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RE: I was right...bought a SRW.
We now leave the camper on all the time so (sizewise) it would make no difference with DRW or SRW-----we WOULD have bought a SRW truck but they don't have the load capacity without aftermarket mods. to legally carry our camper.
We HAVE thought of selling our rig and buying a normal motorhome (because that is what we now have) BUT to lose our Cummins AND 4x4 is too big a price to pay !!!!!!
Nigel & Pamala---UK
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sundowners
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08/21/12 06:57am |
Truck Campers
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RE: I was right...bought a SRW.
Hi
We have done a lot of gravel roads with our dually---these are not so much of a problem-----where we ruined the side-wall of a near new tyre was on a rough 'donky track' --not gravel but a track on natural ground rock----the rock we picked up was an odd shape a bit bigger than a golf ball, it was the SECOND on that day---the first one came out on it's own---with a helava BANG !!------on a road you can feel it, but on a slow, rough track you can't tell it's there------this was in Portugal last winter.
Nigel & Pamala------Stratford Upon Avon----UK
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sundowners
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08/21/12 06:46am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Western USA 2013 plans
Hi Steve
we saw a lot of rented 4x4 truck-campers in Canada and Alaska, but don't know where they were hired from (we believe some were from Washington ??)-------------truck campers are quite rare further South------at least we didn't many.
I think a compact size would be more important than 4x4-----but, of course, it depends where you want to go---and the weather!!!!!!
I think the only 4x4 camper we saw in 17,500 miles was a German Unimog!!---the Americans don't go for off-road vehicles like the Aussies do!!!!
Seems a crime to go for such a short time---but that beats NOT going-----trouble is, there is sooo much to see in US you couldn't see it all in a lifetime
We WILL meet up----somewhere !!!
Nigel & Pamala------sunny Stratford Upon Avon
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sundowners
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08/20/12 05:36pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Trip report: A weekend 4-wheeling
Looks like you had a great weekend---you were lucky with the weather----PLENTY of mud after all the rain we have had.
We have 'retired' from our mud-plugging days but we still love our 4x4 truck and often have to help the RV's/m-homes that we hang about with LOL.
Looks like you cracked it with your battery.
You should be playing in the sand this winter (with a bit of luck !!)
Nigel & Pamala
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sundowners
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07/25/12 04:07pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Sealing aluminum roof
Hi
I use Sikaflex or Soudaflex both supurb products
Nigel & Pamala------red hot Suffolk--UK ----(29C)
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sundowners
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07/24/12 05:38am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Why do you camp, and why a truck camper?
We have travelled quite a bit, mostly by Land Rover and caravan (small travel trailer) or with a roof tent. We bought an old 5er and f250 which we enjoyed for a few years, then swapped the truck for a dually Cummins Ram. We knew of truck campers from Australia, but they are very rare in Europe, then a big one came up for sale near us, we bought it and used it mostly to go to shows with our 4x4 business, then got into a m/home group. When we retired we did a road trip in the US----bought a newer Ram and old Lance----we did 17,500 miles from TX to AK and back---shipped it to UK---sold the other rig. We now have a 5er that is just 2 years old but after spending the winter travelling around Spain & Portugal mainly off site and alone, have decided to sell the 5er and continue to use the truck/camper--we just love being sooo free, and being able to wild camp (boon dock) so easily-----we just love 4x4 and the Cummins power, a couple of weeks ago we pulled out a bogged 16 ton RV-----we love our rig
Nigel & Pamala----Suffolk ----UK
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sundowners
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07/21/12 03:14pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Rock and roll suspension
Can you increase tyre pressures ?? this makes a huge difference-----after replacing those worn parts of course !!!
Nigel & Pamala
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sundowners
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07/21/12 04:31am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Solar, battery and charging questions
Hi Steve
I only put the C-tek charger on when we need it---usually on the little genny---it is MXS-25-----after reading this thread I see that you should not use the de-sulphate ?? mode with AGM batteries, this is manually selected so no problems with AGM-----our camper batteries are lead/acid----just AGM on the truck. C-tek are quite expensive but very clever chargers.
I do leave the solar on all the time.
I fitted a plug between the 2nd battery and camper so that I can leave the battery in the bed when the camper is off.
I do have to replace the wire from truck alt. to camper as it is very small and I don't think we are getting full charge to camper when driving.
Nigel & Pamala-----SUNNY Suffolk---UK
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sundowners
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07/21/12 04:24am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Solar, battery and charging questions
Hi Steve
We just fitted an 80w solar panel, so added a second battery, last year we fitted a C-tec 25 amp charger----the second battery is in the bed in front of the w/arch. The last 2 weeks we have been at a m/home--RV meet without EHU. With the terrible weather everything worked just fine----I did run things a bit low re-charging Pamala's mobility scooter, we ran the little honda genny for a short time and with the good quality charger soon had full batteries again.
I really don't think that our system would run a compressor fridge though--- (maybe a small Engel would work)
We have really set the system up for the winter in the South. Though I have yet to sort the supports to tilt the panel to the low winter sun.
We still have only 190amps of battery (plus new Optimas on the truck that can lend a bit if pushed !!!
Should be heading away after New-Year this winter
We will catch up with you ---somewhere
Nigel & Pamala----soggy Suffolk--UK
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sundowners
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07/20/12 03:30pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Towing a boat
Hi
you have 'AL-KO' in USA-----they make trailer brakes that allow you to reverse without the brakes working-(it's in the hub/drum unit)----these are compulsory in Europe on any trailer over 750Kg with over-run brakes (surge).
The only trailers with electric brakes are imported American ones---all other trailers over 3500Kg have air/hyd brakes
Nigel & Pamala--------soggy Suffolk---UK
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sundowners
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07/19/12 01:16pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: older camper in a new truck
I have re-fitted the original bump-stops on the front on our Lance today-----when putting the camper back on the truck, I was amazed at how close it came to hitting the rear lights--less than 1/4 inch clearance !!-----next time its off I will put a strip of 3/4 board against the headboard.
I also added a 2'' piece of polystyrene under the 3/4 ply board in the bed to help protect the cab roof from further damage ! ( I have removed 1 sheet of board) The foam board is lighter----we are away for this weekend. so will see how it settles down.
Nigel & Pamala----Suffolk UK
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sundowners
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06/12/12 04:43pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: What's behind the name? Screen name that is.
Hi
SUNDOWNERS
A Sundowner is an Australian hobo--always on the move---sleeps where he is when the sun goes down----we spent several years in OZ.(travelling with a Land Rover & caravan (travel trailer) most of the time) and really feel a bit Aussie-----we have spent our lives on the move, so feel it suits us.
Nigel & Pamala
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sundowners
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06/05/12 03:33am |
Truck Campers
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RE: raising camper to clear truck roof
Hi
We have had two sheets of 3/4 ply since we got the camper---but now I am replacing one of them with a 2'' sheet of polystyrene---the camper has hit the cab roof marker lights quite a few times on rough roads (even though we are carefull)----so instead of 1 1/2'' we will have 2 3/4''------it will make the camper a little higher for gas stations/low bridges but will help the preserve the truck's roof !! I will keep an eye on the foam sheet to see if it crushes, if it does, it should only be the very front and rear where the camper tries to roll fore/aft on speed bumps/sharp dips. An added piece of timber would fix that.
Nigel & Pamala-------soggy Suffolk----UK
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sundowners
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06/03/12 04:35am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Choosing tough & versatile tires for 2500 CTD with camper
Hi
Tyres !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so many choices!!!!!!!
My fovourite has always been (and still is) BFG------my past experience with several different types on different vehicles has been ALL GOOD.
When the 'Rugged Trail' on our Dodge 3500 were due for replacing (after fantastic service, inc. a run up Alaska Highway and Dalton Highway) We wanted the same---------but not available in the UK:( then we saw a set of NEW Firestone Transforce in our size on Ebay UK---we bought them for about 1/4 of shop price (they were taken off new imported trucks to be replaced by massive alloys and tyres)
While driving on some really rough tracks in Portugal I got a rock between the duals and wrecked one----would that have happened with BFGs ??????? we will never know-----BUT the transforce tyres have been really good, they handle well and are quiet.
I wish you the very best, with whatever you choose.
BTW---I have found (with an unloaded truck) that wider tyres do 'float' more on dry gravel.
Nigel & Pamala-------soggy Suffolf, UK
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sundowners
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06/03/12 04:07am |
Truck Campers
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