All ActivityMost RecentMost LikesSolutionsRe: Ordering a Chev 3500 (Oct 2023)I was also in the buy :new: camp but it all depends on what you happen to come across. I came across a low mileage 2003 Ram 3500 dually 5.9 back in 2006. Since it was a 2 WD it was not moving on the dealer's lot. It had 7,000 miles (14,000 km) on it and had been traded in for a single wheel 2500. I would never have bought a used diesel but I spoke to the previous owner in person and the rest is history. Like someone just posted we do not drive it but maybe 5-6,000 km per so would we have had any better experience with a new 2006 as compared to the'03, no. I must also say that if you want new warranty coverage and don't mind the depreciation go for it. This is my opinion only. I just happened across our truck by accident. I was looking at "new" back then but s*** happens. Good luck with your new truck and be safe out there.Re: part three of the broken frame saga. JimK-NY wrote: This whole topic moves beyond my understanding and preferences. To me a truck camper is about ease of use, mobility including being able to go into the backcountry. I got a relatively large truck camper so my wife and I along with 2 cats could live in it full time. My TC has no slides but is 9.5' and hits 4000# loaded for full time use. IMO, my TC is already pushing the limits. With a 12000# total weight, it is not going very far in the backcountry. No rutted dirt roads, no soft ground, no narrow trails with overhangs. When much more is desired or needed, it seems that it is time to switch to a 5th wheeler or trailer. At least you can drag it to semi remote areas, unhook and have a truck to explore in. I just cannot imagine trying to deal with the size, weight and limitations of a truck camper weighing 6000, 7000 or even 8000# or more. X2Re: TC and MPGAs someone has already mentioned, fuel mileage is very subjective. Our truck/camper combo with the speed and how I drive returns 16 US mpg all day long. We towed a 26' Dutchman TT a few years back, mileage was less at 12 US mpg but we were carrying more stuff in our truck bed and in the trailer. GVW with camper on commercial scales is right at 12,000 lbs, GCW of truck and trailer was right around 14,500 lbs. No shortage of power either way but our truck with camper is more fuel efficient.Re: 2003 Bigfoot 10.5E ProjectExcellent write up, very easy to follow along. You are obviously well skilled to start and finish a huge project like this. Do you have a garage etc to keep your BF out of the elements? I have always parked our camper inside since we bought it new in 2009...everything is dry and I have not re sealed anything...still like new. It makes a huge difference. Best of luck chasing the small "leaks"...you will win in the end. Once again a great write up.Re: Remove/replace onboard generator burningman wrote: Oh yeah, it’s too hard to go outside and pull the starter cord.. I wouldn’t ever want to go outside when I’m in the camper. I mean, who would ever want to go outside? It’s definitely a deal breaker to have to go outside to start the genny. Right on.....Re: Opinions on lightweight portable inverter/generatorsHonda all day long. Yamaha as well. Like others have said, where do you get parts for the "others". My buddy bought a Hyundai 2000W at Walmart a few years ago. Ran well for one season but then was having surging issues, stalling etc. He had no luck obviously getting help at Walmart and in the end sold it as is where is. Bought a new Honda 3000, priceless. No issues at all plus the Honda shop is just down the road. We have a 2008 Honda EU2000. Not one problem. Starts easily and runs the a/c in our Northstar. Enough said.Re: Support trailer build and story...ideas and the whyThanks for that awesome trailer re do. I really do agree with you about the 16" tire vs the junk 15" ST tire. With 16's you now have many choices in the LT tire range from an array of excellent tire manufacturers. Good luck on your build and be safe out there.Re: Truck camper generator oil type/Built in or small portable. Buzzcut1 wrote: Mobile One synthetic in my Honda 2000 X2 5W-30 ExtendedRe: Project B.I.G. Built-in Inverter GeneratorOver the many years I have simply filled my gas tanks, added stabil and 6 months later my units always started. My Honda dealer advised not to run my engines dry as this can sometimes suck dirt into carb. I have often thought why camper manufacturers do not at least offer this type of gen set as an option. I would like to have the ability to start with remote than get out in the rain/wind to hook up our Honda 2000i. All the best in your project. You appear to have this under control. Be safe out there.Re: 1987? Bigfoot Fiberglass Camper project time! Grit dog wrote: SidecarFlip wrote: Think I'd start with a newer longer bed pickup truck. You buggy is very marginal. OMG, can we have just one thread please where someone doesn’t bitsch about truck payload, length, center of gravity ? Exactly.
GroupsTravel Trailer Group Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Feb 06, 202544,025 Posts