for anything. All opinions are mine and your results will vary. I just wanted to provide some feedback from my situation and try to pay it forward in exchange for gathering a lot of great information on this forum, thank you contributors! Regards.3.1KViews0likes9CommentsNorthern Lite Shore Power Box
Anyone find a good way to insulate the shore power cable box on a Northern Lite? Had the rear dinette seat off the other day for something and I was surprised to see the "tub", where the shore power cord is stored is not insulated at all. Any ideas? I was thinking foam board.1.4KViews0likes3CommentsRe: Michelin Agilis CrossClimate Tires LT
On my truck replacing the OEM Wranglers, quieter, seem to handle better all around and from 2 winters in NH in ice and and snow I find the winter performance really good. Drove home in a wicked snow storm and they performed very well. I do not have my camper on and no weight in the back but the truck stayed true when others were off the road all over. Over course, I wasn't driving at 75 on summer tires on packed snow/ice with less than 100 yards visibility but that is the way it is these days.551Views0likes0Comments
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Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Jan 13, 202544,029 Posts
