I am building my own camper, just started out with a completely gutted Avion... But If I was starting from scratch, I would want the Avion style upper construction with an Aluminum base-tub to match. Additionally I would have the cabover extended to make a N-S bed vice E-W. I would go with an Engel Fridge/freezer, and most of the interior would be light weight Aluminum or Stainless. I Like the Jalousie windows for ventilation in Warm/or wet weather, but They need a way of winter-cold weather mode... still working on that one. The Cover over the front windows is a great Idea, and may be a mod coming in the future. Lots of Solar and batteries with all LED and an Inverter.... Still trying to keep light-weight, so we will continue to build with the plan of keeping things simple... But I may get over-ruled if comfort gets too compromised... :-0
Garry K
Wife + 4 kids
Retired Military Family.... Alway's on the move....
2002 F350 CCSB 5.4 6spd 4x4 in AK
1966 Avion C-10 Truck Camper
Handbasket wrote: A one-piece molded f'glass roof that wraps a foot or so down the sides and F&R of the camper (think 'inverted boat hull'). Access to the driver's seat from the camper.
Jim, "In my day, there were _nine_ planets."
I'd rather have the front wrap around onto the roof and sides. The front sees 70mph+ driving rain; the roof doesn't.
synergy_58 wrote: Lots of great idea! I probably would have never thought of many of these things, well, maybe eventually, but really neat ideas. Quality is the biggest issue for me. There are a few things that AF went cheap on, and they didn't have to, which sucks. My expectations are simple with what I have at this point, as a first experience consumer that is.
But, as I mentioned, the carpeting, really? I mean come on brown shag! How much does this stuff cost anyway, it's a small piece for goodness sakes. It seems that the more I look, the more I find just how cheap camper manufacturers are, have become. TC's aren't cheap, by far. In comparison, one could buy a whole lot more in quality and amenities in a TT for what one pays for a TC. Of course, I know why we like TC's over TT's.
Yes, an inverter, outlets, a CENTERED access window that lines up with my truck sliding window...what is up with that crap, why have the window?
Don't get me wrong, we love our new AF TC, but PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS PEOPLE! we're the customers here, keeping the industry in business, right?
Anyway, please keep sharing your thoughts, this is good stuff. It generates great ideas for all to share!
You must have a different AF TC than I have.
My carpet is all tight knit and a very nice color and quailty for an RV (its certainly not shag).
The overall fit and finish in my AF TC is better than all the other RV's that I owned (this is my 4th one).
I personally would prefer to install my own inverter (like I did), and have it hooked up the way I want it.
I have 9 factory 110 volt outlets. More than ample in my opinion.
I agree that the cabover window is not centered with the truck, but for us its just another area for ventilation. We have no need to reach thru such a small window, or even look thru it for that matter.
2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 dually D/A, Supersprings, Stable Loads, Bilstein Shocks, Hellwig Sway Bar, Front Timbrens.
2010 Arctic Fox 1140 DB, 220 watts solar, custom 4 in 1 "U" shaped dinette/couch, 59 interior and exterior mods to date and still adding
SoCalDesertRider wrote: ...truck would run 285/75-18E all terrain tires with 4080 lb weight rating on custom 18x8 heavy duty steel wheels with matching weight rating, for max 8160 lb rear axle/tire/wheel load capacity....
So, your idea of wheels and tires, is this the perfect set-up, would this work best for my needs? Did we discuss this already, this size combo?
I still can't get through to Rickson, through trying. But, I sure would rather have aluminum wheels. You think 18" is a better size with a better selection of tires?
The 18" 285-E tire/wheel setup I described would indeed work very well for you, I believe. The 18" wheel diameter does indeed have a good selection of available tire choices, better than 17" and 19.5".
However, 285/75-18E AT's being a good choice is aside from the fact that they are about 35" diameter. I remember that was one thing you said you wanted to avoid was having taller than stock tires. I would have no problem running 35" tires, with the right axle ratio for the application. I run 33" tires on my truck currently.
I'm a fan of heavy duty steel wheels. Not much of a fan of aluminum wheels, though many are indeed quite good.
Handbasket wrote: A one-piece molded f'glass roof that wraps a foot or so down the sides and F&R of the camper (think 'inverted boat hull'). Access to the driver's seat from the camper.
Jim, "In my day, there were _nine_ planets."
I'd rather have the front wrap around onto the roof and sides. The front sees 70mph+ driving rain; the roof doesn't.
How about a top/bottom halves clam shell design, like Bigfoot and Northern Lite use?
Many great ideas so far, my changes would be to keep the fiberglass shell that I have now, but with a bottom for a flat deck (a lot more room) and make it more of a 4 season camper by using a cassette toilet and better shut offs for the outside shower, city water connection.
Also add in another spot for a battery and solar but I think that has been mentioned.
2002 GMC 2500HD 4x4 4 Door
1992 Northern Lite 9'- 6" Camper
Homemade Cargo Trailer for hauling supplies
Advanced Elements Kayaks
Border Collie Guard Dog
I went with Rickson rims and Bridgestone tires, last year. To my disappointment, I can only get E rating out of the 225/70R19.5 tires. I ordered F range tires, but due to the Accuride rims that are only rated at 80# pressure, I ride on an E rating.
I did pick up some safety factor that I was looking for BUT not exactly what I had planned. Not only that, Bridgestone does not recommend airing down to less than 70# only on these duals ... the singles are not recommended at less than 80#.
If I were to do it again, I would find some Medium duty (10 bolt) rims and have Steel bolt-on adapters made to convert from my bolt pattern to the newer bolt pattern.
Just my personal experience, but if 225/70R19.5 @ 3000/tire dual and 3195/tire single helps you out, then go for it.
Combat Vietnam VeteranSupport our troops for serving our great country.
1997 Veri Lite RL1200 on a '02, K3500, CC, DRW, 8.1L, Allison, 4.1 gears, Bridgestone 225/70R19.5 tires.
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