Overland Hadley
on a journey
Perfect!
99 Ram w/ 97 Sun-Lite
- Thread starter freeskier125
- Start date
Perfect!
bob91yj
Resident **************
Nice set up! We have really enjoyed our Sunlite Skyhawk in my GMC. Nice to see another out there being used. We average 2-3 nights per month in ours, it's held up well over the couple of years that I've had it. I had a Coleman roof air installed as well, it's been on for a couple of years now, no roof leaks, and I haven't found it laying in the middle of the floor after being on some rough roads.
Here's a couple of shots of mine...
Jeep is in the trailer, loaded for a week in Colorado.
In the pits at the Parker 425 a couple of years ago. Flat towed the Jeep that trip.
Keep the pics and ideas coming.
On the gas props for the roof...did you use a formula for the working angles on the props, or just kind of guess? If you come across another roof crank, I'd love to have one, will pay shipping for both for your efforts if you come across one. Mine hasn't been an issue, but that could be a real PITA if it happened.
Here's a couple of shots of mine...
Jeep is in the trailer, loaded for a week in Colorado.
In the pits at the Parker 425 a couple of years ago. Flat towed the Jeep that trip.
Keep the pics and ideas coming.
On the gas props for the roof...did you use a formula for the working angles on the props, or just kind of guess? If you come across another roof crank, I'd love to have one, will pay shipping for both for your efforts if you come across one. Mine hasn't been an issue, but that could be a real PITA if it happened.
SLO_F-250
Explorer
Bob,
Great pict of the rig & Trailer! Nice Setup! Heres a link for that crank handle. I came across that some time ago doing reseach for the ole skamper. Not too bad a price! :sombrero:
Freeskier,
Keep the picts coming! They are great! I always like shots to motivate me to take some time off of the ole "8-5"!!
Cheers,
Paul
freeskier125
Observer
ay bob,
Ive seen a few pictures of your set up on here (as well as SLO's) and have always been entertained by it. Luckily living in the north east I haven't had much of a need for an AC, I have a couple 12v fans that work fine for me. It would have been awesome to have on my trip but couldn't justify buying one. I have been meaning to add some exterior flood lights like your setup (maybe Hella 700 ¡¿HID conversion?! on a easily removable bar to exchange between the front bumper on the truck and the front of the camper / LED on the rear :sunny
Here is the link that got me going on the gas strut pop up lift assist thing. http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2974/ I read all the pages of info, opinions, different mounting setups and decided on putting each pair a different way. Drilled out a rivet on each corner cap and mounted the base where it wanted to be at full extension. I used a shorter setup (28") then most (36" was the common one I think) If I was to do it again I would use stronger one, I figured 40lbs was fine but always go bigger (especially with ac or other roof mounted items)... only downside is there is no real advantage for the first few cranks till you get somewhat of a vertical angle going on. Still better than nothing. Also, the Parker 425 looks pretty bad a**.
SLO,
I ended up getting that exact one shipped to me during my trip. (i 2 day shipped it to Ft. Myers but they accidentally shipped it to my billing address in NH, so they took care of me and shipped another free of charge to my next stop in Key West) Huge improvement, smoother and I can actually remove this one.
Ive seen a few pictures of your set up on here (as well as SLO's) and have always been entertained by it. Luckily living in the north east I haven't had much of a need for an AC, I have a couple 12v fans that work fine for me. It would have been awesome to have on my trip but couldn't justify buying one. I have been meaning to add some exterior flood lights like your setup (maybe Hella 700 ¡¿HID conversion?! on a easily removable bar to exchange between the front bumper on the truck and the front of the camper / LED on the rear :sunny
Here is the link that got me going on the gas strut pop up lift assist thing. http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2974/ I read all the pages of info, opinions, different mounting setups and decided on putting each pair a different way. Drilled out a rivet on each corner cap and mounted the base where it wanted to be at full extension. I used a shorter setup (28") then most (36" was the common one I think) If I was to do it again I would use stronger one, I figured 40lbs was fine but always go bigger (especially with ac or other roof mounted items)... only downside is there is no real advantage for the first few cranks till you get somewhat of a vertical angle going on. Still better than nothing. Also, the Parker 425 looks pretty bad a**.SLO,
I ended up getting that exact one shipped to me during my trip. (i 2 day shipped it to Ft. Myers but they accidentally shipped it to my billing address in NH, so they took care of me and shipped another free of charge to my next stop in Key West) Huge improvement, smoother and I can actually remove this one.
bob91yj
Resident **************
I've been impressed with the strength of my camper. Being smaller may be an advantage in the construction, but mine has held up to some abuse it was never intended for.
In the pics in this thread...
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/56423-2006-GMC-DuraMax?highlight=2006+gmc+duramax
...none of those tubs were light. I'd guess minimum of 20#'s each, with the smaller red ones being closer to 40#'s, they had a lot of oversize tools in them. The road from Hwy 1 to Coco's corner is 20 miles of miserable rutted/washboard/rocky road. I ran that at night, going as fast as possible trying to beat the race car to the pit. I wasn't sliding around corners or anything, but traveling as fast as was reasonable given the road conditions, faster chase trucks passing me, and oncoming traffic from teams leaving.
I really expected to find some structural damage when I lifted the roof, amazed to find that nothing was broken/splintered etc, no apparent harm to the roof from the ac, even now, a couple of years later. I don't intend to make a habit out of beating it like that, but it's nice to know that the wood frame will take some abuse.
In the pics in this thread...
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/56423-2006-GMC-DuraMax?highlight=2006+gmc+duramax
...none of those tubs were light. I'd guess minimum of 20#'s each, with the smaller red ones being closer to 40#'s, they had a lot of oversize tools in them. The road from Hwy 1 to Coco's corner is 20 miles of miserable rutted/washboard/rocky road. I ran that at night, going as fast as possible trying to beat the race car to the pit. I wasn't sliding around corners or anything, but traveling as fast as was reasonable given the road conditions, faster chase trucks passing me, and oncoming traffic from teams leaving.
I really expected to find some structural damage when I lifted the roof, amazed to find that nothing was broken/splintered etc, no apparent harm to the roof from the ac, even now, a couple of years later. I don't intend to make a habit out of beating it like that, but it's nice to know that the wood frame will take some abuse.
freeskier125
Observer
I think the truck/camper took more of a beating during the rally weekend then my entire road trip. I drive some stages after the race and am familiar with the mayhem that gets torn up, and the ridiculous pace that everyone else wants to dive at too... although its pretty sweet without a camper in the back. I also frequently exceeded its intended use. Its seen some angles and had forces I know are not suppose to be going on and has held up darn well. Its my first camper and have only had it for 7 months so not really sure what to expect, keeps surprising me every time I put it to the test. Ill try and find some good 4 wheeling pictures with it.
The fans are 12v from a computer and hooked up on separate switches. I work a transfer station and have a huge amount of miscellaneous items at my disposal so I grabbed one 5 blade and one 7 blade 4" fan. Have been working fine for me, just have to stay north of Flordia.
Drove down to Scituate, MA today to help a friend sell his sailboat. He was heading from Nantucket to NH 2 years ago and broke down in a small craft advisory and coasted into the harbor and its been there since. Spent a handful of weekends going down to help with repairs and what not. Glad to see it go, expensive hobby. If you didn't know, the best day owning a boat is the day you buy it and the day you sell it.
freeskier125
Observer
So another month has gone by with out any use or attention on the camper. Usually labor day weekend I head down to Lime Rock in CT for the Historic Festival racing but didn't pull the trigger (now really upset im not there, beautiful weather too) I figured id take the weekend to get things up to par but I am off to a rough start.
Being so close, Ive wanted to go up to Mt. Washington this summer/fall to rip up and down the auto road on some of my motorcycles and spend a couple nights in the camper. The bikes are almost ready so I started to dig into the truck and camper. Looking at purchasing the AMC-400 Motorcycle Carrier for the front of the truck (curious if anyone has experience with them) http://www.amazon.com/AMC-400-Lightweight-Aluminum-Motocross-Receivers/dp/B000B8LIKM/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1346538780&sr=1-1&keywords=amc+400
I wanted to install the solar panels on the roof tomorrow along with thule racks and ski box but wasnt satisfied with the amount of sag I have. On further inspection ive found a bit of moisture in there and looks to be a big, big project to re-do all of it. Ive browsed other projects and rarely see full roof rebuilds, usually just corner or minor repair. I can push up the mushy middle around the vent a good 1"-2". Check out the sag in the picture.
Looks to be plywood with styrofoam construction, cant see around the far edges but either way id prefer to replace/re-do the whole thing at once. Not sure how to approach it but will probably put it back together and save it for a winter project. I figure ill just slap the panels up there and properly do it when I address the roof problem.
Anyway hope some of you guys are able to get out there and enjoy the weekend.
Me pushing Skip Barber's 250GT SWB (sold for $5.28m http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=mo11&CarID=r124)
(... im the one with the young boyish figure)
(.... life just isnt the same after a weekend like that)
Being so close, Ive wanted to go up to Mt. Washington this summer/fall to rip up and down the auto road on some of my motorcycles and spend a couple nights in the camper. The bikes are almost ready so I started to dig into the truck and camper. Looking at purchasing the AMC-400 Motorcycle Carrier for the front of the truck (curious if anyone has experience with them) http://www.amazon.com/AMC-400-Lightweight-Aluminum-Motocross-Receivers/dp/B000B8LIKM/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1346538780&sr=1-1&keywords=amc+400
I wanted to install the solar panels on the roof tomorrow along with thule racks and ski box but wasnt satisfied with the amount of sag I have. On further inspection ive found a bit of moisture in there and looks to be a big, big project to re-do all of it. Ive browsed other projects and rarely see full roof rebuilds, usually just corner or minor repair. I can push up the mushy middle around the vent a good 1"-2". Check out the sag in the picture.
Looks to be plywood with styrofoam construction, cant see around the far edges but either way id prefer to replace/re-do the whole thing at once. Not sure how to approach it but will probably put it back together and save it for a winter project. I figure ill just slap the panels up there and properly do it when I address the roof problem.
Anyway hope some of you guys are able to get out there and enjoy the weekend.
Me pushing Skip Barber's 250GT SWB (sold for $5.28m http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=mo11&CarID=r124)
(... im the one with the young boyish figure
)(.... life just isnt the same after a weekend like that)
calabasher
New member
Nice thread, It really helps to see how others handle/ repair problems they all seem to be almost the same problems. I also had a small leak wet spot near vent. Replaced some wood in front but gave up when it came to removing roof just too heavy without proper tools. They sure are the most handy travel method though. Keep us posted on your roof repairs.
freeskier125
Observer
Took the camper out for the weekend. I've been frustrated the past weeks with the roof sag problem so I never put on the solar panels, thule racks, update the airdam over the cab/under camper, interior switches for exterior lights, exterior switch in shower compartment for water pump, zipper on middle cushion, hard mount inverter box, ect..... basically anything with the camper.
Instead I installed a 2" leveling kit with Bilstein 5100's and vacuumed out the truck. I left the front swaybar undone as I plan on installing modified Jeep TJ swaybar disconnects. Figured it would be a good weekend to test out the new suspension combo. Well... going under 15MPH with no front swaybar isn't too bad and rides like a cadillac off road but over 15MPH and especially 65+MPH is a rocking and oscillating, tipping death trap. No front bar is way worst then no rear.
I drove a loop around the Presidential range, up RT16 to Mt. Washington where they would not let me go up the auto road with a truck camper (even after debating the vehicle size and capabilities with the attendants) So went back to the parking lot to figure out what to do next. The only spot I could find... :snorkel:
Decided to go check out some waterfalls instead...
Drove over Dolly Cop Rd, then south on Jefferson Notch Rd. All summer (mid May - late October?) fire roads. Sounding louder then a dump truck I was rustling up the wildlife, saw almost a dozen hawks fly around and with me just on Jefferson Notch.
Found a camping spot ~5 miles in. Kept on driving but couldn't find a cooler spot. It's nice and level too :sombrero:
View out the kitchen window. Thought it would be nice parked next to the river but those little falls made a heck of a noise, too loud to put the radio on and almost too much to sleep next to. Mostly it was my "new" mattress that didn't let me sleep all that well (also ran out of whisky); the pillow top cut apart from my old mattress, some small padding, and another mattress topper on top of it all. 6" of heavenly squishy foam turned out not to be so comfortable or supportive on the back. Also got down to low 40's and woke up in a damp mist cloud above 2500ft.
Played around with this HDTV antenna before I left with some luck but being in the mountains I couldn't receive any signal (to no surprise) I carry the TV under the bed and have used it a total of maybe 3 or 4 times this year. Could be nice if I get decent signal under normal conditions for local weather, news, ect.... it brought up another issue of having no form of communication, cell service or for emergency contact. Would have had to walked ~5 miles back to the closest house if I had any serious issue. I have been interested in cell boosters / external antennas, might investigate more into that.
That is all for now, hopefully ill stay motivated and have more to tell over the next few weeks.
Instead I installed a 2" leveling kit with Bilstein 5100's and vacuumed out the truck. I left the front swaybar undone as I plan on installing modified Jeep TJ swaybar disconnects. Figured it would be a good weekend to test out the new suspension combo. Well... going under 15MPH with no front swaybar isn't too bad and rides like a cadillac off road but over 15MPH and especially 65+MPH is a rocking and oscillating, tipping death trap. No front bar is way worst then no rear.
I drove a loop around the Presidential range, up RT16 to Mt. Washington where they would not let me go up the auto road with a truck camper (even after debating the vehicle size and capabilities with the attendants) So went back to the parking lot to figure out what to do next. The only spot I could find... :snorkel:
Decided to go check out some waterfalls instead...
Drove over Dolly Cop Rd, then south on Jefferson Notch Rd. All summer (mid May - late October?) fire roads. Sounding louder then a dump truck I was rustling up the wildlife, saw almost a dozen hawks fly around and with me just on Jefferson Notch.
Found a camping spot ~5 miles in. Kept on driving but couldn't find a cooler spot. It's nice and level too :sombrero:
View out the kitchen window. Thought it would be nice parked next to the river but those little falls made a heck of a noise, too loud to put the radio on and almost too much to sleep next to. Mostly it was my "new" mattress that didn't let me sleep all that well (also ran out of whisky); the pillow top cut apart from my old mattress, some small padding, and another mattress topper on top of it all. 6" of heavenly squishy foam turned out not to be so comfortable or supportive on the back. Also got down to low 40's and woke up in a damp mist cloud above 2500ft.
Played around with this HDTV antenna before I left with some luck but being in the mountains I couldn't receive any signal (to no surprise) I carry the TV under the bed and have used it a total of maybe 3 or 4 times this year. Could be nice if I get decent signal under normal conditions for local weather, news, ect.... it brought up another issue of having no form of communication, cell service or for emergency contact. Would have had to walked ~5 miles back to the closest house if I had any serious issue. I have been interested in cell boosters / external antennas, might investigate more into that.
That is all for now, hopefully ill stay motivated and have more to tell over the next few weeks.
freeskier125
Observer
Not much for an update, still haven't done any major modifications. I've messed around with the HDTV antenna a bit more but thats it.
I occasionally take it out for weekend trips into the 'city/town' (Portsmouth, NH here) for nights that I plan on gettin a little rowdy, better then sleeping on friends couch's. I'm sure some of you 'older folks' do the same....
I've been anxious to explore more of northern NH during the foliage season but this past weekend was kinda cold, crappy, and rainy. Stayed local and putted around Pawtuckaway SP, only a couple miles up the road. One of the larger SP near the seacoast: 5,000 acres, 783 acre lake, couple big hills/mtns. <1200ft. Hiked up the fire tower and wanted to check out a fire road I haven't done in many years. More logging and washouts appeared since my last visit.
Im an avid 'off roader' (10+ motorcycles, 3 wheelers, 4 wheelers, 82 toyota dual t-case, f+r E-locker, and whatnot...(some unique cars too)) and considered this a slightly aggressive trail under the wet conditions. I was kinda nervous proceeding with no winch, really really bald 235's, and a camper in the back of my DD totaling near 9000lbs, but surprisingly no problem what so ever, not even a hesitation. I have never strapped down the rear end of the camper and often anticipate it tipping forward in the bed (has happened a couple times, doesn't crack the clearence lights?? but puts 5 dimples on the underside of the camper ) I was ~6 miles from the original entry gate and really didn't want to turn around, to go down hill, to get back out but luckly the furthest gate didn't have a lock on it and was able to pull it aside to continue on through to the closest road.
casually driving through Round Pond
passed some hikers, driving up a hiking trail, that probably thought I was deranged :ylsmoke:
I unloaded it in a friends heated garage today with the idea that I would finish all the work/additions I've been talking about. Letting it dry out to wax it, re-seal a couple cracks from all the extreme flexing, interior work, exterior work, electronics, ect.... I am looking at a set of 255/85r16 BFG MT (old style) supposedly D load, although I cant find specs on D load?. I've heard mixed reviews with them on heavy vehicles, but the price is right and I figure i'll only use the camper a few times over the winter with these tires. Any input is greatly appreciated!
trash cans should hold it up,... right?
- Colin
I occasionally take it out for weekend trips into the 'city/town' (Portsmouth, NH here) for nights that I plan on gettin a little rowdy, better then sleeping on friends couch's. I'm sure some of you 'older folks'
do the same....
I've been anxious to explore more of northern NH during the foliage season but this past weekend was kinda cold, crappy, and rainy. Stayed local and putted around Pawtuckaway SP, only a couple miles up the road. One of the larger SP near the seacoast: 5,000 acres, 783 acre lake, couple big hills/mtns. <1200ft. Hiked up the fire tower and wanted to check out a fire road I haven't done in many years. More logging and washouts appeared since my last visit.
Im an avid 'off roader' (10+ motorcycles, 3 wheelers, 4 wheelers, 82 toyota dual t-case, f+r E-locker, and whatnot...(some unique cars too)) and considered this a slightly aggressive trail under the wet conditions. I was kinda nervous proceeding with no winch, really really bald 235's, and a camper in the back of my DD totaling near 9000lbs, but surprisingly no problem what so ever, not even a hesitation. I have never strapped down the rear end of the camper and often anticipate it tipping forward in the bed (has happened a couple times, doesn't crack the clearence lights?? but puts 5 dimples on the underside of the camper
) I was ~6 miles from the original entry gate and really didn't want to turn around, to go down hill, to get back out but luckly the furthest gate didn't have a lock on it and was able to pull it aside to continue on through to the closest road.
casually driving through Round Pond
passed some hikers, driving up a hiking trail, that probably thought I was deranged :ylsmoke:
I unloaded it in a friends heated garage today with the idea that I would finish all the work/additions I've been talking about. Letting it dry out to wax it, re-seal a couple cracks from all the extreme flexing, interior work, exterior work, electronics, ect.... I am looking at a set of 255/85r16 BFG MT (old style) supposedly D load, although I cant find specs on D load?. I've heard mixed reviews with them on heavy vehicles, but the price is right and I figure i'll only use the camper a few times over the winter with these tires. Any input is greatly appreciated!
trash cans should hold it up,... right?
- Colin
SLO_F-250
Explorer
I removed the front sway bar off my rig years ago and have a 2" front leveling kit. It drives really well no "rollie stuff" going on. Of course as I type this I just remembered that dodges have coils and not leaf springs.... YUP, Im jealous! haha
Looks like you are having fun! Keep up the trip reports and work. BTW, those trash cans will hold no problem.... I HOPE!!! :Wow1:
Why would you want to go 255/85 R16 on the tires? I would say just stick to the 265/75 R16's. Super common size so they are easy to find and cheaper (I think).
freeskier125
Observer
It's been far too long since I have payed any attention to my beloved camper, so I'm hoping a new post will preserve my desire to keep working and keep crossing stuff off of it's to-do list.
Camper:
No new or cool improvements, just a little maintenance. Spent some time scrubbing it down with dollar store Mean Green degreaser and a firm rough sponge. Came out pretty darn well, it took off the past ~ 6,000 miles of assorted bugs, road debris, stains, and other unknown substances that have been sun-baked on since it's first thorough cleaning, almost 1 year ago when I bought it. Also wiped down the vinyl/canvas material. I'm sure it's been years since it looked so nice!
I plan on waxing it this week. I have a shelf with 1/2 used bottles of compounds i'll finish off and see what worked best. Anything is better then the dull oxidized finish on there now. The car wash brush and power washer wasn't removing much anymore, so I'm thinkin with an awesomely smooth and shiny finish it'll be a little easier to keep clean.
I started to remove the old caulking by lightly torching a paint scraper/spatchula. Taking my time to not scrape off the paint too, it was quite effective and kinda satisfying. Used some white DAP Silicone Plus to re-seal over the cab (seems to be a big flexing area) and a few other places... Like redoing the crappy job I did literally minutes before leaving for my month long trip to Florida. It never really cured and attracted all sorts of dirt and grime. Before I re-seal that area I'll cut/make an access door to use the space between the bed and camper without having to go inside and shimmy everything through the tiny 6"x10" door on the floor.
I still need to address the roof issue. I think I'll end up using a tractor and lift it off, instead of using a friends 2-post lift and driving it 2.6 miles home with no roof I'm trying to get everything else done and up to par so all I'll have to worry / think about is the roof. I'm guessing on reusing the outer shell and rebuilding the frame/skeleton with 1"? aluminum square stock. I have no idea how to address the issue other then taking it off, flipping it over and peeling it back to see what's there. Even with the lift struts I feel like I'm cranking awfully hard and doubt it would go up with solar panels and thule ski box with gear on top.
Update with truck:
So I'm still spending $ in frustratingly re-build/designing Dodge's imperfections. I guess big ol' red didn't like going through ponds, rocks, and muck weighing 9000lbs. Front wheel bearing loosened up and found out my gosh darn passenger axle shaft seal broke and leaked again (I've spent 16+ hours attempting installation, bought 11 different seals with only 3 of them properly seating, all within the past year of me owning the truck) I swore the next time I had to replace the Center Axle Disconnect seal (did I mention the seal is 1/2 down an axle tube in a 3"x2" box no punch or conventional seal tool fits into?) that I would do a Ford 'free spin' conversion. Soo I did just that. A couple stitches, broken tools, and swears later ol' red is free spinning. Front wheel's stick out a little more but instead of spinning 4 wheel drive 18k miles a year it might do 300 max now. Also gained bigger brakes and ~3mpg too!
On the down side I think the trucks 2nd lift pump is going again.... Don't know why the previous owner didn't do an aftermarket pump but I'll probably end up going with an Airdog and 1/2" lines.
awaiting my loving attention
Personal update:
In the past month(s) I've dealt with a few, generally minor injuries, passing of my grandmother (being 23, the first lost within the family) and with the majority of my other 'toys' out of order I find myself wanting to leave my mediocre job/living situation and drive west to Lake Tahoe to be a ski bum for the winter. I'm ready for a change of pace, and there is a lot to explore in this beautiful country. Trying to decide what to bring and what would be realistically used. (Mtn. bike, skateboard, XR600, 6ft. 9.9hp zodiac, fishin gear, ski gear, snorkeling gear, tent camping gear.... Kinda depends what seasons I'll be on the road...)
Sorry for a long update. I know I should keep it short and to the point but at least I had some pictures
Meanwhile here we (just me and my unnamed camper) are out to dinner, supporting the winch look. Gets pretty rough on these paved streets.... Look out for us drag racing stoplights, sparking the studded Hakkapeliitta's, while rockin' out to Depeche Mode with the windows down....
-Colin
Camper:
No new or cool improvements, just a little maintenance. Spent some time scrubbing it down with dollar store Mean Green degreaser and a firm rough sponge. Came out pretty darn well, it took off the past ~ 6,000 miles of assorted bugs, road debris, stains, and other unknown substances that have been sun-baked on since it's first thorough cleaning, almost 1 year ago when I bought it. Also wiped down the vinyl/canvas material. I'm sure it's been years since it looked so nice!
I plan on waxing it this week. I have a shelf with 1/2 used bottles of compounds i'll finish off and see what worked best. Anything is better then the dull oxidized finish on there now. The car wash brush and power washer wasn't removing much anymore, so I'm thinkin with an awesomely smooth and shiny finish it'll be a little easier to keep clean.
I started to remove the old caulking by lightly torching a paint scraper/spatchula. Taking my time to not scrape off the paint too, it was quite effective and kinda satisfying. Used some white DAP Silicone Plus to re-seal over the cab (seems to be a big flexing area) and a few other places... Like redoing the crappy job I did literally minutes before leaving for my month long trip to Florida. It never really cured and attracted all sorts of dirt and grime. Before I re-seal that area I'll cut/make an access door to use the space between the bed and camper without having to go inside and shimmy everything through the tiny 6"x10" door on the floor.
I still need to address the roof issue. I think I'll end up using a tractor and lift it off, instead of using a friends 2-post lift and driving it 2.6 miles home with no roof
I'm trying to get everything else done and up to par so all I'll have to worry / think about is the roof. I'm guessing on reusing the outer shell and rebuilding the frame/skeleton with 1"? aluminum square stock. I have no idea how to address the issue other then taking it off, flipping it over and peeling it back to see what's there. Even with the lift struts I feel like I'm cranking awfully hard and doubt it would go up with solar panels and thule ski box with gear on top. Update with truck:
So I'm still spending $ in frustratingly re-build/designing Dodge's imperfections. I guess big ol' red didn't like going through ponds, rocks, and muck weighing 9000lbs. Front wheel bearing loosened up and found out my gosh darn passenger axle shaft seal broke and leaked again
(I've spent 16+ hours attempting installation, bought 11 different seals with only 3 of them properly seating, all within the past year of me owning the truck) I swore the next time I had to replace the Center Axle Disconnect seal (did I mention the seal is 1/2 down an axle tube in a 3"x2" box no punch or conventional seal tool fits into?) that I would do a Ford 'free spin' conversion. Soo I did just that. A couple stitches, broken tools, and swears later ol' red is free spinning. Front wheel's stick out a little more but instead of spinning 4 wheel drive 18k miles a year it might do 300 max now. Also gained bigger brakes and ~3mpg too! On the down side I think the trucks 2nd lift pump is going again.... Don't know why the previous owner didn't do an aftermarket pump but I'll probably end up going with an Airdog and 1/2" lines.
awaiting my loving attention
Personal update:
In the past month(s) I've dealt with a few, generally minor injuries, passing of my grandmother (being 23, the first lost within the family) and with the majority of my other 'toys' out of order I find myself wanting to leave my mediocre job/living situation and drive west to Lake Tahoe to be a ski bum for the winter. I'm ready for a change of pace, and there is a lot to explore in this beautiful country. Trying to decide what to bring and what would be realistically used. (Mtn. bike, skateboard, XR600, 6ft. 9.9hp zodiac, fishin gear, ski gear, snorkeling gear, tent camping gear.... Kinda depends what seasons I'll be on the road...)
Sorry for a long update. I know I should keep it short and to the point but at least I had some pictures
Meanwhile here we (just me and my unnamed camper) are out to dinner, supporting the winch look. Gets pretty rough on these paved streets.... Look out for us drag racing stoplights, sparking the studded Hakkapeliitta's, while rockin' out to Depeche Mode with the windows down....
-Colin