2020 Overland Explorer Vehicles (OEV) CAMP-X pop-up slide-in pickup camper (renamed "Back Country" as of 2023)

[Steve Hawkins]

could be many different things within your suspension and steering

- bushings, sway bars, shocks, springs, bump stops (id venture to say not bump stops as they typically dont come into play unless there is a lot of compression and bottoming out), id even check all your ball joints, tre’s, etc....

sounds no good - id take it to your trusted shop and have everything looked over

I should have mentioned it is a brand new truck. The truck performs extremely well off road, and we have had the Camp-X on some tough roads, so no issue there. It is not impossible that something could be wrong from the factory, but it performs flawlessly unloaded, and at low speeds on 4WD roads. It just on highways at 65 MPH+ when you go over bumps in the road it "wobbles" or "wallows".

Thank you for the reply, I appreciate it.

 

[TooSteep]

I am brand new to truck campers and pickups - just trying to decide which camper path to go down. So I have a newbie question, and maybe it is quite daft, but ... how can you put a 1200 lb dryweight camper on a truck with a max payload of 1560 lbs? That wouldn't leave any capacity for people, liquids and gear?

How is it people are using Tundras and other sub 2000 lb payload trucks with campers?

 

[crystalclear]

this may be my favorite mod to date. found the campx (im guessing due to its height which i love) definitely has more sway to it when deployed and you are inside. i initially left the rear jacks on to level and stabilize but hated the look and the outward protrusion - in came @Brett From Ark and their corner stands

1hr, nice flush mount on my rear steel bumper and bye bye sway, feels like a home with a foundation

 

[Florida Native]

Hi Folks. Newbie type question here.

My truck's payload is 3,600 pounds. With the Camp-X, I am about 2,000 pounds under maximum payload. I am experiencing "bounce" with the camper on at highway speeds. Any bump or irregularity in the road causes the truck to "wallow like a pig". Almost like I have a truckload of water in the back sloshing around. The effect is that the truck bounces all around, and sometimes feels unstable.

Are "bump stops" the correct solution to this type of problem?

I am guessing that bumps in the road cause more extreme compression of the springs in the suspension with the additional 1,200 pounds in the back. Which, results in oscillation of the springs, and the "wallowing" affect. I have read that "bump stops" will prevent this over-compression, and absorb some of the force place on the springs from the camper load and the bumps in the road.

I have no experience here, and just wanted to run this by a few folks here. Thanks.

Check the connections between camper and truck; can it be more securely fastened?

-Mike

 

[Ninelitetrip]

I should have mentioned it is a brand new truck. The truck performs extremely well off road, and we have had the Camp-X on some tough roads, so no issue there. It is not impossible that something could be wrong from the factory, but it performs flawlessly unloaded, and at low speeds on 4WD roads. It just on highways at 65 MPH+ when you go over bumps in the road it "wobbles" or "wallows".

Thank you for the reply, I appreciate it.

No mention of brand or model. Have a look at this thread, see a recent new model F250 suspension build.

2020 Ford F250 on 37s - Expedition Truck Camper Build!

17-19' F250 if I ever find one. It has plenty of payload for our FWC and I can't justify buying new though there is a 20' on a near by lot that is tempting. F350s arn't much more money on Ford's webpage but they go for more in the the world. Are you guys running a front sway bar with the...

expeditionportal.com

 

[rmendoza]

I am brand new to truck campers and pickups - just trying to decide which camper path to go down. So I have a newbie question, and maybe it is quite daft, but ... how can you put a 1200 lb dryweight camper on a truck with a max payload of 1560 lbs? That wouldn't leave any capacity for people, liquids and gear?

How is it people are using Tundras and other sub 2000 lb payload trucks with campers?

I'm in the same situation. I'll be over my GVWR by a lot so i'm explore different truck options now.

 

[sg1]

I am brand new to truck campers and pickups - just trying to decide which camper path to go down. So I have a newbie question, and maybe it is quite daft, but ... how can you put a 1200 lb dryweight camper on a truck with a max payload of 1560 lbs? That wouldn't leave any capacity for people, liquids and gear?

How is it people are using Tundras and other sub 2000 lb payload trucks with campers?

The math is simple. They are way over GVWR. A CampX with water, gear food etc. will be close to 2000 lbs. A Hawk about the same others like Palomino or Northstar are heavier, hardside TC a lot heavier. Most 1/2 ton TC can deal with the CampX especially if you improve the rear suspension. But technically you will be over GVWR with many 1/2 ton trucks.

 

[Shawn M]

I just put my order in for a 2021 Camp-X and had a couple of quick questions.

- Has anyone developed a quick disconnect for the camper jacks? Maybe pins or something?
- Does anyone with the Molle racks have something that will connect to the Molle rack to carry a spare propane bottle?
- I went with the lithium battery. Could I make it 2-3 days in ~20 degree weather without charging the battery. I plan to use it in N. Idaho for ski trips. I have the 180 Watt Solar, but with short days, snow, clouds, etc... I wouldn't count on it doing much.
- How difficult will it be to "safely, no damage" use the on-board water in the winter.

Thanks for everyone who contributed on this post! I was leaning towards a FWC, but information found in this post pushed me to a Camp-X.

 

[ontheroad22]

I just put my order in for a 2021 Camp-X and had a couple of quick questions.

- Has anyone developed a quick disconnect for the camper jacks? Maybe pins or something?
- Does anyone with the Molle racks have something that will connect to the Molle rack to carry a spare propane bottle?
- I went with the lithium battery. Could I make it 2-3 days in ~20 degree weather without charging the battery. I plan to use it in N. Idaho for ski trips. I have the 180 Watt Solar, but with short days, snow, clouds, etc... I wouldn't count on it doing much.
- How difficult will it be to "safely, no damage" use the on-board water in the winter.

Thanks for everyone who contributed on this post! I was leaning towards a FWC, but information found in this post pushed me to a Camp-X.

Shawn,

Congrats! I was in the same camp as you, ready to pull the trigger on a FWC and this forum helped sway me. I am thrilled with my decision. The Camp-X has exceeded expectations thus far.

I can address your lithium battery question for sure. I have the OHMMU 150 AH lithium battery installed at Big Sky RV. The amount of power you have is absurd. Good luck dropping below 80 percent on your battery! I'm in the PNW and have used it on some very gray days with tree cover and the battery is just so powerful compared to items I'm using for power consumption. I do question whether or not I should have added an inverter to the build to make more use of the battery, but I will be experimenting with some 12V solutions for laptops. I have string lights plugged in all the time, in camper lights, the fridge, Apple watch, iPhone and iPad (two sets) charging. I also use an 12V oven to heat up dinners. Whatever I do, the battery remains above 80 percent.

Your propane question is a good one. I'm glad I have two 10 pound propane tanks... it's so easy when you run out to just switch the hose and keep going. I thought it was curious that Overland Explorer is going with one 20 pound tank for 2021. I agree, it makes sense to have a backup on the rack.

I've opted to fully winterize and carry water. I'm just too paranoid! I'm sure there are multiple opinions on this and Overland Explorer has a great winterizing PDF they will email you if you request it.

Congrats on your purchase!!!

 

[sg1]

I own the first prototype and use it in fairly cool conditions near Banff Alberta. I convinced Mark to build the prototype because of the bad experience I had with a FWC Hawk on a trip to Inuvik in fall. I have never camped in the CampX in winter (lowest was about 15F) but especially my son uses it regularly as a base for back country skiing in the Rockies. These a day trips, no overnight trips. In other words no real experience with conditions you expect. Based on our experience I think you shouldn't have problems with freezing because the water system is inside the insulated shell as long as you keep the heat on. A composite shell without thermal bridges is the best insulation available for campers. But even with this insulation you have to invest in propane and keep the heating going. Power shouldn't be a problem as long as you keep your Lithium battery warm. They don't like temperatures below freezing. It is within the insulated shell. Just keep the heat well above freezing. Power consumption shouldn't be higher than in summer because the biggest power consumer is your fridge. Not a problem in winter. The Truma is fairly frugal. I would expect about 20 to 30 Ah per day.
You will have condensation on the extrusions below and above the soft wall and you will need plenty of propane. Otherwise based on my experience you should be fine.

 

[crystalclear]

- jack related, id stick to grade 8 hardware and carry a drill around - buzzing them on/off only takes a few minutes
- water systems - u will need to purchase the truma electric winterizing module - via 12v it keeps the heater above freezing while driving, then you can turn on your lp as normal when you arrive at camp

 

[Shawn M]

Thanks for the feedback! Somehow I typed -20 degrees. I meant around 20 degrees, so if you've camped at 15 degrees F, that is around the lowest temp I will be using the camper. I winter camp for skiing most weekends now and use an RPOD. I carry a generator to keep the agm battery charged, but since I'm losing the back of my truck with the Camp-X, I would like to not carry the generator. My biggest power consumption in my RPOD during the winter is the furnace. The fan on the heater is working overtime to keep the trailer warm. I'm hoping the smaller space, better built Camp-X and Truma heater reduces that power consumption. I too considered adding an inverter. I even had Big Sky price one out, but couldn't justify the cost just for charging my laptop. My truck (diesel) has an inverter if I'm ever in a pinch. I may start with dry camping and move to using water as I get more comfortable with the system. I like the idea of (2) 10lb propane tanks, so you know when you're half empty. However, if this rack will attach to the Molle rack, I could carry 30lbs! https://www.runnin4tacos.com/products/propane-quick-bottle-mount?_pos=2&_sid=ffbbc3cdc&_ss=r

One of the things I wished they would change (or make optional) on camp trailers is the stove. It would be cool if the stove could be transported outside. Maybe a propane quick disconnect inside and outside the camper with an attachment point for the stove outside. In the summer, I prefer to cook outside. OEV could do it with one of these heavy duty Partner stoves... https://partnersteel.com/cook-partner

 

[AbleGuy]

Thanks for the feedback! Somehow I typed -20 degrees. I meant around 20 degrees, so if you've camped at 15 degrees F, that is around the lowest temp I will be using the camper. I winter camp for skiing most weekends now and use an RPOD. I carry a generator to keep the agm battery charged, but since I'm losing the back of my truck with the Camp-X, I would like to not carry the generator. My biggest power consumption in my RPOD during the winter is the furnace. The fan on the heater is working overtime to keep the trailer warm. https://www.runnin4tacos.com/products/propane-quick-bottle-mount?_pos=2&_sid=ffbbc3cdc&_ss=r

You might consider switching to a catalytic heater because they don’t use a fan, thus saving on some of the electrical drain.

 

[victorc]

Finally picked up my camper this week. And we are about to leave for a 3-week trip. Super excited!

This thread definitely helped me to take my decision, so thanks for everyone who posted! Especially Chad!

I worked with Boulder Vehicle Outfitters on a few upgrades for the camper. Including adding an inverter (Xantrex 1000w) and a WeBoost antenna for when we work from the camper. They did a fantastic job, and I know in the next few days they will describe the mods on their Instagram account so you check it out! The WeBoost antenna is a fun one (you can see where it's mounted on the following pictures)

(@bouldervehicleoutfitters) • Instagram photos and videos

22 Followers, 0 Following, 1 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from (@bouldervehicleoutfitters)

www.instagram.com

Pictures from Basil Lynch.

 

[Dread Pirate Sushi]

Hi Folks. Newbie type question here.

My truck's payload is 3,600 pounds. With the Camp-X, I am about 2,000 pounds under maximum payload. I am experiencing "bounce" with the camper on at highway speeds. Any bump or irregularity in the road causes the truck to "wallow like a pig". Almost like I have a truckload of water in the back sloshing around. The effect is that the truck bounces all around, and sometimes feels unstable.

Are "bump stops" the correct solution to this type of problem?

I am guessing that bumps in the road cause more extreme compression of the springs in the suspension with the additional 1,200 pounds in the back. Which, results in oscillation of the springs, and the "wallowing" affect. I have read that "bump stops" will prevent this over-compression, and absorb some of the force place on the springs from the camper load and the bumps in the road.

I have no experience here, and just wanted to run this by a few folks here. Thanks.

Hi Steve,

I've got a 2019 F250 XL and had the same issue. I had all the stock shocks swapped for Rancho 9000XL adjustable shocks (9 settings) and that reduced the highway wallow. I also have a Rancho RS4514 single steering stabilizer and that got rid of most of the steering skittishness. The parts ran me approx 1200 CAD...and an embarrassing amount for labour...

Before I hit the road this year I am going to:

- add a shock to the steering stabilizer, luckily the RS4514 can do this so I don't have to buy a new stabilizer kit;
- swap the OEM sway bars for Hellwigs as I have read a lot of good reviews; and
- swap out the coil springs for stock or close to stock height aftermarket ones so I can recycle the 9000XL's and keep some rake to avoid the kit bag drag with the camper.

On the same topic, I got a recall from Ford about a week ago re: F250 'death wobble' an the stock steering stab!

DPS