hello my name is Rick and I'm addicted to projects- truck camper

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by aigel

Very cool project.

I'd dump the toilet / shower. Who needs that when camping?

G

You ever heard of boondocking ? I'll keep the toilet/shower thank you.

[aigel]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

You ever heard of boondocking ? I'll keep the toilet/shower thank you.

Just terrible to drive around with your crap.

If you are talking real boonies, then it makes no sense. The world is the bathroom and nobody there to smell you!

G

[rfuerst911sc]

Today I used the new lift system for the first time. It has three 12 volt electric motors it was effortless to raise the camper. Slid the dually underneath and lowered it down she fit like a glove. I'll have to either lower the OEM bumper by 4 " or make a custom bumper to allow the camper to move forward another 4-5 ". Today was another major step forward.

[A930Rocket]

Does the lift system stay with the camper on the road? Looks a little cumbersome.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

Does the lift system stay with the camper on the road? Looks a little cumbersome.

Yes it does. Truck camper lift jacks are a compromise. Three or four independant jacks are less cumbersome but not nearly as solid as this lift system. After loading this camper ( once ! ) with the original lift jacks I knew I was going to change to something else. I don't plan on offroading with this rig but I do plan on it being solid as a rock wherever I do stay.

[rfuerst911sc]

WOW where has the time gone ? I originally posted almost 8 years ago ! Anyway a lot has happened since then I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and kicked that to the curb , we bought our retirement house , we moved into that house and I retired a little over a year ago . So the camper is basically in the same shape as it was back then . But most of my projects that held me up for getting to the camper are nearing completion so the camper will be in the hopper soon My goal is to complete her this year and start using her for what I hope to be many trips around the US . Stay tuned for updates

[brock911]

Good to hear, health, retirement and projects.
All the best, enjoy, life‘s too short.

[URY914]

I've been waiting for you to get back to the camper. I'll be watching.

[rfuerst911sc]

brock911 thanks . Hey Paul yeah your not kidding I can't believe it's been this long But I am re-motivated to get back to her I'm hoping to start in April . She is totally gutted of all cabinets/plumbing but still has most of the interior skin in place . I only removed what was needed to get out all the " stuff " I want/need to replace or repair . I have tools and crap scattered inside so first thing will be total removal for a clean slate . Then a scrub down to get rid of mold/dirt/crud . All of the wood repairs have been completed but the " wings " I think I will paint them . The wings basically make up some of the interior base cabinets and dinette . I currently have many coats of varnish on the plywood but I fear once enclosed will be too dark . I'm thinking a simple coat of a light grey paint will work .

I have a little bit of structural work to do in the front bunk area and after that I will paint the interior . Again just a simple light beige color . Cabinets will stay in their natural stained finish . I will put down a new floor a simple vinyl of some type for easy clean up . At that point she can start going together . Completing her this year is a stretch as I do have other projects , 2.5 acres to mow and a part time job 2-3 days a week . But she'll come together and I will document as much as possible . Today I'm starting the repair of the transfer case on " kong " my dually . Need to get that taken care of ( pump leak ) so she stays healthy and ready to carry the camper That's about it for now later guys

[tevake]

wow Rick seeing this old thread show up again put two and two together for me. I hadn't put the camper and your shop, and now boat projects all together with them all being things that you have going on.

Good title on your camper thread, you really do like projects!

And knocking out a bout with cancer to boot, good going there Rick.

That's going to be a very cool camper once you get it back together.

Cheers Richard

[rfuerst911sc]

Dusting off this project AGAIN ! So believe it or not I am almost ready to dig into the camper . I have one project left to do on my new parking garage and then the camper is next . At least that's what I am telling myself Stay tuned for updates .

[DonDavis]

Ok, I think I'll sub to this thread now.
I've been watching the whole time, but I was waiting till you actually began work on the camper.
Sooo, chop chop! Get after it!

[dependencies]

Me too, I've been looking forward to seeing this progress as well!

[rfuerst911sc]

I am almost ashamed I bought this camper 9 years ago and haven't finished her . But it's been a crazy 9 years with many highs and a few lows . But this year she will be a priority . Not committing to it being finished but she will be in work 😁

[Scott Douglas]

Don't you have a nice little boat that acts as a diversion too?

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

Don't you have a nice little boat that acts as a diversion too?

You are correct ........... I am retired and not enough hours in the day 😁

[unclebilly]

With the camper on, how would you lower the spare tire on the dually?

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

With the camper on, how would you lower the spare tire on the dually?

Can't say for sure until I get the camper all the way into the bed . If the rear cross bar of the lift is in the way the easy answer is lower the lift . If I have to change a flat rear tire it's probably easier to remove the camper from the truck . The frame of the lift system that contact's the ground is adjustable for length . The front and rear " hoops " slide inside of the main frame .

When I end up with my final position in the bed I will adjust both hoops to be the least intrusive . Then bolt the hoops in place and be done . I have to make some brackets for the truck frame , the brackets are basically an upside down U . The hoops raise up and into the U locking the camper to the truck .

[rfuerst911sc]

Hello everyone FINALLY back to work on the camper ! I started about two weeks ago I still had to remove the water tank/pump and the battery compartment wall . Today I peeled the old linoleum off the floor , a combination of heat gun and brute force . Now the fun of belt sanding the old backing off the floor . They did not spare one ounce of glue on that floor . But I guess that's part of the reason it's still around after 53 years !

When I get the floor cleaned up I am going to do some reinforcing here and there and then paint it and the wood side that go over the wheel wells of the truck . Those wood sides make up the interior of the base cabinets and with just the varnish on there it's going to be too dark in my opinion . All exposed wood will remain stained/urethaned to keep the old world charm . Anyway here is a pic of the very raw canvas

[URY914]

Go Rick Go!