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.4.9KViews0likes15CommentsLaminated 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?4.6KViews0likes15CommentsHow 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?10KViews0likes45CommentsTruck bed water tank over fender
I have seen pics, but not links. Looking to buy, or make a aux water tank to sit in the truck bed in that spot forward of the fender that TCs leave empty. I think I could get 20 gallons or more of extra water there. Anyone know of one for sale?2.7KViews0likes10CommentsRam MegaCab with slide-in truck camper
Any Newer (2015-2017) Ram MegaCab 3500 SRW owners with slide-in truck campers? We have very specific needs and am hoping to make this combo work. Looking at Northstar campers with COG at 32 inches (front of bed to center of rear axle). Thanks for your help!15KViews0likes28CommentsJack mounting plate pulled away from camper - repair?
A car backed into one of my front camper jacks and consequently the mounting plate was pulled away from the camper. Fortunately, no serious damage was done to the camper itself but the mounting plate was bent and needs to be straitened at a machine shop. So, my question is what is the best way to re-mount the plate such that the attachment to the camper will be at least as strong as the original install? The TC is a Bigfoot with fiberglass exterior. My plan is to drill out all the screw holes, fill with Gorilla glue and insert appropriately sized wooden dowels. Let dry for several days and then re-drill all holes for the correct screw size and install plate using original screws. Does anyone see a problem with my plan? Is there a better way? I have in fact done this same thing several years ago with a rear jack mount plate. It was successful and I've never had a problem. But of course the front jack bears substantially more weight when removing the camper from the truck so the repair had better be rock-solid! All comments/feedback welcome!18KViews0likes31Comments3D 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.3.2KViews2likes9Comments