new guy questions: 2008 northstar MC600 (new to us) on 2010 Tacoma

[ooakui]

Howdy, We bought this camper a couple years ago but due to various problems are just starting to use it now. I have a few questions that some of you may be able to answer.
1. I read a thread about using the camper off of the truck, but the owners manual says that it needs to be braced under the floor when it is off the truck. Perhaps for this year model that is true?
2. Is there any way of easily swinging the happijacks to a horizontal position for travel (to avoid damage when on deeply rutted roads)?
3. The previous owners had attached swivel casters to the jack feet to facilitate moving around on concrete, which we have little of. Is this a good idea or could it lead to damage?
4. I am going to replace the incandescent and fluorescent lights in the camper to decrease power usage when we are without plug in power. Any hints as to sources/procedures?
I am also new to the forum so would appreciate any hints for navigating/finding answers.
Thanks. -Rob-

 

[Regcabguy]

1. Accurate.
2. I know of no way to move the jacks to a horizontal position. I'd just leave them at home.
3.The casters wouldn't work well on dirt.
4. E-Bay is a good source of LED accessories.

 

[dizzyspots]

My TC650 CAN be used off truck without support...our old Starcraft could NOT..we carried 4 of the aluminum "tripod" style screw jacks..the stands will "nest" into each other..then the screw part can be bundled together, fairly compact. Ditto on the happijacs...much stronger then the Reico-Titan style, but dont swivel...I leave mine on, because I like to drop the camper and be free to explore and come back to campsite..or launch boat..casters can lead to damage if your pushing the camper and catch on something..definitely a no-no on anything BUT smooth concrete...LED swap easy with either bulbs or fixtures

As others will tell you..and i was late to that party...pics please?

www.northstarcampers.com go the FAQ...Rex or Billy have answered a lot of questions over there!

 

[Lumpy70]

At the local Outdoors Show, the Four Wheel Camper display was propped up on two pieces of plywood (see picture). Simple, folds flat during driving etc.
View attachment Plywood Stack.pdf

Easy.

 

[dizzyspots]

Checking the FAQ at www.northstarcampers.com they state that ALL their camper can be used off the truck WITHOUT addl support. They do recommend lowering the camper as low as jack will allow to minimize side stress

 

[ooakui]

Thanks to all for the input.
After posting the last questions I found the number to northstar and called them. they said that I need not support the floor, but that plywood thing looks like a good idea. The guy also mentioned (very tactfully) that given enough weight in the bunk, the camper could tip if not attached to the truck or supported at the front end.
The casters will be coming off and attached to fabricated cups to fit the legs for the few times that I need to move it around on concrete to adjust things.
I will not try to swivel the legs until I see a real need to do that; perhaps I am being overly analytical.
I've ordered some self adhesive 1/2" warm white led light strips with 90 deg connectors to go around the perimeter of the bedroom ceiling and will wire that into the existing dome light after taking the existing bulb out.
More questions have arisen the more that I think about things:
I have a front trailer hitch to facilitate carrying bikes and possibly a winch if needed. What size winch for a combination such as mine (2010 Tacoma, 2008 MC600)?
I will get to all these mods in a month or so due to a recent shoulder repair, but I want to have my ducks in a row before I start.
Also: If you have any hints as to how to add pics I would be happy to add some. thanks, -Rob-

 

[ooakui]

When I posted the last entry I suddenly saw my pics appear, so disregard the last question!