Pop up Camper run

bob91yj

bob91yj

Resident **************
Looking forward to it!

I'll be at Desert Rendezvous. We're just going to kick it around camp. Bringing the grandboy, Gage, if he gets over his cold.
 
bob91yj

bob91yj

Resident **************
^^^Hoping to be at DR by noon. We generally camp on the fringe of large events like this.
 
T

tnscoots

New member
bob91yj said:
It seems that most of us that use our trucks/campers for our travels are out there by ourselves more often than not. I know that my set up would never keep up with the groups I generally run with.

Anyone have any interest of getting together this spring for a jaunt through Death Valley? Take a look at the calender, see what weekend would work, and if someone that has experience in a full size there could outline a sensible two day route, that would be cool. From another thread, it was noted that groups are limited to 6 vehicles.

I think it would be fun to spend a couple of days sharing ideas and having a good time.

For date conflicts keep in mind, the TDS Desert Safari is the first weekend of March, and Desert Rendezvous will be mixed in there somewhere.

There is at least one other group fro this forum going the weekend of 3/27-31.

Update:

Dates are set, April 4-7.

Need to get a list of commitments together. It's been suggested that we split the group into 2wd/4wd if need be. Post in the thread or PM me if you want to commit.

1. bob91yj, Bob Green, my wife Machelle, two Boxer dogs, 4wd GMC Dmax.
2. topofpalomar, Cliff, 4wd Chevy Dmax
3. brian90744, wife, 4wd Chevy
4. tnscoots, Tom, 2wd Tacoma (coming from Louisiana, so no complaints about drive times from any Californians!)
5. notamog, Bruce, Tacoma 4x4 with AT FlipPac
6.
7.
8.

Current first night plan/rally point for Friday morning...
Start at the Harry Wade Exit Route off Highway 127 North of Baker and South of Shoshone and enter the park from there.

The first several miles or so of Harry Wade Rd has BLM land on the Southern (left) side of the road. The North side is within the park. One point seven (1.7) miles from Hwy 127 on the Harry Wade there is a trail on the left leading up to the Avawatz Mtns that would be a decent first-night's camp spot right off the Route. Cliff spoke to a BLM ranger (Jeff) who stated that we'd be fine there with a small group (six or so). As you go up this trail further a few folks could find a spot or two but as the terrain begins to get steeper it would be more difficult to get a level spot. However, this area right near the Harry Wade Route could be an excellent first night's starting point and would be easy to spot for someone coming in, even after dark.

Still open for suggestions for Friday night/Saturday night camping areas.
Click to expand...

Folks: It looks like timing is off as I could be in Death Valley as early as tomorrow, and due to fuel costs and the like I don't want to back track. So, I'm sorry to say, don't look for me on 4/4. I hope all who can make it have a great adventure.
Tom (from Louisiana, but writing from Riverside)
 
topofpalomar

topofpalomar

Enthusiast
Sorry you won't be able to make it, Tom. I was looking forward to meeting another Southern Boy (I grew up in Fla). Have fun in DV and be safe.
 
brian90744

brian90744

American Trekker
Backing out.

Bob.
Sorry I have to back out, Family problems. I was so looking forward to this trip too.
brian
 
Waltzing Matilda

Waltzing Matilda

Adventurer
Interested in DV trip

Is there room for another camper on this trip? I saw the earlier notes regarding limits to groups being max of 6. Also, I'm looking for a used popup, for now I'm using a Callen and I'd like the advice of popup owners regarding what to look for.

It would be me in a 2WD w/small dog, possibly bringing a friend if they can schedule time away. I'd arrive Thursday night leaving from San Diego late afternoon. Wish I could caravan earlier with other San Diego drivers, but need to work so can't leave til late in the day.

I've camped throughout CA but never been to DV, just driven by on way to Bishop or Tahoe for sierra trips, so would really enjoy a chance to explore it with others this time of year.

Just got back from Baja trip, and desert plants were beautiful. image.jpg (This photo was crossing salt flats en route to San Ignacio Lagoon to see whales)

please let me know if still room for other campers, and if a 4.0l 6 cyl 2WD truck (2000 B4000 Mazda, basically a Ranger) w/hi clearance would be ok for your route.

Also, please advise if this is a 100% self=contained trip (carry all water, extra fuel, etc.) so I can prep accordingly.

Thanks!

Lori, aka
"Waltzing Matilda"
 
topofpalomar

topofpalomar

Enthusiast
Hi, Lori,

I'll defer to our trip planner, Bob, for a final okay but it looks like we have room for you. I'm sure we can accommodate you and your entourage with a 4x2 with no problem.
 
bob91yj

bob91yj

Resident **************
Started my prep for the trip today.

My camper is designed for a mini truck (it came out of a Ford Ranger). To get the overhang to clear the truck cab, I had to build a platform for the camper to sit on. The original platform I made, the overhang "just" cleared the cab. I'd get some rub between the two time to time. It's been one of the things on my "to-do" list. After running the dirt road to DRV last weekend, there was one minor off camber section dropping into a wash and then back out. I had some substantial camper/cab interference when the truck flexed through that section.

The fix is to raise the platform by and inch or so. I've been trying to find an inflatable pad to go between the two, no luck with that so far.

I put the jacks on the camper this morning, got the camper up in the air enough to get the job done. Put the roof up and washed the canvas as well. Been a while since I've done that, holy crap was it dirty!
 
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Clutch

Clutch

<---Pass
bob91yj said:
The fix is to raise the platform by and inch or so. I've been trying to find an inflatable pad to go between the two, no luck with that so far.
Click to expand...

What about a single air mattress? $20 at Wally World. Or maybe a pool noodle?

Fly Cobra, makes these straight bicycle tubes that may work, vulcanize a couple together to make a rectangle. They come in 20" and 26" sizes I believe.

http://hammettasonya.blogspot.com/2012/08/cobra-tube-26x2125-fly-bikes.html

fly-bikes-cobra-tubes.jpg


I think it would wear the paint off, I quit buying camper shells with the rubber boot between the cab and the topper, since it kills the paint.
 
bob91yj

bob91yj

Resident **************
Got the job done. Looks to be plenty of clearance between the truck/camper now. Not sure I really need the inflatable pad now. I'll get some pics tomorrow.

I'm not real thrilled with the gaps between the bed/camper. I've got some ideas on a filler panel, but will live with it for now.

Funny you linked those bike tubes, regular bike tube was one of my attempts at a solution in the past. Kind of worked, but wore a hole through the tube eventually. If I sleeved the ones you linked with a chaffe guard of some sort, they may work.
 
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