ReluctantTraveler
Active member
OHHHHHH that clears up a lot! I'm looking at these listed specs and have never seen one configured in the wild that gets that payload. Dots connected!
Total Composites and Ventilation
- Thread starter ReluctantTraveler
- Start date
Buy that truck.
Victorian
Approved Vendor : Total Composites
Did you install the door yourself? May needs the catch plates adjusted. I never had one open on me.
ReluctantTraveler
Active member
@Victorian since you’re here: I’d love to hear your thoughts on how realistic running a TC Wolverine (8’ flatbed with departure) box on a 1 ton SRW is once you actually build out the interior and load it up with a family of four.
Obviously, the dry weight will vary wildly based on how you have it configured.
Now that you guys have been doing this for a few years, do you have any data on the typical dry weight for that model once built out?
I’m specifically hoping to add about 500 amp hours of lithium battery, a 12v AC, a good sized fridge, and about 60 gallons of fresh water.
Obviously, the dry weight will vary wildly based on how you have it configured.
Now that you guys have been doing this for a few years, do you have any data on the typical dry weight for that model once built out?
I’m specifically hoping to add about 500 amp hours of lithium battery, a 12v AC, a good sized fridge, and about 60 gallons of fresh water.
Victorian
Approved Vendor : Total Composites
I love this topic! Please allow me to chip in.
Ventilation:
Right in the beginning we did interior air quality testing. The device showed us elevated numbers of carbon dioxide within minutes. We did the same tests with windows cracked and then with forced air ventilation. As a result and to cover us from possible lawsuits etc we started placing warning stickers on each window of the camper we sold through our shop. I personally, have always made sure we have a window cracked. There is of course some heat loss due to this but it’s minimal.
For example: We spend the weekend at the skihill With our Ford Transit camper. Outside temperature was just around the freezing point. Nothing extreme by any means. With 3 humans and a dog, we only turned on the diesel heater at around 4am when the interior temperature dropped to +16C. This means the heat loss through the cracked window was minimal.
Wildlands door:
As you probably know, we are a Tern Overland distributor for Canada and also supplying our builders with that brand. It comes naturally that we are using all the door and window options from them for our campers. We regularly have ”test orders” through other similiar manufacturers and I can assure you that Tern is still the best In this segment. But like with everything else in life, nothing is perfect and there is always a compromise. The wildlands is fantastic in warm climates. Certainly less than ideal for winter camping.
Real glass windows, composite doors are also available through other vendors. Just keep in mind the cost and weight penalty that comes with them.
In any case, anyone having issues/questions about any of Tern products or our campers, please reach out to us and me and my team are more than happy to help!
Cheers
Ventilation:
Right in the beginning we did interior air quality testing. The device showed us elevated numbers of carbon dioxide within minutes. We did the same tests with windows cracked and then with forced air ventilation. As a result and to cover us from possible lawsuits etc we started placing warning stickers on each window of the camper we sold through our shop. I personally, have always made sure we have a window cracked. There is of course some heat loss due to this but it’s minimal.
For example: We spend the weekend at the skihill With our Ford Transit camper. Outside temperature was just around the freezing point. Nothing extreme by any means. With 3 humans and a dog, we only turned on the diesel heater at around 4am when the interior temperature dropped to +16C. This means the heat loss through the cracked window was minimal.
Wildlands door:
As you probably know, we are a Tern Overland distributor for Canada and also supplying our builders with that brand. It comes naturally that we are using all the door and window options from them for our campers. We regularly have ”test orders” through other similiar manufacturers and I can assure you that Tern is still the best In this segment. But like with everything else in life, nothing is perfect and there is always a compromise. The wildlands is fantastic in warm climates. Certainly less than ideal for winter camping.
Real glass windows, composite doors are also available through other vendors. Just keep in mind the cost and weight penalty that comes with them.
In any case, anyone having issues/questions about any of Tern products or our campers, please reach out to us and me and my team are more than happy to help!
Cheers
Victorian
Approved Vendor : Total Composites
With a 1 ton, do you mean a F150 or F350?
Our F150 with the flatbed and Wolverine camper (1300lb) was just barely big enough for it.
An F350 would have been much much better. Without knowing your interior materials , water tank size etc, it’s hard to give you an estimate. But I’m pretty confident that 1600lb or even 1800lb is what you should expect if you are using plywood etc.
ReluctantTraveler
Active member
Does “forced air ventilation” mean an AC unit, heater, or fan was running?
ReluctantTraveler
Active member
I meant an F-350 or similar, yea.
Do you ever get information back from your builders on typical built-out weights?
Victorian
Approved Vendor : Total Composites
Forced air: I built in the option for outside air intake through the diesel heater ventilation mode. Worked great! Just be careful that you are not sucking in the combustion air by accident.
Victorian
Approved Vendor : Total Composites
The only fixed data we have is the empty shell weight. As soon as you ad wiring/interior lights/ storage hatches etc that number changes. Therefore every single camper so far has slightly different numbers.
As mentioned above: the 1600-1800lb range should get you everything you need To be comfortable on the road.
Feel free to join our TC owners group on Facebook. You can chat with owners and get real world feedback.
ReluctantTraveler
Active member
Oh sweet, didn't know that existed! Thanks!
And if you're at all comfortable sharing what your Wolverine model looks like inside, I'd love to see it (but no worries if not).
ReluctantTraveler
Active member
In the build thread here. The dinette becomes a twin bed but you'll probably have to figure out a bunk bed situation or something for all the members in your family (unless you can convince some of them to sleep in a tent!).