Camper on my 130?

[kellymoe]

Am I nuts for thinking about this? I dont like RTT's and aside from backpacking and back country ski trips I a getting tires of sleeping on the ground. This might not look the part but I am VERY tempted to go this route. What do you think?
http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4services/imgs/demountable_campers/IMG_14158lrg.jpg

 

[kellymoe]

This is my current set up.

 

[SeaRubi]

This is my current set up.

NOOOOOO!!! I've always loved your rig just as it sits! Do you really have the glamping bug that bad? look at how far that thing sticks out. Looks like some godawful F250 my grandfather drove around in Oklahoma :elkgrin:

 

[mtnbike28]

Fail?

I love your truck as it is but agree on the sleeping on the ground part. Is that the FWC Falcon in the link? Since I have the DC Taco I was looking at the Falcon, but the gain is so small. If I were you, I would look into a custom replacement bed like the Soenke (spelling?) FJ4x/FJ80 camper. But just build the box with a hinged pop up and slide out the rear for sleeping length if needed... does that make sense?

 

[muskyman]

Am I nuts for thinking about this? I dont like RTT's and aside from backpacking and back country ski trips I a getting tires of sleeping on the ground. This might not look the part but I am VERY tempted to go this route. What do you think?
http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4services/imgs/demountable_campers/IMG_14158lrg.jpg

Go for it!

If thats what you want and you think it will serve your needs go for it.

I saw a 130 with a pop top camper on it up in canada a number of years back and the family carried a boat on top deep back into the canadian backcountry with it. They seemed to love the rig and I was green with envy as I was loaded to the gills in a old scout and clearly not as comfortable or safe.

Go for it!

 

[fisher205]

Check out the Husky 235 model. http://www.bimobil.com/ but as always... not available here.

 

[Lynn]

Personally, I'd take a small camper over a tent any day. But I admit I'm getting old. Sleeping on the ground was fine back when I was a boy scout.

Plus the setup/take down time is a lot less with a camper.

I like the chassis mount options as mentioned above (Soenke's rocks), but if you get the slide-in you are not fully committed. You could try it out, then sell it and either 1. go back to the old way or 2. build a camper that better meets your needs now that you have better defined them.

Sorry, I don't remember how your current box is set up. I'm assuming you could remove it, and still have the option of putting it back later. If so, what have you got to loose in trying a slide-in?

 

[kellymoe]

I definitely like the slide on option as well as the low profile that will fit under my driveway overhang. As Lynn said I can take it off and go back to my current set up but I have a feeling once it's on it's there to stay. So far this is just a thought but thinking about it very seriously.

BTW the camper in the picture is the FWC Eagle. Alos considering the All Terrain Camper Bobcat.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I'm not a purist by any stretch, but I don't like the look of that camper on that 130. What don't you like about RTT's that you prefer a camper?

 

[kellymoe]

I'm not a purist by any stretch, but I don't like the look of that camper on that 130. What don't you like about RTT's that you prefer a camper?

I have had a few RTT's and dont like the fact that to take a leak you have to either have a pee bottle or make a trip down the ladder. The camper does not have a porta potty which is good but the climb out is easier. RTT's stick up higher, dont offer a place to get out of the elements to cook or kick back in comfort to play cards or whatever you do to pass the time in inclement weather.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

What about the RTT's with vestibules? Eezi-Awn T-top or the like. That'll give you the room. Going to the bathroom is still an issue but... Oh well, nothing is perfect.

 

[Scott Brady]

There were a few FWC on the Nene Overland 130 trucks. They have become quite popular for Africa.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

It's a concession to style I guess, but I'd like it better if they just hadn't used RV aluminum siding on the sides. I assume that's what that is... It just looks more like it belongs on a 1982 F150.

 

[Lynn]

I admit to being a function-over-form type, but I think it looks just fine. 'Course, LR folks tend to be traditionalists.

I'm sure you've factored in the fact that you could remove the slide-in camper and have a functional pickup bed when you're not camping. Or when you are driving to those skiing and backpacking trips.

Add a couple of camper jacks and you could leave the camper as basecamp and explore in the (much lighter now) 130.

Very versatile.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I admit to being a function-over-form type

Me too, but I have limits to how far I'll take that. If it had a flat panel exterior, and didn't overhang the bed, I'd think it was fine.

A friend of mine has a Bigfoot camper in full size Dodge, and it's a nice setup. But I think they're too big for a Defender.