Steepness
I have a 2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD standard bed lifted 6"and a 2025 wolf Creek 850 installed. I will be pulling my Maravia raft on a trailer with a 36" hitch extension. My question is how steep is "too steep " for me to back my truck in to launch my raft? Main concern being if there is a tippage risk. Most of my rivers do have concrete launches. New to slide in camper game, so thanks for your patience.
How to rig tie downs on a flatbed.
I am trying to figure out the best way to anchor a lance 1040 on a flatbed. I have had the Lance anchored on a flatbed before, but this bed will be different. I am not going to cut holes in the boxes to anchor at the normal manner. Angle the front tiedown forward and the rear tiedown to the back. I have no options for the rear tie down to pull to the rear. It most be straight but angled inward to the bed. Should I put the spring loaded tie down on the front or the back? Or have all 4 spring loaded?3D Printing Success Story
The jack covers on our 2014 Lance 865 had gotten very brittle and I broke one of them when I was washing the camper. After an exhaustive search, I was not able to find any OEM replacement covers for the Atwood jacks. I found someone on Etsy that offered 3d printing services and I was able to have him print/create an entire set of new jack covers for not much more than one OEM replacement cover. OEM: 3D printed: There is a crack in the bottom part of the 3D part. I tried to stretch it around the jack when it was very cold, I am certain if I had warmed up the plastic it would not have split.
Termites in the Camper??
So, in the past, we've had the subterranean variety-the really tough kind to get rid of-and have treated accordingly. For a couple months now, I've been finding wings and some bodies in the driveway and around the outside of the camper. Yesterday, I had the side fridge vent cover off and was cleaning inside when I see several, barely noticeable, teeny-tiny objects scampering around. I look closer...sure enough. Termites! What to do? I've read about and heard of freezing them, but obviously, that ain't gonna happen this time of year, around here. I've also heard about using pulse voltage (need to unplug or remove all electronics). It's recommend specifically for isolated or limited areas that need to be treated, like a camper, I guess. Anyone dealt with this before? Even that's an option, how do I keep from re-infestion? They just live in the ground when there's nothing to chew on.
Parking a Truck Camper at a Tent Only space in Yellowstone
Can I park a Truck Camper at a Tent Only space in Yellowstone? There are some spaces marked as Large Tent Only but with 2 vehicles, for instance. As far as Yellowstone is concerned is my Truck with Camper a vehicle? :) Has anyone used one these Tent Only spaces in Yellowstone with their Truck with Camper?Trip Report:southern France: Provence and Cote d'Azur
hello TC friends, last (Easter) week we travelled to southern France: Provence (the Inland) and Cote d'Azur (the coast line). I want to present some photos and impressions and hope you like it. As I told you at the end of last year we changed to a smaller rig (Nissan Frontier and "TrendUp"-full carbon composite camper. We thought that - due to the age of our children (19 and 15) in the future we would travel only two persons, but..... facts can change quickly: out adult daughter wanted to accompany us. So, this was our maiden voyage - with 4 persons. And all worked perfect, although it was very cosy inside the camper. :) Now I present you the first part of my pictures, in the region of Provence, inland of southern France. village of Sisteron: one way grill in use: yummm: reaching the entrance of Europes largest canyon: the Verdon canyon: good for para gliding: campground at the bottom of a dramatical impressive rock, village Castellane: some local goods in the market: speciality of the Provence are flavored products of lavender like soap: view from the top of the rock: do you see our TC ?: beautiful, little villages: and one of the tiny campgrounds: So long for the moment. Next chapter (when I will find enough time) will be the trip along the coast of the Cote d'Azur: hope you enjoyed our impressions until now. :) cheers Felix
Dometic Compressor Fridge Issue
I’m hoping to tap into the membership’s vast knowledge. I own a 2 year old Northstar TC650. It was optioned with the compressor fridge based on all the good reviews and pluses over the absorption models. It seems to have worked well until now. I started it up and after a few hours checked the temp in the freezer and fridge. The compressor was constantly running and the fridge never got below 50 degrees. The freezer got to -13 degrees. Thinking it might need more time to cool, I left it on for 24 hours with the same results. Clearly the cooling system is pumping but the coldness isn't making it to the fridge. I’m guessing the thermostat is somewhere in the fridge and it never gets cold enough to tell the compressor to stop. I turned everything off and let the fridge sit for a couple days and then fired it up again with the same results. I have done an internet search and very few problems with these fridges have been documented and none describe what I am experiencing. I’m hoping someone can shed some light on this. I have called a couple RV repair Techs and they have no knowledge of compressor fridges. I have reached out to Dometic and still waiting for a response. Thank you in advance.
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?
Newbie Questions
Background - My GF and I have decided to go Full timing for the next couple of months. In the past I have owned a 40' Fifth wheel and 35' TT. I really want something easy to use, tow, and set up. We have decided to try our hand at a truck camper. I want it to be really simple and have narrowed my choice to a Lance 1130 or 1140. I really like the lay out of the 1140 but they are hard to come by in good shape. So mostly likely will end up with a 1130. I think I have found a 2004 1130 in really good shape with a few upgrades with all the available packages when ordered new. I have two large Thule boxes for the top. We also have a 2005 toyota Rav4 5spd with blueox baseplates/tow bar and a braking buddy. I planned on ordering torklift brackets. Almost forgot -my tow vehicle is 1999.5 F350 crewcab 2wd DRW 7.3 auto Questions- first off - Is the 1130 enough space for two active adults not to kill each other? 2. is there some interior mods for baskets or more space for clothes? I remember seeing one but can't find it anymore. 3. we will be TCing in the mountains and I plan on adding insulations to cabinets and and outside storage areas. Anything else I can do to help? within reasons and not pulling off the underbelly 4. did 2004 include storm/double pane windows in the all weather package? 5. Can I use my OEM class IV to tow the toad with a hitch extension? 6. I have bed liner, What else do I need to put TC in my bed. I have read about a bed liner but wondered if insulating sheets would be better. And do I need 2x4 in front of the bed? 5. Where can I get a pass through window gasket? I think that is all for now.. Thanks!! in advance
