Truck Bed Camper Exploration Project

[sawtooth4x4]

I sold my roof top tent and my M101A trailer project. With a family of 6 it was a pain to use and set up. I wanted something more convenient and easier to use. Something I can throw on my truck and go for a quick getaway.

So I finally decided on a truck bed camper because I can still pull my Disco behind it to get to harder spots and not destroy the disco pulling a trailer. It does t like towing much.

I picked up this Lance Vista. Its a 1970 something version. No toilet or shower, but I'm okay with that, I wanted something lightweight and easy to use. Its in great shape and very clean.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

Just a couple of pictures.

I have a few ideas for this camper. Some of which include, adding a refrigerator, solar power and some other updates.

 

[boogie_4wheel]

Family of 6 in a TC? We decided to not get a truck camper for the 4 of us (4 and 2 yo kids) and keep the 21' toyhauler just for the room.

Subscribed for your ideas!

 

[sawtooth4x4]

2 adults. 2 kids. 2 babies.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

Who the hell pays someone to do electrical wiring in such a shoddy manner. Every wire was hooked together with masking tape. Nothing electrical was working right in the camper. Now I know why. The previous owner had someone do this. I would kill someone I paid if they did wiring this poorly.

 

[jeeper]

We've had a few different truck campers. They are my wife's favorite set up by far. We decided we couldn't hack it with 3 kids though. This looks like it will be a fun project!

 

[sawtooth4x4]

I made a little progress. I charged up the battery and redid some of the wiring. I'm still in the testing phases, but the lights inside work now. I can charge the campers battery off the truck as well.


I finally found some terminals. And started the cleaning process. I also have a new fuse box to install in the camper.

 

[ID Bronco]

Does it have any jacks? That was my least favorite part of a TC. On and off sucked and the jacks were great in the begining. My brothers, girlfriends, half brother's step mom told me that once you tear off a corner jack, it's never quite right again. lol

 

[sawtooth4x4]

It has two jacks, but they are seperate from the camper. I also get tow sawhorses for it, made from I-Beam. They could probably hold up my house. It comes off fairly easily. But my driveway is slopped with really sucks. I think I'm going to take it off and stick it in the backyard for new. I'm back down to two vehicles, so I need to get it off my truck for now.

 

[Gravy]

I always thought truck bed campers were like treehouses for mice.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

It probably not for everyone. But I'm giving it a shot. It was a cheap investment. And if I don't like it. I can get my money out of it pretty easily. And with kids and a wife, you have to sacrifice some ideals. Its a trade off. When the kids are gone, we'll be able to travel easier. But the kids are still pretty fun and make life more fun. Even if I have a moody teenage boy.

 

[I Lean]

I love my camper! I can't see fitting all your people in one, but I could certainly be wrong.

 

[ID Bronco]

You never have to justify the things you do to be a good Dad or to include your kids. I have five and to me it's what makes life worth living. I love adventures and have probably been accused of doing too many some times (by my wife) but the ones with the kids or at least some of them are my favorites. My moody teenage boys are my best friends and go on most of my adventures. Just make it work for you. I don't "expo" like many because there are too many of us, but we have lots of fun. Good for you!

 

[sawtooth4x4]

I don't "expo". But I want to make weekend trips easier to get to places further south. And just be able to camp along our routes exploring parts of Utah. Most of it will be dirt roads.

With the crewcab diesel it sits on, i should be able to get decent mileage when traveling on dirt roads, and still be comfortable.

I bought a RV fridge for it as well. I need to remove the Ice Box to install it. It runs off propane and electricity.

 

[Pile of parts]

We enjoy our camper. we've done a lot of Jeeping and non-jeeping trips with it. There's only two of us but I guess you can get creative with the kids, and it sure beats a tent. I get about 12 on the highway (pulling the jeep). Dirt roads are ok - just have to take them slow so you don't vibrate the whole camper apart. Trailers sure have more room and comfort but for what we do, it works. Seems like we're always pulling something. I think you'll enjoy it and it will make the weekend trips easier.

 

[RogueJeepr]

Looks huge in there . Should work great for ya.

 

[deepthinker]

It looks a little cramped for a family of 6 but it will do.