Average Joe's Truck, Camper, and Adventures (Chevy - TC650 )

[Joeprunc]

The journey started in 2007 when I was constantly taking trips to Mammoth to go skiing, and sleeping on friends floors, or going camping and arriving late and taking forever to set up camp. I wanted a low profile camper, but had no where to store it. I sold the capable truck and bought a Tacoma and started getting into wheeling, but being a DD never ended up putting a saw to the IFS. Sold the Taco and bought a 2007 Chevy Silverado with the the LBZ motor. A few lift altering changes took place the last few years, and decided...****** I've always dreamed of a camper, lets give this a go and see what happens.

The hunt for a camper began a year ago, but I ended up buying a new to me water ski boat (2006 Malibu Response LXI) instead....and Yamaha superjet....and a 2014 YZ250F...Like I said I had a few life altering changes . Still keeping an eye out for a camper, but on a much much tighter budget, and with all the new toys I've been keeping myself very busy playing and maintaining. Around Xmas I found a great deal on a very very lightly used Northstar TC650 built in 2002 by an older couple that took a few trips, and were extremely meticulous with everything around their house (which made me think it was even a better deal if they cared for their camper like everything else the owned.)

I brought the new toy home and the projects shall begin! I plan on using this for snow skiing, surfing, camping, motocross races, and getting out and explore more.

One more thing before I get started....I'm an engineer which leads me to three points:

• My Grammar and Spelling are piss poor.
• I love pictures.
• I over research everything.

I can't tell you how many hours I've already put in researching on these forums, so I'd like to add a little bit back to the next average Joe looking to figure out how to do something.

Mandatory photos:
Truck: 6.6L diesel, 285/75R16 Goodyear Duratracs (I will NEVER use another tire. Just clicked 50k miles on them, and hands down the best tires in the snow/ice)


New Boat


Superjet


YZ250F


the Camper:




First trip.


....and finally the partners in crime:

 

[Joeprunc]

I've done several little tid bits....but the first struggle I had was POWER for winter camping.

Last weekend I installed a 100 watt solar system, and upgraded the battery to a Duracell AGM Group 24 (biggest battery I could fit in the little outside battery compartment, I wanted to keep the battery outside). Duracell batteries are made by East Penn, and have the exact specs as a Deka. Used a fixed panel setup, although after the install I saw the flexible solar panel options, if I had the coin, I would have preferred to do that route.

Stole the idea of using a ScanStrut wire deck seal from another user here. They are quite slick.


I just put the new battery in last night, so I'll see if solar works today...or if my truck and camper are burnt to the ground when I get home....(yes I have fuses & a charging controller protecting my battery).

I was going to put a second battery in, but after talking with many many people I decided to get a little generator for long trips, or winter trips, because solar won't do too much when its burred in snow.....the WEN 2000 is on its way. After doing research I couldn't justify spending the coin for only a 1000 watt generator, nor could i justify spending the $$$$ on a Honda or Yamaha (even though my brother works for Yamaha). The WEN looks to be the same as the Harbor Freight generator/inverter and supposedly has a Yamaha (or knock off) Motor. Went with the 2000 watt primarily because it wasn't much larger than a 1000 watt, and I want to run a hair dryer incase I'm out skiing to help warm up/dry gloves, boots, etc. Also if I'm running a 2000 watt generator at 1/4 throttle I'm thinking it will be quieter than a 1000 watt at 1/2.

Added LED outside lights, but not sure what I'm going to do with the T5 lights inside yet.

Also picked up a Mr Buddy heater to help save watts in the winter.

Figured out a portable toilet....I really wish these were more durable and I could permanently tilt them, it would be easier to store. I don't plan on using this much, but nicer to have when its freezing outside.

 

[cninghm]

I got one of these. Incredibly sturdy, collapsible, and toss the mess.
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Pine-S...-spons&keywords=portable+folding+toilet&psc=1

 

[rotti]

Nice looking hounds....mine says howdy!

 

[Joeprunc]

Awe!! What a good looking pup!

___________

Solar works!!! Battery charged to 12.6 V

Did a few more things last night to get ready for my Colorado trip...

Installed a USB / Volt meter / button switch in the old CO location. (I have a combo CO O2 smoke detector else where).
I kind of wish I put in a % battery life left, not voltage...I'll just have to remember to keep voltage if possible above 12V.

Also with the freezing temps at night, I froze the gray water discharge line the other weekend. I got a collapsible bin that i can use in the sink during the winter months.


Updated the thermostat with a digital one to help control the temps at night. I'll keep the mechanical one, as I know some people say their furnace runs much more often with a more accurate thermostat.

 

[Joeprunc]

Spent another weekend in the snow. Having a WEN 2000 generator was HUGE and i would recommend a generator for anyone that is winter camping. Two evening running the generator lightly to make sure the battery didn't drain beyond 70% was a relief. Didn't even use 3/4 of a gallon.

Although I did experience some interesting things with the cold and snow....

1. The plows don't always clear the Tahoe SnoParks
2. Locks Freeze in the cold
3. Difficult to open the fantastic fan when burried in snow.
4. Much more difficult to raise and lower roof with snow.
5. Lots of moisture, need to find an efficient way to reduce.
6. Camper legs will get in the way when romping through the deep stuff.
7. Something happened to my snazzy voltage reader and button....No power....didn't blow the fuse, but don't have power to the fuse box....maybe there is another inline fuse somewhere that blew.

All in all it was a successful trip, and I got some amazingly deep powder

First camp spot, ~10" of fresh ontop of 16"....this was very interesting getting back to the road.


Dixie realizing the snow is too deep.


Dixie excited to smell home.

 

[Regcabguy]

The four step folding ladders work super and store in a box in the table floor area.
We're going on 16 yrs with one.
Chuck the jacks and gain clearance and lose 150#. Looks like you're having fun!

 

[kerry]

Did you run an electric heater with the generator?

 

[Joeprunc]

Did you run an electric heater with the generator?

Yes, generator worked great. Used it from dusk to 8-9PM, battery was fully charged. Ran it in the morning to use a blow dryer to warm up my ski boots and gloves (glad I got the 2000 watt). Used about 1 gal of gas between the two nights.

 

[Joeprunc]

T- 2 days till first extended road trip...
Dixie and I will be on the road from Feb 24 - March 12.

First half will be skiing oriented: Kirkwood, Ruby Mountains, Park City, Vail Area
(If anyone local in Co has tips on where to camp in Vail Area during the Winter for Free, please send me a PM. I have had a few recommendations, but from what I gathered is The Summit is not very Camper Friendly in the winter.

Second Half Colorado River Affiliated: Natural Arches/Moab, Grand Canyon

Tail Portion: Either Death Valley or Mammoth (Play this by ear)

A snip from my travel route.

 

[givemethewillys]

Subscribed! Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures.

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

:lurk:

 

[Joeprunc]

Been a good few days. Most Picts are on my d slr, but here are a few from my cell.

Day 1, Carson Spur after being closed for 4 days due to avalanches.


Dixie curious if we're still going up?...Ruby Mtns.


Glad I got new tires before the trip, found a great place for the evening. Can you find the truck?


Made it to Park City today...found a place to camp. Should be here for a few nights before heading to Vail area....don't know how people survived without solar.

 

[Joeprunc]

Made it home safe and sound... few leanings from the trip.
1) Solar doesn't work with snow on it.
2) My solar panel did slightly work with a full moon (obviously without snow).
3) Setting up and taking down the Reflex stuff each night/morning sucked, but I believe it worked well. I tried using Velcro to keep it in place, but the velcro wouldn't stick to the canvas.
4) Used this to hold my trash, worked very well, until I put too heavy of stuff (beer bottles). But emptied the trash every day.
https://www.amazon.com/Binmer-TM-Hanging-Cupboard-Tailgate/dp/B017SJWUP8/ref=pd_lpo_201_lp_img_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=SV5B74QR5HNQ84AKB8Z0
5) Mr Buddy only lasted for maybe 2 hours on a bottle of propane.
6) When the LP alarm goes off at 2 am and its 7 F outside = a ****ty night's sleep.
(used Teflon tape, chased by electrical tape on the hose connections that were leaking, cracked Propane door)
7) When changing lanes in Utah, use your turnsignal AND wait 2 seconds before changing lanes....don't ask how I know this.
8) Install a dark fantastic fan cover. In the cold there would be condensation that would freeze and keep me from opening the top. a Dark one would attract sunlight and maybe heat up after skiing so I could use the fan to close the top.
9) Drain tanks if low is 20 F or lower.
10) use -20 F wiper fluid in marine toilet....A little difficult to use when frozen.
11) Pack less clothing (I packed way too many warm clothes, which is good, but could have used the space for others).
12) Having a tupperware that fit the sink was clutch for dishes/grey water.
13) Using the table sucked...I am ordering a Lagun table mount and going to make a smaller table.
14) Figured out the fridge...the DC is not hooked up from Northstar. In the cold, I actually never ran it (I kept at thermometer in there to make sure it was at a good temp). In the warmer climate to keep it running while driving, I taped off the bottom few vents of the door, and turned the dial up to 6-7 while driving, and down when parked.
15) Having a Ceramic coated pan made for EASY cooking and EASIER cleaning.

 

[Joeprunc]

Few more pictures.
Truck got absolutely filthy with the Utah Salted roads, had to wash it three different times during the trip.

Utah Trooper

Inside Quarters

Grand Targhee

Back at Park City...another 12" of snow!