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RE: Trip Report - Maine to ???
Happy safe travels Anne and Joe! Will try and follow whenever we get a chance. May our paths cross again shortly.
;-)
Rich, Liz, and Hannah
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RichandLiz
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04/24/12 09:31pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ok, how do I get the TC on a trailer.
I did not read through all posts so sorry if any repeat.
Idea 1:
Is the deck of the trailer wide enough for using the current TC jacks? If so, jack up camper to a height above trailer. Run supports under the TC (L-R) to blocks, barrels, jacks....on each side wider than the trailer with TC jacks raised high enough or removed to clear the trailer deck / wheel wells. Place trailer under the TC. Reinstall / raise jacks on the deck or blocks along side the trailer and remove temporary supports. Lower jacks until the TC base sits on the trailer. Grab a cold one!
Idea 2:
Buy LOTS of beer and pizza and invite everyone you know to grab a piece of TC and lift. Watch the toes as you back up!
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RichandLiz
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04/14/12 03:56am |
Truck Campers
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RE: 'new to me truck dream stage' - question about finding info?
Thanks for the pointers!
I am not rushing so unless the perfect deal passes in front of me, I will continue on my research....and ask questions too. I will try and research the various codes while I dream. I hope they are somewhat consistent between years and makes. I was just hoping there was an easier way. The GM Heritage site is kind of what I was looking for, only free would've been better. ;-) I do agree that $50 would be well spent prior to making the final deal. It appears that many (non-TCers) do not know what complete packages they purchased with their truck. All they know is "It's a F-250." "It's a 3/4 ton."
Thanks all!!!
Rich
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RichandLiz
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02/19/12 01:40pm |
Truck Campers
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'new to me truck dream stage' - question about finding info?
I am still in the 'new to me truck dream stage', but I got thinking the other day about all the posts of 250(0) / 350(0), HD, suspension upgrade packages, towing / camper packages, .......
Is there a way to easily identify this information? I know the door sticker will state weights, but what about package upgrades, extra springs packages..... I figure the VIN would give this away, is there a way get all the information? What does one look for / at?
Some of you 'experts' seem real knowledgeable about this information and what to look for. Looking for an easier way than majorly researching all the ins / outs for every year.
I did speak to someone selling a F 250 in a local parking lot, too new for my pocket, and all he could say was that it was a 250, the way he bought it. Those that I see advertised have limited information also, mostly noting trim package.
Thanks for the input.
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RichandLiz
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02/19/12 08:24am |
Truck Campers
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RE: sold the tc today
Good luck Alex....don't be a stranger.
rich & Liz
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RichandLiz
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01/28/12 05:25am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Small kids in the camper
We've had our two year old in the camper. Up at night has not been an issue since we placed her in a pack-n-play, but will need a new plan for next year. I was / am more worried with her leaning on the screen door and falling out the door. It is a long way down. Thinking about some type of slide bolt lock.
Hope the night goes well.
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RichandLiz
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01/28/12 05:21am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ford / Chevy / GMC / Dodge??? Which one?
Thanks for all the information!
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RichandLiz
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10/27/11 03:38am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ford / Chevy / GMC / Dodge??? Which one?
Thanks all and again I have no desire to start trouble. Save your popcorn.
I know I want:
quad cab
4x4
Single rear wheel
be able to haul a smaller TC - I have a small 7' pop-up and am very happy- may go a little bigger, but no desire to go slides and all. I want maneuverability.
be able to go on the beach
be able to pull small utility trailer with TC when needed
be able to collect and haul fire wood for personal use
be able to haul mulch, shrubs, lumber...for personal projects
be able to take off road - but not serious 4 wheeling
Just wondering if there is anything on specs / transmissions / engines / suspension / frames I should be considering. How are they all different?
Other than "I am a ____(place truck here)___ guy" , what it is it that sold you on your brand of truck. What should I be considering.
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RichandLiz
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10/24/11 05:08pm |
Truck Campers
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Ford / Chevy / GMC / Dodge??? Which one?
Please, NO Brand Wars....just the facts please.....
So, I have been dreaming and I think my wife said I should consider looking at a new truck. I really put my 1/2 ton to task between camper and around the house projects. I collect my own firewood throughout the year, lumber, mulch, shrubs, and recently I have been collecting stone for a rock wall. Enough being said, I think, rather I know, I should consider a bigger truck. Of course that means that my TC will eventually need to grow a bit also. I am happy with my TC so I know I will not be going huge with that. Most likely another pop-up with holding tanks and potty or a smaller HS.
My thought is that a 250 / 2500 HD should be fine. It does have the potential to be an everyday driver when my little commuter goes. Under 20 miles RT. Definitely the quad cab as my growing daughter will need room for her and friends. 6' / 8' bed, still go back and forth. I do like the smaller footprint, but the capacity would be nice. 4x4 a must.
I have owned and or driven all brands of cars and trucks. I am not sure I am really attached to any. I usually research big purchases, sometimes too much. I want to be ready when she gives me the pinch and says it is not a dream. This would most likely be my last truck upgrade, at least for a way long time.
Please help with my research and remember...NO Brand Wars. Serious dialog only. I would like to keep the post alive and learn something good.
Which brand would you / did you select and why? Please keep personal feelings out. I am looking for major differences between them. What should I be considering? Suspension, transmission, frame...Also, gas over diesel or vise verse. I am not a real 'gear head' so I may need some technical explanation.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and please BE NICE.
:h - Which one?
Thanks for starting me on my research!
Rich
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RichandLiz
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10/24/11 02:54pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: The saga of the roof
Enjoying following your work. Nice Job!
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RichandLiz
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10/23/11 08:02am |
Truck Campers
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RE: tail lights
I had a connector go bad. I was checking fuses and connections at the light. Since all lights were wired tight and grounds cleaned I made a test bulb and learned that all was good to the receptacle by the hitch. I replaced the 7-pin connector and all was well again. I took that apart and could not find any loose wires. I also tightened the connections, but still could not get it to work. Threw it out.
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RichandLiz
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10/23/11 07:58am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Popup TC emergency exits
My Shadow Cruiser has a sipper across the center of the front panel. Unzip and roll out over the cab of the truck. I let my wife sleep on that side as I know she would be tempted to give me shove during the night.:D
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p125/richandliz/Truck%20Camper/DSCN1645.jpg
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p125/richandliz/Truck%20Camper/DSCN1124.jpg
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RichandLiz
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10/07/11 04:14am |
Truck Campers
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RE: TRuck Campers on the Ferry with Pictures
During our trip around Lake Ontario from Picton in Prince Edward Province on our way to Kingston on Route 33. As we were driving we saw signs for a ferry but did not realize we would need to take it. Lucky for us, we had a front row spot. Felt like I was driving on water.
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p125/richandliz/Canada%20Trip%20Aug%202008/DSCN1747.jpg
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p125/richandliz/Canada%20Trip%20Aug%202008/DSCN1750.jpg
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RichandLiz
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10/07/11 03:57am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Rack Ideas for pop-up
Thanks all!
Alex - sent you a PM. I did not get any pics but would love to see them. I think our roofs were similar.
As for the lift, I know the bolts in the rear or for the lift with a bracket inside. the front of the lift only goes to the overhang bed area. Will have to check how they are installed.
I did check with one (somewhat local) camper place and all they could recommend was the track system or a gutter mount. When I add up the $$, I figure I can have something made that might work better.
Thanks for the responses, any other thoughts????
;-)
Rich
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RichandLiz
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09/28/11 04:06am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Rack Ideas for pop-up
Thanks Silver,
One of those mid-night wake-ups and brain starts brewing from one thought to another.
In addition to previous post:
I have had the canoe up there in the past, see photos. Kayak weighs no more than the canoe. I have lifted the top with the canoe providing 'push support 'so not all pressure is on the lift mechanism. It does however lift with the crank alone and I have had it up there for a few days open without incident (tied a long way down). The current method I must untie completely each time. I would like something more user friendly and be able to keep tied down somewhat should I not remove it. I would still strap the front and rear for the 'over the road' trips. I would rather over-secure than under-secure any load.
I am not sure there is much 'across the top' support on the roof. It feels flimsy. I do know the 'around the outside' is wood. This is why I figure I need to go to the sides.
I would most likely have a local welder build something so I will talk to him about strength, span, and weight. Thinking something like 'Thule bar' size with a small rise off the roof in the center of the canoe area. (@ 1/4 in from front and rear) Wide enough span to support the canoe / kayak, OR possibility of a cargo box for extended trips with light stuff (I know it all adds up, nothing new - just making room for the 2 year old - chairs, bike helmets, extra shoes...bulky light stuff). **Not the 2 year old on the roof - No CPS calls please.**
Thanks for the input!
;-)
Rich
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p125/richandliz/Truck%20Camper/DSCN1549.jpg
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p125/richandliz/Truck%20Camper/DSCN1550.jpg
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RichandLiz
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09/25/11 08:19am |
Truck Campers
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Rack Ideas for pop-up
Looking for some rack ideas for my pop-up TC. Thinking I may need to make something up. Unsure about mounting to the top of the roof with a track system. It just does not seem strong enough. I am thinking I need something that will wrap to the sides where there is plywood. Maybe have an 'inverted L-style' bracket made up that rests on the corner and can be bolted to the side (nuts out as to not catch the canvas). I am thinking the 'inverted L' might place less stress on the sides and bolts (or does this even matter?).
**Ignore the dots. It is the only way I could show the space.**
_____________________
__l...................l__
l..........................l - bolt into side of roof here.
Or do you think I can go straight up from the sides with a bar across.
__________________________
l...........................l
l...........................l
I am looking to mount either my canoe or kayak on the top.
I have seen some pop-ups with bars that seem to be bolted to the fronts and rear is several places, but thinking I want the bars in a bit to better tie things on.
Any thoughts, ideas, pictures would be appreciated. I'm no engineer.
Thanks!
Rich
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RichandLiz
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09/25/11 02:54am |
Truck Campers
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RE: The saga of the roof
Impressive!!
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RichandLiz
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09/25/11 02:35am |
Truck Campers
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RE: We Had to Get Out: Maine, final installment Part III
Thanks for sharing Silver! Glad you got out. Very quiet travel summer for us so enjoy the adventures through others.
;-)
Rich
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RichandLiz
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09/20/11 05:21am |
Truck Campers
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RE: First time out for new toy
Looks like a fun time! Thanks for sharing.
I had one when we lived on Guam. It was great for traversing through the jungle and on the beach. We could get to some pretty secluded places. Nice and light for the sand with a small wheel base to maneuver between all the trees. I did have issues twice where the 4x4 would pop out into neutral (at the worst time of course). The second time I was with others that had the same issue. We pulled the cotter pin that held the 4x4 shifter in place and I never had an issue after that. Seemed to be the popular fix on the island and I felt like I was the only one that did not know at the time. May be something to keep in the back of your noggin'. Miss that Suzuki. People were bidding on it as I was leaving island. I thought I was going to have to leave the keys with a signed title at the airport.
More good times to you!!!!!!
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RichandLiz
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09/17/11 04:59am |
Truck Campers
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RE: loading the TC
Just throwing out another technique.
I measured where on the TC the wings should line up with my bed rails. Front, back, and middle. Placed a piece of tape. Line up the tape and it follows the bed rails as it loads. The tape in the middle and rear help me keep it straight. I either look in my side mirrors or over my left shoulder out the window. Did both sides of camper, but focus mainly on the driver's side. For some reason the other side follows along.;)
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p125/richandliz/Truck%20Camper/DSCN1646.jpg
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p125/richandliz/Truck%20Camper/DSCN1647.jpg
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RichandLiz
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09/17/11 04:41am |
Truck Campers
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