The Grand Terrainer: 2017+ Ford F-250 and SpaceKap Diablo 8'

[erstwild]

Also a plug for the folks at hiatus campers and their very clever pop-up hardtop truck campers:

Hard-Sided Pop-Up Camper by Hiatus Campers

Introducing Hiatus Campers We are a new camper company based in Washington that designs and manufactures hard-sided pop-up truck campers. You can visit our website: hiatuscampers.com. Our patent pending folding wall system utilizes composite panels that can be popped up in less than ten...

expeditionportal.com

I would definitely go with that design over a new retail SpaceKap for the money.

 

[waveslider]

Nice rig.

 

[ronnie]

That would make a very nice North Carolina Outer Banks beach fishing rig! Very Nice.

 

[erstwild]

I just upgraded the tires to handle driving in mud conditions without airing down constantly like with the mild AT stock Michelins. Cooper Discoverer STT Pros in 265/70/R17. These are about as aggressive I dared to not be too loud or otherwise irritating for a daily driver. First impressions are great. Very quiet with only lightest of hum even at highway speeds (hopefully regular rotation will keep them that way), negligible MPG hit (lol), and have WAY better off-road traction.

 

[erstwild]

Another update/upgrade now. I decided to pick up a portable induction cooktop for the rig. Unfortunately, my little Tripp Lite 1500 watt modified sine inverter is not going to cut it. Upgrading to a AIMS 3000 watt pure sine inverter. I really like my little Cobb grill, but this will be way more convenient for my regular daily use.

 

[Regcabguy]

Are side windows available to install for ventilation and light?

 

[erstwild]

Are side windows available to install for ventilation and light?

I believe they do make some and other aftermarket options are available too obviously. I like the Bomar roof hatch and Maxxair fan for better privacy and security myself.

 

[rruff]

I like the Bomar roof hatch...

They don't have screens, do they?

 

[erstwild]

They don't have screens, do they?

You can special order screens for them through Bomar directly.

 

[erstwild]

A few additional upgrades. I built an 80/20 framed bunk bed in the same current footprint as the original bed. Plenty large for someone under 5’ 10” up top. I am also getting an LOD rear bumper installed since the stock plastic one has cracked from all the regular heavy usage.

 

[erstwild]

I took the rig to a weigh station for the first time to figure out what the final build weighs. Fully loaded with two passengers, it weighs 8,500 pounds. With the GVWR of 10,000 pounds, it is well under which explains why it runs and handles so well.

 

[erstwild]

Andreas at Total Composites has finally put together his DIY truck camper kits. If I was starting from scratch today, I would buy one of these kits flat packed and shipped to my door for easy assembly and even better insulation for around the same price and brand new.

Truck Campers - Total Composites

We offer the following benefits to your camper kit to get you out and about: 4 season capable, full composite construction, delivered as a kit, includes windows/doors/skylight

totalcomposites.com

 

[erstwild]

I recently decided to upgrade my mattresses to custom cut Tochta 4” thick foam mattresses with special ordered firm/high density foam. I really enjoy a mattress that fits in my double sleeping bag sleeve and have the whole assembly sit on my Froli Nemo marine innerspring.

Exped Megamats are fantastic for temporary use, but I have had a couple fail in under a year of full-timing it. They said the only warranty failures they regularly receive are from full-timers. Inflatables are really not suitable for full-timing in my book due to their obvious failure mode. My last one leaked flat on this past Christmas Eve which was entertaining to say the least, lol.

 

[TOU47]

Very nice, well done. These are very interesting & would love to see one in person. Congrats! ?

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Awesome!

Were you recently in San Diego a couple weeks ago?