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.
The shag is tight, but its a shag. I would have preferred a lower pile as they are easier to clean in campers. 6- 110 volt outlet on the inside, ONE ?1, 12volt! The 12 volt is used by the TV. Yes, they went cheap!
Yes, the AF has a much better fit and trim than others we looked at, that's why we bought an AF. The window should line up. It should line up, other wise, why bother.
Inverter? Do I have an inverter? NO, oh, do I need an inverter? YES! ok, I'll just buy one, what the heck.
Yeah, its a bit of a disappointment after all we spent on the TC. Am I discouraged and down and out? NO. I will make the best of it, I will over come the business practices of today and enjoy what I will enjoy, otherwise I wouldn't have bought a TC to begin with.
garryk6 wrote: 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
Hello Gary.
I love your Avion, and your adventure to rebuild! I have always liked those Air Streams, the retro look, the solid build, the shinny, expensive look, and yeah they're expensive, but looks so sweet. The Avion has that same appeal. To bad they still don't make em.
Western Sky Ranch wrote: Well, since you asked......
There would be ballistic resistant side panels and windows on all walls and the door. There would be an armored roof hatch with drop down ladder to access the hatch from inside. Hatch would spring up (clam style) to provide back protection if facing rearward. Small square ports would be placed fore and aft as well as at the side walls for.... air ventilation
Solar panels would also be ballistic resistant and be side hinged to spring-up upon release and provide flanking cover for the roof hatch exit. A/C unit would double as turret mount for uh.....ummmmm....... a BBQ!!
Holding tanks would have electric release valves accessible from inside to release contents upon roadway if necessary to....... avoid being overweight!!
All shore connections would have break-away capabilities in case of...... an earthquake!
And that good for nothing pass-through window (yeah right!) would be a submarine hatch retro-fit for quick access to driver's cabin in case..... you forgot your phone charger in the truck cab again.
I'm glad you don't live in my neck of the woods. Otherwise I'd know where all that sewer smell would come from! LOL!
You just need to get an armored bank truck for a TC!
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.
Over the last two weeks I have called Rcikson numerous times, left messages and even emailed them, practically begging them to contact me, to sell me some wheels. NOT ONE FREEKIN' RESPONSE, NOT ONE! So, where will my money go? NOT with Rickson!
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.
Yeah thats right. Too high! I can't win for loosing! Gave Rickson one more try, never got a response! SO, moving on.
Bigfoot and Northern lights were at the top of the list followed by AF. I too liked the clam shell design, but NO slide outs. Interior space in the AF is way better! So, they got DW's vote, and mine I admit.
NorthernLimits wrote: I wouldn't use any wood. Period.
Yeah, NO wood, if that's even possible. The AF is supposed to be an Aluminum Super Structure, as it is advertised; that's the frame only of course. There's still a lot of wood in it. I'll bet the weight difference would be vastly significant if it were all aluminum.
NorthernLimits wrote: I wouldn't use any wood. Period.
Yeah, NO wood, if that's even possible. The AF is supposed to be an Aluminum Super Structure, as it is advertised; that's the frame only of course. There's still a lot of wood in it. I'll bet the weight difference would be vastly significant if it were all aluminum.
Yes, and so would the price! Aluminum is very expensive! It's also expensive to weld.
Western Sky Ranch wrote: ...There would be ballistic resistant side panels and windows on all walls and the door. There would be an armored roof hatch with drop down ladder to access the hatch from inside. Hatch would spring up (clam style) to provide back protection if facing rearward. Small square ports would be placed fore and aft as well as at the side walls for.... air ventilation
Solar panels would also be ballistic resistant and be side hinged to spring-up upon release and provide flanking cover for the roof hatch exit. A/C unit would double as turret mount for uh.....ummmmm....... a BBQ!!
Holding tanks would have electric release valves accessible from inside to release contents upon roadway if necessary to....... avoid being overweight!!
All shore connections would have break-away capabilities in case of...... an earthquake!...
COOL!!
A TC for preppers!
2005 Dodge 3500 SRW, Qcab long bed, NV-6500, diesel, 4WD, Helwig, 9000XL,
Nitto 285/70/17 Terra Grapplers, Honda eu3000Is, custom overload spring perch spacers.
2008 NorthStar Arrow short bed.
How about modular, You buy a camper, set up for industry standard size fixures &appliances- plug & play your choice of options or blank plug.
Easy one would be design the refer to slide in and out, be removeable out the side. Or a semi permanant yet removable rear door frame larger than the pass thru door.
Simple ones though would be nice, most inconveniances if designed in wouldnt cost that much
-like interior access in the floor on basement modles
-easy access or allow for its removal of anything installed in the camper-
-a stove vent designed for an rv instead of metal box with a 12v motor
-an exterior vented oven?
wood? there are inexpensive alternatives to chip board and untreated plywood, at least soak in some glycol or something....
a p-trap on the toilet- never understood that, .
-design overhang rear wing thats not going to eventually rot off.
hmm pet peeves
All in all I like our camper-but the way they are constructed is odd but thats cause we buy them.
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