geodasher
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Re: Mostly Off Road T/C Questions
Ace! wrote: ...Sounds like the list goes something like: 1. XP 2. Something else . . . . ... Outfitter So, answer or not I guess. For us the "something else" was Hallmark. Their construction, materials and options made them a better choice for us. I think Outfitter is pretty good right now, although they have had their ups and downs like many companies. Alaskan, Phoenix, FWC, ATC and others have their devoted owners but to my eye they are a cut below.550Views0likes0CommentsRe: Mostly Off Road T/C Questions
realter wrote: Did I miss something. What is a mass produced TC. Aren't they all mass produced. Somebody answer me, as I think this thread isn't going on much longer. Thanks I might add a wealth of information here if you read closely. It's a small industry with a few big fish and several small ones. Some manufacturers produce less than a hundred units a year for semi-custom orders. At what point do we call them mass produced? I was just trying to distinguish between makes that are highly standardized and available through dealers versus makes that offer more customization.549Views0likes0CommentsRe: Mostly Off Road T/C Questions
DWeikert wrote: geodasher wrote: I stand by my answer: mass-produced truck campers are not really suited to rough use as I think of it. One question for you. Would you consider the average mass produced 3/4 or 1 ton pickup suitable for rough use as you think of it? In general they are. Their heavy duty frames, axles and suspensions are made for work. Appropriate options help when off-pavement and some after-market accessories may be desirable.549Views0likes0CommentsRe: Mostly Off Road T/C Questions
bka0721 wrote: Hi Geodasher. Read your statements and felt that you might be painting pretty solidly with a big paint brush. After reading, posting here for years, I have found many, including myself doing just what you claim is not done, successfully. While I won't travel the routes many of the XTC users do, I am down those routes in other ways. This means I am traveling on roads and paths that most TC users don't. Paved roads is and are not my usual choice or travel. Also, I am traveling in a BIG hard sided camper, pulling a trailer. For the most part, I have had NO ISSUES with damages or equipment failures in the manner you have detailed. All for the last 7+ years. So maybe I have a better test platform than most. Almost all the equipment, supplied from the original manufactures, are still performing flawlessly. The only thing I have changed? The water pump for a quieter one. Luck? Maybe. More experience and decision making abilities? Possibly. Better chosen equipment for the task? Probably. Here we can learn from many of those here and this thread has been a perfect outlet for those that have. As has been your comment too, as others may want to check their equipment more frequently than they might have had, before. For that reason, good comment, Geodasher. b Absolutely agree about the broad brush. Rough use is relative. Also strongly agree that experience with one's abilities, local conditions and own equipment--whatever that may be--are key. Many factors go into truck camper choice and there is no best choice, so it is good we have options. However, answering the OP's question, I stand by my answer: mass-produced truck campers are not really suited to rough use as I think of it. We've been four wheeling since the early 80s. Broke the frame in four places on our stock Jeep CJ, so we gained some perspective on bad roads versus terrible ones. We don't do rock crawling and really nasty stuff that requires modified equipment, but we do like to boondock and to take the less traveled road. In our experience stuff breaks over time, some sooner than later. I'm new to truck campers. Previous outings were tent or trailer. Many outings over the decades. I have inspected numerous rigs, talked with the owners, read the forums, visited factories, and completed a dozen or so trips up to 2 weeks in our present truck. I have been amazed at how the TC industry is so standardized despite the many small manufacturers. Some builds are a little better than others for rugged use but the differences are a matter of degree, not basic design. That said, there are folks here with a LOT more experience. My perspective is just one and I put it out there as what I have learned. To respond to another post, I don't work work for XPCamper. I thoroughly researched them. There simply isn't anything else quite like it. We dearly wanted one but it was not to be.273Views0likes0CommentsRe: Mostly Off Road T/C Questions
My opinion is that the campers mentioned here reach their limit at light off-roading. The materials, components and designs may be reasonably good quality but they are basically the same approach used for decades. They work well for standard campgrounds and maintained forest roads, but things break when subjected to rough roads. Everything is prone to failure including the camper mounting, structure, appliances, storage, and water tightness. If you are a seasoned backcountry rat who is comfortable with frequent inspections and fixing stuff then they are usable, but frustration may set in after enough repairing, rebuilding and replacing. Goes with the territory? Part of the fun? Personal choice. Of all the removable truck campers I have seen the only production unit that is specifically designed for off-road is the XPCamper. It is built from the truck frame up to fix the limitations inherent in conventional campers: a cushioned suspension system, true monocoque shell, slim profile, marine grade appliances and latches, and self-sufficient power and water systems. However, you had better be willing to wait a year or more to get one, and to pay a premium.264Views0likes0CommentsRe: internal vs external tiedowns
rfgaugush wrote: Newbie here, going to pick up my new Outfitter Caribou Lite 6.5 in a few weeks after I retire. Would like to hear opinions on the advantages/disadvantages of internal (in the truck bed) versus external tie downs. Thanks There are different types of internal and external mounts, and the truck may affect which works best. In general, external mounts are more common because they make it easy to remove the camper and to adjust the tension for conditions. They are designed to allow some camper movement. Most TorkLift tie downs can be installed through existing holes in the truck frame, unlike other mounts that require drilling through the bed. On the downside external mounts are visible, collect mud, can hit obstacles on some trails, and they require a solid attachment point at each corner of the camper (not all campers are so well made). Internal mounts are hidden but are a pain when you want to remove the camper. They also put more stress on the bed and camper when the truck flexes on rough roads. Internal mounts work best when used in conjunction with special cushioned frame mounts that allow the camper to move independently from the truck's frame; some flatbed or no-bed camper designs use this approach.657Views0likes0CommentsRe: Torklift back at it again!!! Are you kidding me???
Count me as impressed with Torklift customer service. They went out of their way to help me troubleshoot a problem and to replace parts resulting from a poor installation--for free even though the problem was not their doing. The camper manufacturer that did the install was remarkably unhelpful but Torklift came through with flying colors. Kudos!410Views0likes0Comments
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