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Thanks, everyone! Great questions. Use case: Weekend trips (4 seasons), and extended road trips. We're planning for some cross-country trips, upwards of a month at a time likely spring/summer. And this might also be a rig to use for fieldwork in remote locations for extended periods of time...

Thanks, @Bikersmurf. The shower pan slides underneath the counter with the sink. I'm planning on incorporating some 500lb drawer slides for it. And good advice. I'd designed it around keeping a 2' wide aisle, thinking this would be sufficient. Is there a place you think could change to make it...

I'm beginning to design an interior layout for my camper build (for myself and my partner). It'll be my first build, so I'm trying to keep it moderately simple (although I've built an electrical system before, and I'm relatively capable with tools). I've searched through many build journals...

Those are excellent points, everyone, thanks! Jim, really helpful specifics on the mods we'll need to incorporate. I figured ventilation behind is necessary (as for any fridge), but I hadn't considered airspace around the edges instead of flush-mounting it -- I gather that the refrigerator also...

Great point that some modern 'digital' style fridges might reset. Maybe that's a good motivator to buy a more 'economical' (aka, cheaper) version that still uses a regular turn-knob (akin to analog ;)). And an excellent point, too, that an RV fridge does seem to be better designed to hold stuff...

Thanks, everyone, that's brilliant! @Peter_n_Margaret, wonderful idea. Amazon has compact 300W PSW inverters for about $50 CAD. This could easily fit in an adjacent cupboard to the fridge. And I suppose this little inverter is its own separate unit from the big 3000W inverter I'd use in the...

Hi folks! I'm preparing for a custom build, and as I think through the options of which fridge to use, I'm considering going with a regular household fridge (like a dorm-style mini fridge). My main reason is the $1000+ price difference to get a comparable size front-loading 12V (like a Dometic...

Those military trucks look awesome! But way too big. One thought I have is to get a totally bare 4x4 Sprinter and then do the conversion myself with minimum alterations. I've built an electrical system already, so I think I can do that again. And I figure if I'm just installing a murphy bed and...

Thanks, yes I've got a lot learn! Really great point, the walkthrough of a van would be ideal! As well, that's a good metric, to make sure everything fits in the silhouette of a standard parking stall is paramount. I imagine that an average truck-camper that can fit to (especially if it has a...

Thanks, everyone! @86scotty, what do you mean, eh? 🇨🇦 Hahah, yes, I'm Canadian. I'd never heard of Sportsmobile or Quigley conversions, so I'll keep my eyes open. Those might be ideal! Renting is a great idea too. I think the 4x4 conversion van with a high top would tick all the boxes, it might...

I’d like to ask about your favourite setup that is 1) 4x4 or AWD, 2) High-top, and 3) moderately priced (about $50k). In order to do some long-term remote work in the north of Canada, I’m trying to find a new camper. I need 4x4 or AWD to access the fieldsites, and I’m really hoping to find...

Thank again, all. For what it’s worth, I’ve dropped the airbag pressure down to about 35, so we’re level, and the truck is handling nicely with the change. I appreciate your advice, chadx 👌

rruff, as a minor concession the rear GAWR is 3850lbs. Still has me worried Airbags are at about 80psi each, just enough to bring the spacing between the rear wheels and the wheelwell back to where they were before loading the weight of the camper onto the truck. It drives good, steering...

Thanks again, everyone! Weighed everything… - Front axle went from 2500lbs to 3400lbs. I think that’s good? Does this mean the centre of gravity is definitely in front of the rear axle? - Rear axle went from 3200lbs to 5100lbs. You’re all right - tires are maxed so we’re at the very least...

IdaSHO, thanks, oof that’s pushing it. Not to derail this thread, does anyone have suggestions on the types of trucks to use for a camper like this? 3/4 or 1 ton, and 2WD or 4WD? If I’m trying to be completely in the clear, a 3/4 is probably insufficient to handle the payload (albeit yes...

Hi everyone, thanks for all of your input, and I appreciate the broad depth of opinions! My truck doesn’t have the high GVW package. This is where my knowledge is limited (and why I’m here, on this forum), so I believe that means it’s got the standard SF axle, etc. The airbags were already...

Thanks for the clarification, billiebob, I had the wrong door sticker. GVWR = 7050lbs Front GAWR = 3450lbs Rear GAWR = 3850lbs Thinking of overloading the rear axle, I've tried to be cognizant of where the center of gravity is. The center of gravity for the camper is approximately right above...

Thanks to you both. I weighed the rig and got 8443lbs with everyone inside. The sticker on the door jam says doesn’t list the GVWR, but it does say that occupants and cargo shouldn’t exceed 1852lbs. I’ve checked that my tires are good for the extra weight. I’m hopeful the centre of gravity of...

Hi Folks, I’ve got a question about maxing out your payload. Wondering if I’m safe… I‘ve got a 2009 F150 (5.4L XL, 8’ box, short cab, 2WD). The specs I get from online sources say the max payload is about 2050lbs (see: http://www.gdmjoe.com/gothf150/documents/2009specificationsbrochure.pdf) To...

Thanks for all your feedback folks! So what I’ve done is this: I made a rigid foam base using two layers of 2” (25 PSI) foam. Then I used a piece of 3/4” plywood on top to distribute the weight — this was a 4’x8’ piece of plywood which I cut into four strips of 2’x4’, put a 3/4” groove halfway...