Natcoa Posts New posts http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:27:06 +0000 5 are you sagging? http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13480-are-you-sagging/
add one of these: Posted Image

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clicky here and scroll down a bit]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:27:06 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13480-are-you-sagging/ How to leak test your camper http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13479-how-to-leak-test-your-camper/
Step 1: Have DW spray the outside of the camper with hose while you observe from inside....

Scratch that

Step 1: Go out to your camper during the middle of tropical storm Hermine and observe to your hearts delight....check! :thumbs_up:

Posted Image]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:13:36 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13479-how-to-leak-test-your-camper/ what happens when you drive off with your front jacks down http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13478-what-happens-when-you-drive-off-with-your-front-jacks-down/
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Posted Image]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:26:14 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13478-what-happens-when-you-drive-off-with-your-front-jacks-down/ Finally got one! http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13477-finally-got-one/
Bob]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:09:34 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13477-finally-got-one/ Okanogan camper A/C install http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13476-okanogan-camper-ac-install/ xnorp]]> Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:28:17 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13476-okanogan-camper-ac-install/ Organizing stuff http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13472-organizing-stuff/
It has one drawer, four small overhead cabinets (that I can reach but am too short to see into), and maybe three cabinets with limited space, more limited door space, and often require an awkward position to access. I'm not the most organized person, but I'm having a problem trying to figure out how you put the various odd sized things that you need (nesting pots, utensils, lighter, paper plates, band aids, towel, pencil, pen, paper, some clothes, my folding kayak, kayak paddle, pfd, backpack for day hikes, etc.) in these cabinets without everything tumbling out in an avalanche, just like a cartoon. I backpack, so my native inclination is to put the things that will be used together in a stuff sack, shove it in each of these compartments (which, compared to a backpack are gapingly large and alluring), and then when the time comes to open the door, let the avalanche begin, then pick out the correct stuff sack and shove the rest back in, closing the door quickly. Me thinks there MUST be a better way, though. Is there? I don't need to have the place be a Martha Stewart showcase, but if there's a reasonably easy way to organize things, I'd love to hear it. Thanks for any suggestions.

Pringles]]> Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:50:48 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13472-organizing-stuff/ Cab to camper boot or seal http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13470-cab-to-camper-boot-or-seal/ Sun, 05 Sep 2010 19:29:41 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13470-cab-to-camper-boot-or-seal/ Center of Gravity Calculator http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13469-center-of-gravity-calculator/
I don't make any guarantees at all about whether the thing is 100% correct or not. I fancy myself reasonably well equipped to do the simple arithmetic involved, but I should make it clear I am by no means a mechanical engineer. The extent of my CG calculations goes only to "back in the day" when I fooled around with airplanes and outlaw sprint cars. I crashed both of those enterprises - more than once for each - so let your conscience be your guide.

The thing is entirely theoretical. I don't own a truck camper - yet. I constructed the spreadsheet as a part of my buying research. What I have found so far (if my spreadsheet is correct) is that weight is the biggest problem and CG location is not much of a problem.

In a properly designed vehicle, without a camper, but with driver (maybe passengers) and fuel I think the CG is just about where your butt sits (fore / aft - no consideration to uppy downy, left / right).

I have read on forums here and there that the CG must be forward of the rear axle. Well, I HEARD THAT to use a proper southern expression. I don't think one could very successfully drive a rig if the CG (of the combined rig) were anywhere near the rear axle. Keep in mind I'm talking the CG of the thing as a whole. Once in awhile I'll see a post that speaks to the CG being three or four inches forward of the rear axle. This makes me wonder if the writer simply took the published camper CG measurement and just subtracted it from the distance between the front of the truck bed to the rear axle - saw that he had a few inches to spare and called it good. My contention is that, when the two units are put together, they become one unit and the CG of the two individual units goes out the window - one must consider the whole business as one unit.

Ok, to use a line in the movie "Road Warrior" - "I've said my say and done my do" - those so inclined are welcome to download the file and play with it on their own. Surely there must be a mechanical engineer or competent pilot on this forum that can check out the arithmetic of the thing and comment - suggest changes and so on. Notice I said competent pilot - that leaves me out - every airplane or race car I ever drove I broke either a little bit or a lot. Thus this post seeking input. WW

CG Calculator]]> Sun, 05 Sep 2010 17:39:15 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13469-center-of-gravity-calculator/ Rubber Bed Mat http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13468-rubber-bed-mat/ Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:47:53 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13468-rubber-bed-mat/ Camper Guide giveaway http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13465-camper-guide-giveaway/
If you're not familiar with this guide system, it mounts completely on the TC, so nothing is left in the bed. To load your TC, you simply watch your mirrors and back between the jacks. The guides do the rest. Once you feel the "bump", you know you're all the way in. Loading done. No mirrors, buddies, tape or lights. I posted a video I have, not sure if it will work, but look at the pix, for now. Also, there's I attached a 3-D drawing (you'll need to download the latest version of Adobe to see it).
Our prez, Gary has been testing a set for me, if you need a reference. These will be available by the end of the year. They're being produced by Tri-Lynx (Lynx Levelers). PM me with questions.
Rob

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http://s273.photobucket.com/albums/jj228/Torkliftrob/biz/?action=view¤t=guidevid.mp4]]> Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:05:27 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13465-camper-guide-giveaway/ Camping Oregon http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13464-camping-oregon/ We are thinking of camping northern OR. Would like to stay on west side. looking for recommendations. Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:28:10 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13464-camping-oregon/ Scissor steps http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13463-scissor-steps/
Bill]]> Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:23:09 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13463-scissor-steps/ TC trip to OlyPenn and Vancouver Island - suggestions? http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13462-tc-trip-to-olypenn-and-vancouver-island-suggestions/
First off, a little about our goals. We will not be bringing our trailer, but I hope to have a street legal dirt bike on a hitch, just in case. We can use that to go to the ferry terminal or other short trips and leave the rig at the campsite. We'll have an inflatible kayak (we are beginners at that, and this is NOT a sea kayak...just something to paddle around small and/or calm lakes, probably not far from shore. We'll have the dirt bike, not really doing any dirt riding. We don't want to be doing any real long days driving, and maximizing our hang out time in nice spots, doing short hikes, paddling a bit. We want to take a number of the ferries and/or boatrides - but I particularly like the ferries...a sightseeing trip for the price of transportation (at least when a walk-on only.) We may do a few of the touristy things....wouldn't mind doing some whale viewing and that sort of thing, but it will probably be kept to a minimum (diesel and ferries alone will be a small fortune. We mostly boondock or use USFS campsites around here - up there we'll lean towards provincial parks primarily, but certainly along the coasts the best bet is probably pay RV sites. We'd like to stay right on the water where we can, and we'll pay for it if we have to. We don't mind backroads at all, in fact, prefer them with the exception of getting run off the road by logging trucks - but at least in our case we are in a big rig too. I want to see some back roads/back woods, off the beaten track places.

The plan is roughly, as follows:

Leaving here on a Friday evening, and pretty much driving straight out towards the Oly Penn. Originally starting out near Astoria Oregon and going up the coast - but we want to maixmize time on V.I., so we are heading to the OlyPenn first...Hopefully be there Sunday afternoon, probably up the Hoh River. Anyone stay at the NPS campground there? Monday swing around the northern end, maybe try to boondock somewhere near the northern coast...maybe visit Sol Duc Hot Springs? Tuesday morning, drive to Bainbridge Island camp at Faye Bainbridge SP. Ride the ferry as a passenger to Seattle, spend the rest of the day there - catch a Mariners game. We'd probably be aiming to go from Port Angelos to V.I on Wednesday at some point.

Once on V.I., we aren't city people, so we may not do anything in Victoria, but we'll probably head west along the coast. Camp somewhere on that southern end. Then head as far as Port Renfrew, before taking the inland road northward to Port Alberni. A ferry ride down the Alberni Inlet might be cool. Can you do a round trip in one day? Then be heading west to Ucluelet/Tofino area. I hope we can be there before the weekend...but at least BY the weekend. We'll probably not stay in Tofino, but a campground between the two. Spend at least two days there. Then inland again, and head northward to Comox from Port Alberni..... Very unsure from there, if we'll want to go to Campbell River and head into Strathcona Park along that giant Lake? Or furthur north and west towards the coast or what.

Rather than keep going very far north, we might instead hop over to the sunshine coast from what, Comox to Powell River? and head south to Vancouver then back to the US. Or maybe try to sneak up to Whistler for a look-see? If we actually make it to V.I. by Wednesday, we would have until the following Friday to really be heading back. So we'll have roughly 9 days committed to V.I., or V.I. + Sunshine Coast (or even + Whistler) before having to make a beeline back home.

What would you do (focusing on our tendancies) with 9 days in this area. If you can convince me to skip to OlyPenn to have a couple more days on VI we could do that.

Feel free to PM me if you don't want your comments seen by others and I'll keep them to myself.

I appreciate any feedback or comments you all might provide. If timing works out, it might be fun to say hello to some of you guys that live up there and share a beer or a coffee.
Thanks!
BT]]> Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:47:55 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13462-tc-trip-to-olypenn-and-vancouver-island-suggestions/ Traveling Speed http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13461-traveling-speed/ My husband wanted me to ask this questions: What is the safe speed for traveling with a truck camper? Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:30:59 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13461-traveling-speed/ Lake Superior Circle Tour http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13460-lake-superior-circle-tour/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:27:21 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13460-lake-superior-circle-tour/ Calling all Northern Lite camper owners ~ http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13459-calling-all-northern-lite-camper-owners/
We were considering going to a 5er, but were not happy with the fact we would be limited to taking a very small boat in it. We really want to be able to take our 18' Grady White and possibly do some trips with the horses, which isn't possible with a 5er.

We went to the RV show in Springfield, MA last year and stumbled upon the Northern Lite. We fell in love right away. My boyfriend is a boat enthusiast and the idea of a camper that's built like a boat thrills him! We felt the quality of these campers is excellent. Steve spoke with the owner for *what seemed like* hours. We would love to go visit the factory, but would have to fly as we are not able to take enough time off to make a road trip like that (we're still working folks).

So, I'd like some input. What do you love about your Northern Lite? What do you hate about your Northern Lite? If you switched to one, why? If you switched away from one, why & what did you go to?
What dealer did you use? We have been in touch with East End Campers, the dealer 'local' to us. They're nice guys, but we do like to shop around to see who has the sharpest pencil...

Thanks in advance for your input :)
kerin]]> Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:53:00 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13459-calling-all-northern-lite-camper-owners/ Suggestion For Air Compressor http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13458-suggestion-for-air-compressor/ Thks
JerBear]]> Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:38:21 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13458-suggestion-for-air-compressor/ Should I just buy a dually? http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13457-should-i-just-buy-a-dually/
I still dont feel completely safe sometimes. I get that nagging feeling when i hit the bumps in the road or the wind blows hard while driving 65mph. I've NEVER felt out of control. Maybe it's just that i know the door sticker says 10,000#...

The options of going to 19.5" G range tires, and adding adjustable shocks, are the remaining ones I think I have with my truck.

Or I just buy a dually.

What do you think?]]> Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:05:37 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13457-should-i-just-buy-a-dually/ Better prices than TireRack? http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13456-better-prices-than-tirerack/
Alot of folks have mentioned tirerack.com in the past, but so far, the price difference when the shipping costs are counted in negates the value of buying from tire rack as one still has the additional cost of mounting/balancing. Right now, for buying online, unless the price is under a $100 a tire, its still cheaper to go and buy locally with the mounting/balancing included.

So, at this point, I'm curious if anyone is familiar with any other places to shop around for truck tires online?]]> Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:05:29 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13456-better-prices-than-tirerack/ regular cab dually http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13455-regular-cab-dually/
1st post and new to this forum. have a 2011 1 ton dodge CTD dually with a regular cab, that is to say just two doors. i am wondering about the added weight to the front axle when a TC is placed upon the back of your trucks. don't have a camper yet but soon in the market and fact finding. would i be in danger of over loading the front axle with a camper on the back of my truck? i need to look at the gross axle weight rating for my truck but it does not seem as tho the camper would add too much weight.

your opinions please.

david
socal]]> Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:21:37 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13455-regular-cab-dually/ Golf Cart Batteries http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13454-golf-cart-batteries/
We do lots of dry camping where the batteries eventually go into the 11V range, and I like the capacity and the solar charging system I'm using supports a 28 day equalize charge, so a battery that needs water now and then looks like exactly what the doctor ordered.

Does anyone out there have any brand preferences, or suggest brands to stay away from?

So far, there I've found Trojan brand, which claim to have "98% of the golf cart battery market", and another company called U.S. Battery, which looks identical, but about $100 cheaper for the pair of 6 volters.

Thanks!]]> Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:26:06 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13454-golf-cart-batteries/ <![CDATA[I've come crawling back]]> http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13453-ive-come-crawling-back/
I haven't been on this board for a very long time, several years in fact, and for that I apologize. However, it has been a very, very, very difficult past 5 years for my wife and I.

Long story short I suffered a debilitation illness that I barley survived in 2005 and though we thought we were free and clear, my company dissolved my division and I was laid off shortly there after. Unfortunately, I never completed my higher education during my early years and found myself approaching middle age, with a loss of the majority of our income, and ill equipped to replace it. Faced with a job market fraught with ageism compounded by lacking a degree, I went back to college (which is a whole other story in itself).

One thing is for sure, being a college student is the perfect black hole of lifestyle. You can have money and no time, time and no money, or you can have the best of both worlds as a student; no time and no money! On top of this, my health has been up and down and all around, making for a challenging learning experience to say the least.

Fast forward to the present, I completed an A.A. in GIS (think Google Earth), and just graduated with a BBA in MIS Cum Laude, of which DW and I am very proud!

School took every ounce of energy and time I could muster (especially when I was not feeling very well), while everything else in our world had to be put on the back burner, meaning that, the house is falling apart, the camper is falling apart, the truck...is falling apart etc. It can be overwhelming at times.

The good news is that I now have my shiny new degree and I've been hitting the pavement looking for a good J.O.B., and, there are some very promising opportunities that hopefully will pan out shortly. In other words, I'm one job offer away from getting my house back in order (literally) and picking-up our life where it left off...including participating in our beloved truck camping. Then, you'll see whole lot more of me around here again!

All my best,

Mike]]> Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:45:48 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13453-ive-come-crawling-back/ Class A MH http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13452-class-a-mh/ One is do I need a Class A license to drive the class A MH?
second is that can the diesel class A MH pull a 1500 truck with a northstar 850?
Just wondering....]]> Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:18:14 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13452-class-a-mh/ Bigfoot Camper Floor http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13451-bigfoot-camper-floor/ I am the original owner of a 2004 15C9.5FS Bigfoot Truck Camper, I have a problem with a section of floor which is spongy to the touch.
The spongy area is about 8 inches by 12 inches and it is about 20 inches from the door. I don't know if plywood is the floor structure, if it is it may have absorbed moisture & rotted.

 Usage:- I only use the camper a few times during the year & the remaining time it is stored outside on blocks with the front higher than the rear. I keep several dehumidifier containers inside, so humidity should not be an issue. There are no stains on the walls or ceiling or any evidence of leaks.
I live in BC, Canada, so I sent Bigfoot an email today (Aug 28) , asking them about the problem. May take a few days for a response, if at all.

Have any of you had any experiences with spongy floors in Bigfoot Campers & if you did how was it repaired?
]]> Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:55:46 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13451-bigfoot-camper-floor/ My 1st TC is home! Duo Therm 59530 AC requirement? http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13450-my-1st-tc-is-home-duo-therm-59530-ac-requirement/
A view of some other RV sites makes it seem like it came with the right A/C. The Dometic Duo Therm 59530 is so-called "high efficiency," apparently a 13,500 BTU unit with low amp draw. The spec plate says 12 amps on a 15 amp protected circuit. Owners on other RV sites are posting 10-11 amps at start-up, and a continuous draw including only their charger/inverter of around 11.5 amps. One claim of success with a Honda eu2000i generator running the A/C and basic power distribution load in a class C motorhome. I'd like to go with the Honda 2000, understanding that I cut the A/C for the morning pot of coffee. Should that work?]]> Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:45:05 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13450-my-1st-tc-is-home-duo-therm-59530-ac-requirement/ 1/2 ton or 3/4 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13449-12-ton-or-34/
Hopefully somebody out there knows.

Thanks]]> Sat, 28 Aug 2010 02:27:03 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13449-12-ton-or-34/ Onan Generator http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13448-onan-generator/ Last month when I was prepping for my trip next month I took the air cleaner out of the generator for inspection. It was clean and when I reinstalled I realized I did not pay too much attention on how it came out. Got it back in and later went to start the generator. The engine did not turn over. All I hear is a click. Did not know if what I did was related to this issue. Made sure the propane was turned on and turned the stove on to help purge the line. Any thoughts? Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:28:39 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13448-onan-generator/ <![CDATA[My monitor says I'm full of poop...]]> http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13447-my-monitor-says-im-full-of-poop/
I've tried different chemicals to cure this, including the industrial strength stuff and crushed ice and everything. Has anyone found a little right angled sprayer that just maybe sprays a stream of water sideways to clean the sensors, or does anyone else have any ideas on how to cure this?

This isn't a big issue, but I'd like to stop looking down there with a flashlight...

Thanks!

Eric.]]> Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:10:08 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13447-my-monitor-says-im-full-of-poop/ rv fuel tax in Canada http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13445-rv-fuel-tax-in-canada/
Is this so??]]> Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:18:13 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13445-rv-fuel-tax-in-canada/ Seal tech testing http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13444-seal-tech-testing/ I was thinking of having the seal tech 430R performed on my 2004 truck camper. How much does it usally cost? Looking for opinions on this test. Best regards. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:54:49 +0000 http://www.truckcamperforums.com/index.php?/topic/13444-seal-tech-testing/