International Harvester Four Wheel Camper

[silverscout]

After waiting close to 4 months, tons of e-mails and phone calls, the previous owner made the decision to sell his truck. I was able to purchase a 1977 Scout Traveler with the stock Four Wheel Camper. I am the third owner where as the second owner purchased the truck in 1985. It’s in excellent shape with very little rust. The best part is almost everything seems to work as it should. The truck is 2wd (hoping to make it 4wd soon), four cylinder motor with a four speed transmision. It has a stove, fridge, tabel and sleeps four. My goal is to modernize it a bit but I’ll keep you guys posted.

 

[Carlyle]

Keep us posted, that is a cool combo.

 

[silverscout]

Thanks Carlyle. I just ordered a set of Lampstands LED plug in interior lighting (Thanks Northern Exposure). Seen here: http://jclampstand.com/index.php?md=products&category=rvtrailer

My next step is to re-carpet and re-laminate. The 70's theme ain't jiving with the wife. Got to keep the princess happy! :iagree:

 

[Michael Slade]

Ooohhhh, please keep it stock-ish. Too sweet to chop up.

Way to be persistent and patient. Pays off in the end I think.

 

[ntsqd]

A Terra with a 4 Wheel Camper? I'd call that a score!

I didn't know that the 4 cyl was offered that late. wow!

 

[Redline]

Another IHC fan here.

Good find, I love it!

I have owned a few IHCs, a Terra Pickup/my first 4x4, one early 60s 2WD pickup, and a regular Scout II. I never knew they made what you have there. Nice

 

[silverscout]

Thanks guys. I hope to get everything set for a trip in the next month or so. I took the time to look for built up dirt and leaves. Guess what? I found some. Its funny that even the most scrutinizing owners can miss stuff.

As for chopping it up and turning it into a monster truck, I doubt Ill go there. I do hope to throw some power steering in soon. I baisically would like to make it as comfortable as International Harvester will allow me. Would converting it to four wheel drive using all Scout parts be too non-stock?

 

[kcowyo]

I've always liked the old school FWC and Chevy Blazer combo but I've never seen one on a IH Traveler before. That's great. You're going to have a lot of fun with that.

Happy trails - :beer:

 

[spressomon]

Cool man cool! Huge potential I see! And no cover to sling over the top when it's 'break camp time' ;-).

Usal for maiden?

 

[silverscout]

Thanks guys, I like it too.

The camper top literally takes less than a minute to pop up and is infinitely easier to take down compared to my Overland tent. Now if I can just find my bell bottoms.

 

[Michael Slade]

...would converting it to four wheel drive using all Scout parts be too non-stock?

First off...you don't need my permission to do things to your truck, but that said, I do think that the 'stock' nature of the vehicle ought to be followed.

Power steering? Of course

4wd? If it were my truck, I'd try to source out every single IH/Scout part that would work before going 3rd party. If you can say you used all Scout parts (like you will when you do your power steering I presume...), it would be much cooler. Sort of like a factory option that was never offered.

Anyway, yeah, do your thing with your truck. I think you have a great idea of where to go. I'm not afraid of a Monster Truck Scout Camper Thing happening on your watch, so have at it...oh yeah, tons of pics when you do the 4wd conversion.

Nice! :luxhello:

 

[silverscout]

Thanks for the input Michael, your opinion is always welcome. Luckily, there is a steady stream of IH parts for a conversion to take place. I can find most of what I need on Craigslist for relatively cheap.

Now adding all this weight (front axle and transfer case) might bog down the little 4 cylinder motor. Which leads me to part 2. I possibility of putting this camper on my current Scout looms in the back of my mind. I think it’s just a passing thought though.

The Silver Scout seen here:

 

[btggraphix]

That is a nice setup. Always loved Scout and IH stuff in general. A guy near my house has one of those old US Ski Team Scouts that's pretty rare...but you have a great setup. I've had two Scout frames at my house for quite awhile as I got interupted in the middle of swapping all my stuff to another frame and never finished it...one of these days I'll get to listing some of the stuff on Craig's List myself as it just sits. A lot of Jeepers seem to buy Scout parts (axles anyway.)

One of the frames I tore down (that was going to be the recipient of all my stuff) actually had the 4 cylinder, and was a 4x4. It had very little power but the gearing was all low enough to where it actually did surprisingly well. If you aren't going to giant tires or anything, I'd say start with the stock parts and system and you might actually be OK. On the other hand, you could probably put in a 345...I always wanted to track down a 392 (which I think was essentially your inline 4, with a second line of 4 to make it a V-8....same head from what I remember hearing?) As long as you stick to IH stuff I think you are being loyal to the rigs roots FWIW.... Have fun...nice rig!

 

[Stan@FourWheel]

those are sweet vehicles

you have a classic on your hands




.

 

[silverscout]

Thanks Stan, those photos are a great additions.

So I've gotten a little progress with the camper. I was able to lay down some new linoleum and carpeting (thanks Hoser). The old granny plastic runner, aftermarket carpet and old linoleum just wasn’t up to par. So a simple yet in keeping color scheme was chosen. I also added a set of LED replacement lights from the Jirah Company. It will replace two of the four interior light bulbs. Although I didn’t, I should of purchased an exterior light bulb for the porch. Still on the list of things is new tires, suspension, steering and batteries. Hopefully this will all be done before our Labor Day maiden voyage.