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Re: Newbie Question:Advice on used AllWeather TC for work travel
I apologize to my high school English teacher, Dr. Miller, for hitting "post" before verifying my grammar, spelling, and proper word use...I also apologize for all who read that last paragraph and cringed, as I just did. With that, I'm going to retire before more rampant grammatical errors are wrought upon more unsuspecting RV.net readers. Good day.564Views0likes0CommentsRe: Newbie Question:Advice on used AllWeather TC for work travel
B, I have a question regarding you use of unistruts for the top of your utility bed. What do you use as the connecting device between the camper and the unistruts? I saw that you have eye bolts at the four corners for turnbuckles I assume, but I'm still curious as to the function of the unistruts system. Another question I have regarding your truck, pertains to fuel capacity. I saw no mention of additional fuel tanks. Do you have additional factory fuel tanks or did you supplement with a transfer flow type extended capacity tank? Did you have to do anything different for fuel and water separation systems? Finally...for now...did you have to add or do anything to assist is extreme winter starting and fuel treatment/warmers. My experience has always been, that diesel #2, winter blend was treated to assist in cold weather operation and a reduction in freezing temps. I've read all kinds of accounts regarding cold start, subzero related diesel issues, but it hard to separate fact from speculation and opinion. You've been there, done that...that what I need. Thanks563Views0likes0CommentsRe: Newbie Question:Advice on used AllWeather TC for work travel
Thanks B, and jefe! I'm getting all the option documented and working to find a used Bigfoot or Northern Lite as we speak. I'm looking through all the western us states right now. Anything I should look for or avoid while searching to help narrow the herd? B, do you use your fresh water black water system at all, or do you follow the regimine described in previous posts, containers of water, RV anti freeze to flush, and a dry fully winterized fresh water tank? Happy Independence Day to all!564Views0likes0CommentsRe: Newbie Question:Advice on used AllWeather TC for work travel
That's awesome advice Jefe...must have been tough finding a free camping parking spot! ;) Thanks for the info on the winter water system best practices. Sounds like y'all had it down to a science. Great picture. It really illustrates my point about wanting a TC over a travel trailer. I doubt it could be dragged up to that beautiful camp space. Have a good 4th...we just had a huge Haboob run through our area and wash out the gulleys and riverbeds. No fireworks this year. Have a good one!564Views0likes0CommentsRe: Newbie Question:Advice on used AllWeather TC for work travel
A clarification question: I know the advantages to an all fiberglass two piece camper (northern lite & Bigfoot). Can anyone breakdown disadvantages to this style camper? I'm looking for experiences, but I would settle for scuttlebutt and supported conjecture.559Views0likes0CommentsRe: Newbie Question:Advice on used AllWeather TC for work travel
Jefe, Thanks again for all the input. I will expand my search grid in the search. I have contemplated the trailer angle as also suggested by Homefor2. I have seen several long term boondockers on the forum with cargo trailers used for the purpose of stores and equipment, particularly solar panels and an extensive battery bank of 6v batteries for extended dry camping stays. I have also considered a hard side travel trailer, but I hesitate because I have dreams of off the beaten path fire road camping with the family when I'm not babysitting the pipes. That's not something I could do well with a travel trailer. I do recognize I'm approaching the elusive "one size fits all" concept that simply does not exist. At this point I have narrowed to the following: 1 ton crew cab long bed 4x4...still contemplating merits of gas over diesel. Hard side no slide TC with heated basement, dual pane storm/thermal windows...leaning toward the two piece fiberglass campers based on research and forum feedback. Solar, extra batteries, wave3 heater... Anyone have an opinion on black water tank and toilet vs thetford cassette toilet during extreme temps?558Views0likes0CommentsRe: Newbie Question:Advice on used AllWeather TC for work travel
Jefe, I'm located in Central Arizona, so the all weather Fourseason camper market is less than ideal. Regarding the commute distance, it is approximately 1600 miles from door to pipeline at the northernmost point and approximately 1000 miles from the southernmost point. The northern commute would of course take me through Utah, Colorado, parts of Wyoming, Nebraska, and on up into the Dakotas. That of course also depends on whether and road conditions. Therein lies the issue gas or diesel. I have a propensity for trying to consolidate as much as possible and keep things as simple as possible. While I agree with what Sparky87K5 said regarding diesel appliances, diesel generator, etc., I don't know that I would find a truck camper with such conversions, which means a high initial cost to procure said appliances and generator. Having a diesel truck with diesel appliances and diesel generators would eliminate a lot of the fuel storage required by most campers now. With LP gas appliances typical for TC's, gasoline generator (honda eu2000 & 3000), and a diesel truck, it becomes far too complicated to manage and maintain fuel storage. Truthfully my intent is to run the camper like a submarine. As efficient as possible, as simple as possible, with lots of redundant systems, (high battery count, at least 300 watts of solar, dedicated charge controller, and efficient heat, e.g. Wave 3 or 6 units over the built in furnace.) I have no issues with gas trucks, but worry about loaded hill climbing, engine longevity, and yes even MPG. The more mileage I can squeeze out of the truck, the more money I have for the camper. It not uncommon for members of the team to put 30k - 40k miles a year on the vehicle. I must buy used, so I have to consider which 8-10 year old truck will still have the longevity and power remaining in the engine when I make it mine, a diesel or gas?558Views0likes0CommentsRe: Newbie Question:Advice on used AllWeather TC for work travel
Again, A lot of really good detailed information. I'm seeing a pattern of experienced campers pushing me toward the two piece fiberglass construction units, such as Bigfoot and Northern lite. Is the two construction better insulated or less prone to drafts due the the lack of open corners and edges when the structure comes together? Silversand: You live in Montreal, so you clearly have exposure to cold, but is it really that naive to expect a four season truck camper, diligently prepared, to survive the winter months. I've been reading the North Dakota oil field worker blogs where the oil field workers are staying in 25' and 30' foot four season campers set up as bunk houses. There accounts point out a lot of your points regarding the conditions, but they survive and thrive. Now I recognize that that is not camping. They are all plugged in and have full hook ups, but they are still occupying travel trailers that have exponentially more open space to heat in the exact same subzero temps and wind conditions on the Dakota Montana border. We typically have December off, unless there is an unscheduled outage, but "the oil must flow, so we must go", even if its January in Edmonton. If the consensus is that I need to consider a hotel during the worst time, then so be it, but I need to know I can use my camper 85-90% of the time except in the extreme. I agree with removing slides from the equation. Any holes in the living envelop creates opportunities for leaks or drafts. Please keep the information coming, it is most helpful.558Views0likes0CommentsRe: Newbie Question:Advice on used AllWeather TC for work travel
Sparky87k5, I read you and Homefor2 loud and clear. I will start the project in September, leading into Fall. I have already resigned myself to a diesel dually 4x4 crew cab. I just wanted to settle on the camper type before committing to the specific vehicle. My idea involves a utility bed and an auxiliary truck mounted LP tank. I've seen members on this forum with vehicle mounted 100# LP tanks housed in the bed with the camper for long term boondocking. I recognize I will have to improvise a bit to get what I want, but I need to get as closed to a good foundation as I can because I may be customizing on the fly while working and living in it. What I really need are the negatives of particular campers so I can steer myself towards units that will reduce the amount of customization in the field.221Views0likes0Comments
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