RE: 19.5s F, G, H - What are you running?
I bought my 265x70x19.5 Michelan tires used at about 80% or better already mounted on Visions. They are 34.2" tall. I have them on my leveled 2002 F350. With the little 5.4 gasser motor and the 6 speed manual, I enjoy using granny gear to get going, since I still have 3.73 gears. Even fully loaded, weighing 10,500 to 11,500(coming back to the island after hitting home depot after our vacation to the mainland) the truck does just fine and gets 13 to 15 mpg! I know the auto tranny guys would have a tough time pulling the taller tires without a gear change, but with the ZF-6 it works well. My tires are also the load range G. Nice not to worry about exceeding tire capacity!
Good Luck on your choice!
Garry, Kodiak, AK
RE: Using pickup for work
If you get a small trailer or dolly to keep the one not in service on, it would make storing and moving we pen needed easier... Just a thought.
Garry
RE: Build a propane box (inside)?
When I re did my 1966 Avion, I looked at various ways to address propane. The original location was in a tin box in the back left wing with a vented external door. But two problems... The original two upright bottles were tall and skinny and I didnt have them. So since I needed to move weight forward, and I was going to an Engle fridge, I used the old refrigerator door, and made a sealed box behind it, and mounted a horizontal 5 gallon bottle. The fridge door was ventilated more tha the original door in the wing. I know the OP didn't want to add a door,, but since the discussion bounced around as to ideas, ... I thought I could add this one.
Garry in AK
RE: Avion camper rebuilds - dozens of photos
I suggested to Steve that the Avions camp together at the Expo in Flagstaff. I hope that anyone with an Avion feels free to come to the event whether or not they're in the reserved area. As Sleepy said, this is turning out to be a huge event. I believe that the Great Whazoo will be part of our group among many others. So, Avions, I hope to see you there. Looking at you Ticki.
I too would love to make it... But just driving down to Flagstaff would take me over a week, then just to get to a highway to drive on is a 14 hour ferry ride to Homer, AK which is about $1200 for my truck, camper and family of 6.
It would be alot of driving, at least 3 weeks off work, and alot of $$$... Hope to hear lots of good trip reports though!!!
Garry in Kodiak, AK
RE: Best Truck Camper - Opinions and Advice Wanted
As far as the F-Series 250-350 SRW, it should be noted that the difference in weight rating/cargo cap. is strictly on paper. There is no physical difference in the two except for the 2" block spacer between the leaf springs and axle housing. Yes, there are different wheels, tire options w/different load caps., but that's it. People get hung up getting a 350 over a 250. "Oh you gotta get an F350 to carry X camper". Well, there is no difference between the two. Even further, a gas powered F250 vs diesel F350 has a higher rating. Again, all on paper. The trucks are identical otherwise.
I saw a post here where someone stated that with a F350 you get a "heavier frame" and "thicker springs" over the 250. Not true. At least not with any later model F350.
Obviously, a DRW has higher rating.
This is not entirely correct. The OP has a 2001, the bodybuilders layout book is available online for free from Ford. For the 2001 diesel, you will find that the 250 SRW the GAWR and spring capacity is 6084 lbs. The 350 SRW is 6830 lbs. The 350 DRW is 8250 lbs.
The axles and brakes appear to be the same, 250/350/SRW/DRW. Also the frame channels are the same. The springs are a bit different in dimensions and rates.
Correct. Very little difference. The only things that REALLY separate the two ratings are some optional packages, towing, camper etc. Even more so on circa 2001 trucks. Some 250's got aux. springs (overload) depending on aforementioned packages which increased ratings, all 350's got them. Again, it's mostly paper weight difference for legality and safety. I'm not disputing that point nor should anyone think that they can increase their "paper" payload cap. by adding anything. However, my point is, you can physically make some 250's a 350 by simply adding aux. springs and a 2" or 4" rear block, respectively because that's all Ford did. That, and change the badge on the fender. But, since the OP's vehicle title says "Ford F250", and is rated as such, that's all it is and all it will ever be even though it physically doesn't take much to "make it" into a 350
As another example, I have a 2005 F350 FX4. Yet, the truck isn't factory "certified" for a slide in camper. Many people erroneously think that the FX4 package is an increase in GVWR or is a "camper package". It's not. It's two skid plates and some cheapo Rancho shocks. That's it. IMO, it's a silly package.
Anyone doing any serious off roading would use correct skid plates that protect more than the transfer case and fuel tank. Anyway....
I am all too familiar with the Ford Spring issues. Fortunately my 2002 F350 gas/6spd was pretty well equipped when I started to prepare if for camper duty to shift over from a Class C MH to a TC.
These are the things that I had to do to make the truck comfortable hauling my 10ft Avion (on a 6 3/4 ft bed) and be able to tow a trailer too.
Added Stable-Loads to the factory overload spring
Added Rancho RS-9000 adjustable shocks
Added a Helwig Sway bar to the rear (none-factory)
Added 19.5 Vision wheels and Michellan 265-70-19.5 Load Range G tires
Added Torklift tie-downs
Added Super Hitch and 32" Super-Truss
Added Firestone Airbags (only necessary due to adding the SuperHitch for towing...) 9Can't air them up too much because then the stable-loads disengage the overlaod springs == sway)
For an example, my door tag states that I have a GVRW of 9600 lbs. With the camper alone, all the family of 6, Camper wet and gear for a week I scale out at 10,200 lbs.
Now I know the weight police will have a field-day, but these are real numbers. I have now driven this set up all over Alaska, even over the Denali Highway (136 miles of gravel trail/road) without a problem. Feels very safe, and even with my little 5.4 V-8 gas, I was getting 13 to 15 mpg on the highways cruising 55 to 60.
On our trip home, we usually stop in Anchorage or Kenai and stock up at Home Depot for remodeling supplies to bring home in the TC to save on cost and shipping. After the last run, I weighed it with all the remodeling supplies. I was at 11,600. I was still under my axle weights and my tire weights. The truck drove just fine, though if I had already had the air-bags then, I would have added a few psi to the bags. I am real cognizant of my COG, since I am carrying a non-extended cab, 10 ft camper on a CCSB F350. But I still have less overhang out the rear than many of the 11 to 12 ft TC's, as evidenced by the need for only a 32" Super-truss.
Bottom line, since your F250 is a close cousin to my F350, You could do all the modifications to allow your truck to handle the weight, but the end result will still not satisfy the weight police. They will be going by your door sticker. And since I understand that Canada can be very sticky on this regard, you might be better served looking at either the Living Lite all aluminum TC's' or the pop-ups. I hope this has helped you to see what even us F350 owners have to do to allow our trucks to haul heavy TC's (and I have a fairly "light" TC!)
Good Luck!
Garry in Kodiak, AK
RE: So what did you do to your Truck Camper today?
Well, Loaded up the Avion a week ago to move it due to 2 dump truck loads of logs delivered. Drove it all week. Saw a new camper at work, and we ended up parking near each other.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/DSC09095_zpse5e8c469.jpg width=600
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/DSC09096_zps91cde53a.jpg width=600
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/DSC09099_zps3814be88.jpg width=600
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/DSC09098_zpsbed44d50.jpg width=600
Avion looks a bit smaller than the Lance!
Garry in AK
RE: Truck Prep For TC
Hello all!
I'm prepping my 2005 f-250 shortbed crew cab for a TC. So far I have a 2nd battery mounted under the hood, an AGM deep cycle. My other thing I am going to do is replace the power lines going to the 7 way trailer plug with 8 gauge right to the deep cycle with a 40amp fuse at the battery. The deep cycle will be the camper battery as its isolated from the truck once the ignition switch is anywhere but the run position.
Other than adding some torque lift tie downs, I think I'm good to go. Any other thoughts on this setup?
I prepped my 2002 F350 before I found my TC. If your 250 does not have the factory overloads, please do yourself a favor. Find a set and put them on your truck, along with a set of StableLoads. Much better than airbags. Also, if you are SRW, either keep your TC smaller, or look for a set of 19.5 rims a nd tires.
Good Luck!
Garry in AK
RE: 19.5 inch tires - ride reports ?
I just took off the winter 235x85x16 studded load range E's, and installed the 265x70x19.5 Load Range G All terrain tires and Vision wheels. And loaded up the TC, all on Friday. Not because of going camping, but due to having two 10yd dump truck loads of logs dumped where the TC usually parks. So I am daily driving with the 19.5 and camper. With the Camper the ride is good, and relatively comfortable. Daily I drive frost heaved roads, pot holes and many gravel access roads here in Alaska. Last summer after our vacation I unloaded the TC and commuted for a few weeks with the 19.5's, and even with the RS9000's dialed softer, it is a harsh ride, especially with our not-so-smooth roads. But while on vacation last summer, I left the TC, my wife and two youngest at a Camp Ground, while my middle son and I wont to Boy Scout Camp, and on the roads around Anchorage and north to the Camp the ride was very tolerable, still harsh, but with the road conditions being far better, the tires were not as noticeable.
So I say that as it will be a large factor of where you drive whether the 19.5 tires are acceptable to you or not for driving empty.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/Summer%202012/DSC07826.jpg width=600
Garry
RE: converting jacks??????
I would love to convert my jacks but that is a lot of $$$$. I want a DC fridge first!!! :C
Get the Engel!! You will love it!!! We love ours!
Garry in Kodiak, AK
RE: So what did you do to your Truck Camper today?
Well not technically "today" but Friday I loaded the Avion onto the truck, after pulling the studded snow tires from the F350, and reinstalled the 19.5's. Now to get the Avion cleaned up inside, and restocked for the summer camping season! It's only 22F right now, but bright and sun-shinny. Also got a chance to install the Super-truss and the fit is perfect!
Reason for loading this early in Alaska?
Had to make room for two 10yd dump truck loads of logs for firewood...
Garry in AK
RE: OLYMPIAN WAVE 6 INSTALL - OUTFITTER APEX 8
For all wave catalytic owners.... We have the Wave 3 installed in our 1966 Avion TC. Last summer we took a drive around Alaska, mom, dad plus 3. One evening in Tangle Lakes AK, we had the wave going since it was about 35* F outside. All was good all night till the next morning, one of our 10yo twins threw the foam cushion he had been using on the dinette back towards the bathroom. The next thing I notice was a really foul hot smell. The foam cushion had a scorch spot, and was about to liquefy!
With yours mounted near the bed I would be careful that no bedding falls down while you are in bed sleeping...
Just a precaution, from experience....
RE: bit the bullett
You may want Stable-Loads for your overload springs, but I doubt you will need bags. If it wasn't for my additional hitch weight, the Stable-Loads would have been enough on my lessor truck.
X2 I have a SRW F350 CCSB, and the Stable loads were fine for my TC, but now that I have my Super-hitch, I added the Air Bags to compensate for the added tongue weight. Not towing heavy, but didn't want to squat either!
As for the 6.0, I had pretty good luck with mine in my Excursion, but ended up selling it because I came to the conclusion that owning a diesel on a little Island in the pacific, with no highways and minimal roads is not great, especially with the marine air. I had one issue while under warranty that because it was our weekend family rig, the variable vanes in the turbo seized due to the marine air and corrosion which ended up causing an over-boost condition while pulling a heavy "fair" booth for the boy-scouts that blew a hole in the plastic line between the turbo and the inter-cooler. Ford covered it, and ended up replacing the turbo with the upgraded 2006 and later turbo, when the rebuild didn't seem to pan out.
RE: Moving (Jed Klampet style) with TC?
With your 1191, you are going to need a good extension. I just picked up a used Superhithc, and 36" Supertruss from Craigslist for $300! Had to ship it to Alaska, but total investment was $500, so still much less than new. You will want weight distribution hitch as well, as a Supertruss. And to keep your nose out of the air, airbags are helpful to keep your headlights on the road vice in the clouds.;)
Good luck,
Garry in AK
RE: Mattress and Insulation Upgrade
Hey Mike, great blog. We're finishing up the 67 Avion and are looking at options in mattresses for the cab over and bolsters for the fold out bed. Our sizes are a little awkward: the cabover is 42" x 84" for instance.I imagine that your comments are about an off the shelf mattress that is an easy replacement. Custom sizes with the modern foam materials may be very expensive, no?
I ordered my memory foam mattress for our Avion from Amazon, with free shipping. For the mattress, we extended the bed area so a full "full" mattress would fit. But for our cushions on the dinette, I ordered the correct size covers from EBay, then ordered a king memory foam 6 inch mattress. Then I cut it while it was stilll "growing" after taking it out if the vacuum shrink wrap. Stuffed it into the covers, and then as it grew, we have a nice snug fit!
All that for much less than an upholstery shop.
Garry
RE: my four season mods
If you haven't already seen it, take a look at a product called "Reflectix" it is like bubble wrap, but has an aluminized covering. We used it on the winterization of our Avion, and it works very well! If you look back on the Avion rebuild thread back in the teens pages or so, you can see how I used it under the water tank, and in all the cabinets. We also made coverings for all the windows which made a HUGE difference. Especially when the temperatures dropped below Zero.
Keep up the good work!
Garry in AK.
RE: Superhitch / Rack Combination?
My set up is different than most, since I have a set of stairs usually used on tall travel trailers, not campers attached to the back of my TC...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/1966%20Avion%20Camper%20remodel/DSC06021.jpg width=640
So my rack needs to be flush I the top of the truss and sit back towards the bumper, as the truss wil"just" clear the bottom of the steps.
RE: Superhitch / Rack Combination?
How do you plan to attach it?
Still trying to decide...
Have thought about straps/clamps as I don't want to weld it, or drill and bolt it...
Do you have any thoughts on this?
Thanks!
Garry
Superhitch / Rack Combination?
Lately there have been alot of other threads on front mounted hitch racks and generator storage. I still plan to make one that mounts to my Snow Plow Mounts.
But last night I finally got my Superhitch and truss mounted and happened to grab an old "htch-haul" that we had used on our old class C MH to see if this would work. and based on my measurements should work great! Just have to figure the best way to mount the basket to the supertruss.... ;-)
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/DSC09027_zpsf26aee62.jpg width=600
Got the new superhitch mounted. It is a 36" extension hole to hole. This will move my ball mount to just behind the steps of the Avion.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/DSC09024_zps30815cec.jpg width=600
I set an old "hitch-haul" I had from our old motorhome, and the tray will fit perfectly between the bumper and the set of steps that hang from the back of the Avion. This should be a perfect place to carry fire wood, or generator fuel or even our little barbecue!
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/DSC09035_zps5ce32983.jpg width=600
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/DSC09039_zps7692abef.jpg width=600
Garry in AK
RE: Avion camper rebuilds - dozens of photos
Well, not directly related to the Avion, but for the truck that carries it!
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/DSC09027_zpsf26aee62.jpg width=600
Got the new superhitch mounted. It is a 36" extension hole to hole. This will move my ball mount to just behind the steps of the Avion.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/DSC09024_zps30815cec.jpg width=600
I set an old "hitch-haul" I had from our old motorhome, and the tray will fit perfectly between the bumper and the set of steps that hang from the back of the Avion. This should be a perfect place to carry fire wood, or generator fuel or even our little barbecue!
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/DSC09035_zps5ce32983.jpg width=600
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d92/garryk6/DSC09039_zps7692abef.jpg width=600
Garry in AK
