California CVRA decal question
This question is primarily for CA registered vehicle owners, and I’m not looking for the weight police to chime in on “what is the safe weight my truck can carry”. Background information: Recently purchased a 2013 F350 CC. With a GVWR of 11500lbs. Rating. Traded in a 2006 F350 CC w/ GVWR of 11400lbs. This new truck puts me in a different (higher) GVW range (10,001-15000), which requires I place CVRA decals on my side doors. Didn’t have to place decals on the ’06 F350. I see a lot of newer trucks/camper combos (2011-2013), specifically F350’s and F450, and I don’t see them with the CVRA decals on. The question is do most people in this category of trucks, just not place the decals on the doors and hope CHP doesn’t stop them? Or what? 2nd question….I know normally pick-up trucks do not need to stop at CHP weight stations, but with the CVRA decal on, does that change things?
Can you have your cake and eat it too?
Hi everyone New forum member here with a odd ball can you have your cake and eat it too question? I'm about 3 years out from retirement and in the planning stages of putting together a rig that can meet all my needs. Some background on me I have owned a couple Class A RV's over the years for both full time and part time use as well as tent camping in my younger years. My next camping adventures will combine ATV's on a occasional basis and several trips to the South/Mid West. I'm drawn to TC's for their simplicity and compactness but the truck payload weight limits gets eaten up quickly going up in size than adding cargo. I'm not looking to drag 30' plus foot of equipment behind my truck so trailers, 5'ers and Toy Haulers are a non starter with me. Everything seems to start in the 27' range for entry level RV's that seem to me anyway to be cheaply built. So I said if you can't find it just build it. How about a custom built 22' (floor length) trailer with a 5th wheel hookup. I can place a 10-11' TC on the front and have 11' left on the back for a ATV or Side by Side or Golf Cart. I know the Rock Crawler guys do this with 40' equipment trailers so it should be doable. I'm not talking something thrown together but a well thought out project that is custom built around a TC I choose. The smaller footprint trailer still gives me access to a lot of campgrounds and I have more flexibility for dry camping. My tow vehicle is a 2019 Silverado Dully Duramax. What are your thought on that setup? Thanks Dennis
1978 Fliteway Truck Camper
My DW and I bought a 1978 Fliteway last year. When the camper isn't on the truck, we've been working long and hard at refurbishing and updating it. Other than locating a company (Fliteway Co., Inc. in Manawa, WI) that existed in the late '70's I have not been successful at finding any information, including pictures on this camper. Anyone out there have any knowledge, pictures of, or experience with this one? We're almost done with the interior, and previous owners repainted the exterior - left one logo and the serial number plate untouched. We'd like to find more information on the company and camper - how many were built, if the company still exists & under which name (if it does) and where we can get pieces and parts to finish the refurbishment. Thanks for any information you can supply.
Laminated Fiberglass Walls
Looking at purchasing a new camper. Looking for experiences with the Adventurer 901SB / Arctic Fox 865 I like the 2" R13 insulation of the Adventurer, I dislike the layout and storage. I like the layout and storage of the Arctic Fox but would like there to be something more than the R7? insulation.... (actually, they don't specify what the wall insulation is. Just that it is 5" thick at the crown) What has been everyone's experiences with the laminated aluminum framed walls with either of these campers? How has the build quality been? Have they solved the problem of laminated wall campers coming apart like a cheap watch at the slightest hint of moisture?
Battery charging concerns.
New to RVing. I have purchased a AGM battery to replace the old one. I have read all over the Internet that the RV charger controller may compromise the new battery. 1-Is this true only when connected to 110 V or also while driving and the battery is receiving 12 v from the truck alternator.. 2- For AGM batteries they recommend to charge it after reaching under %50. Do you have a solution?How 4-season are 4 seasons Lances?
Ok, so lots of questions. First off, let me introduce myself. I've got 3 kids who will all be off to college in the next 5 years or so. My wife and I have always loved traveling and we are avid skiers (Me moreso than her). We live in Upstate NY and have 2 dogs and a Cat. So for when the kids go off to college for my next adventure I've settled on getting a truck camper. I've ruled out other vehicles for a few reasons. First, I have some towing needs, that some of the 4x4 vans can't accommodate. My two big goals for the TC are using it to drive to different ski resorts here in the North East, and driving it to fishing spots to fly fish. I will get a 4x4 but have no intentions of wheeling it hard; just rough roads and bad weather. I think I've settled on a Lance 1172 or possibly a 975. I'll mate it to a Ford F550, (possibly super single conversion.) although I haven't decided on the upfitter yet. I have a large shop that I can park it in, that's heated even in the winter. I built it with an RV in mind so large overhead door, electric drop, pull through, etc. So first question, those of you that use your water in the winter I assume you are driving with the heat on? I'm pretty handy and would even consider adding a diesel heater to supplement in the winter. This really works if my wife can hop in and go, take showers, use the toilet etc. She doesn't Ski as much as me and is more than happy to go back and kick back with a book while I chase the last lift. Those of you with the larger Lances what's your experience been? My typical winters here in NY are often down in the single digits (-17C for my Canadian friends) and while I've seen the Lances in person a few times it seems like maybe they'd need a bit more customizing to boost the low end? Do people find the bed warm enough in the really cold? I know some people use the bed systems to get an air gap, etc. We've been to a few RV shows and the Lance seems to fit our needs the best. I like the room versus Bigfoot, and they seem to be a little more modern than Northern Lite, especially now with the Truma heating and AC. Does anyone use the dehumidifier in the winter? Hows that work? I also work remotely and might occasionally take it for customer visits if I can reasonably get away with it, so I'll likely equip it with decent internet. Anyone have any experiences similar to this they care to share? Am I asking too much of it?
