When I retire in 4 years I'd like to travel North America in a hard side truck camper. In particular, Alaska, BC, Yukon, Saskatchewan. I won't be rock crawling but want ability to drive the more remote roads in those places. Roads with washboards, undulations, off camber turns, rocks up to microwave size, etc. My off road experience is limited to local fire roads and jeep trails in New England; 4wd sometimes engaged but mostly not needed except for sandy/loose soil on steep inclines. Might have to attend some kind of driving classes before I leave.
In addition to the usual basics, the camper must have:
-Interior shower
-Good heating system (for 0 degrees to 10 below zero)
-Good insulation in floor, walls, roof
-Pass through
What camper brands offer the above? More importantly, which brands won't rattle themselves apart on the types of roads I'd want to drive? In my reading of trips on the Alcan, Dalton, and Dempster highways, a constant theme is campers and trailers that rattle themselves to death. I'd guess driving style and tire air pressure can mitigate some such damage, but seems that construction is most important element to prevent/limit self destruction from rough roads.
Besides the above concerns, what else should I look for in the camper?
Lastly, what should I look for in the truck? Diesel or gas, and why? If diesel, I'm thinking 7.3 IDI for the simplicity. As a retiree I finally won't be in a hurry, so don't need a PS diesel. If gas, I don't want a 10 MPG engine like the old 460. Definitely want 4wd. But beyond motor, 4wd, and transmission, what else should I look for in the truck? For example, should I put locker(s) on? What suspension changes are needed for bigger tires? What size tire is "too big" and why?
(In the late 1980's I owned a 4 cyl Nissan pickup and a 1954 Dodge pickup. The Nissan was for Home Depot, etc trips. The Dodge was for fun. Model "C1B8 118" (118 wheelbase). It was a rather unusual model in having a long bed (8') and high sides to the bed. 251 (or was it 249?) OHV V8. 6 volt, positive ground. Oil bath air filter. 3 speed column shift, smooth as silk. 100% original, down to the hubcaps. So quiet you couldn't hear it idling 20 feet away. Up close it idled like a sewing machine. No posi anything. Rustoleum brush painted a faded blue. Springs in the seat made you hit your head on the interior ceiling on a bumpy dirt road. We laughed like idiots driving to the swimming hole. Paid $700 for the truck and drove it home without a single problem. I bought an original service manual for around $300 and original parts manual for about the same price. All I ever did was put a new exhaust on it. Wish I never sold it.)
Hard sided camper offers more protection from curious/angry/hungry grizzlies than soft side pop-up campers. Bears have a tremendous sense of smell, even when food's inside 12v fridges or coolers inside vehicles. I can't imagine sleeping comfortably in a soft side pop-up after a nice steak dinner in the middle of nowhere.
Firearm carry in Canada is extremely complicated and limited to hunting only, not self defense. Driving around Canada with a firearm in the vehicle for self protection, and no plan except to find the next remote campsite, will get you arrested, tried, and sentenced.
Thanks in advance for your experienced advice and observations.