TCBob
Explorer
Joined 18 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Re: Will a truck camper fit over the 5er rails in the truck bed?
I have a 1999 Ford F350 DRW PSD and a 2004 S&S 8.5. When I bought the truck back in '07 for this TC it was set up for a 5er. I didn't need the rails, so I pulled them. I also lucked out with Air bags already installed w/onboard compressor and in-cab control. They work GREAT to eliminate the "TC Waddle" running down the road. What I don't see anyone talking about is the cab over clearance. When I first loaded the camper I had 2x4 flat for spacers. The cab over just cleared the cab roof marker lights. I very quickly learned I needed more clearance as the frame flexed enough to crunch the clearance lights at times over bumps. I now understand that with the intro of the Super Duty Ford changed what use to be kind of an industry standard cab height.....so some TC's need extra spacers in the bed. I went to 4x4's (actual 3"). There is more to that for another time. Bottom line watch the cab over clearance height. It’s not a big deal, just need the right spacing. Depending, of course on the height of your hitch rails, I am pretty sure you could notch the spacers to fit over your rails. BTW - I lucked out with a great truck & TC combo. My low milage truck just purrs and doesn't seem to make much difference with or without my Utility trailer, with the motorcycles inside, or the boat! We love convenience of traveling with the TC!1.2KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Avion truck campers - Hundreds of photos
D1trout, for your consideration - I understand the desire for a keyed both sides dead bolt for security purposes. However, from a safety point of view it is dangerous in the event of a need for emergency exit (i.e. a fire or propane leak). I hate making this kind of post, but would hate it more if I had to read about a TC owner killed in a fire, and I had not said anything. BTW love the restored Avions - which is why I was reading the thread in first place! Happy and Safe Motoring!895Views0likes0CommentsRe: Honda generator to truck camper
I am no expert on it, but personally I do not use a surge protector between the same Honda and my TC. I usually only use the Honda to charge the TC and my AUX batteries as needed. (I don't have solar yet) I have used one of those little heaters, but rarely. Also I try to keep the Honda sheltered (at least the control panel) out of the rain, but I don't obsess about it. I am more concerned about keeping good ventilation to keep exhaust outside. And I never run it when sleeping, just never felt comfortable doing that. But being in PNW have never felt the need to run our AC overnight either. But that might change once retire and get to go desert camping!622Views0likes0CommentsRe: Airbags.
I love the Airbags on mine. I lucked out as my F350 Super Duty Dually came with them with in-cab controler and onboard compressor. Prior owner had it set up for a big 5th wheel. I have a short 8.5, heavy TC. No sag problem with no air, but aired up takes a lot of the "waddle/sway" out of the rig going down the road. Just plain makes for a great ride.813Views0likes0CommentsRe: StableCamper
I bought some welded steel Sawhorse brackets a number of years ago. They use 2x4 legs and 2x6 cross members laid flat. They came with 2 nuts welded to the underside of each bracket at each end of bracket and a thin steel plate to tighten against the bolt with a wing nut welded to top. I kept the legs short, about 18" off the ground, you could choose your own height. ROCK Solid when I have the TC up on these. Even pulled the Jacks for some maintence without a 2nd thought. I really bought these for working on the TC, but, now I carry at least one set in the side wells regularly. Often when camping with TC off the truck, I will just use 1 set and position it under front of TC (under water tank) for stability. Carry a couple extra blocks of 2x8s x approx 24" to set them on if soft ground, but have never used them for that purpose yet. Wish I could tell you the name brand, that was a long time ago. Next time I am at TC I check to see if Mfg name is marked (if I can remember). Really liked the quality. They make a far superior horse than I have seen marketed. BTW the brackets were not cheap, seems like about $75/pair but well worth the price.305Views0likes0CommentsRe: S&S camper lacks grey tank
I have an 2004 S&S 8.5 SC, Not the exact model or length. I do have 2 tanks, gray and black. I know one is a litle bigger than the other something like 16 and 18 gal. We love ours as well. Nothing to do with the tanks, but I repaired some water damage, and made some big mistake thinking I was making it better, made the problem worse. Happy to talk about that if interested message me. Bob623Views0likes0CommentsRe: What are the top 5 advantages of a TC?
Best 5 "plus" reasons for us: Love all the GREAT memories! AND still making new ones! 1. 1st yr we had it, quick stop for lunch on a back country mountain lake dirt road. Bald eagle snatched his lunch from the lake less than 100 yards away from us! 2. Following our grandson all over the State of Oregon for football season when they won state championship! First time for his HS had in 50 years. 3. I never want to back any other RV down some of the boat ramps we have used. 4. The many quick weekend get aways, even just to overnight at the coast, and lunch on a logging road, or beach looking at the ocean on a windy day. 5. Dear Wife being comfortable in her bed, with her kitchen, and the rest of our stuff any where we travel! PLUS: We enjoyed the freedom of Motorcycle/tent camping for years. BUT the TC sure beats sleeping on the ground AND can go almost any of the places we went on the Harleys! PLUS + PLUS: We could probably have done all that stuff in a Class B - or conversion van.....BUT - for the same money and maintence I have a real truck!439Views0likes0Comments
Groups
Travel Trailer Group
Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Feb 06, 202544,025 Posts
