DIY truck camper, possible build series...?

[superduder]

Moving on to the next step for the camper
There's something that has always bothered me,
That happens in a LOT of "apocalypse/survival/preparedness" fiction.
They lament to no end the lack of refrigeration, but never even try a propane, kerosene,
Or 3 way fridge.

I do keep hearing how "These really don't work very well."
Or
"They take too long to cool down, and don't get that cold."
Or
"Dometics can only cool to 20 degrees below ambient."

On the Dometic thing, I'm assuming they're talking about the "chip" powered coolers.
So, fine. You'd be right on that one.

But the whole camper fridges don't work thing is malarkey.
I've personally used propane, kerosene, or 3-way camper fridges
Here in AZ, during nice 60-80deg summers in sw Ohio, and 110deg summers in south Florida.
Never had a problem as far as them cooling properly,
as long as one followed the operation instructions.
And proper maintenance had been done on the unit.

That leads to me getting another 3-way fridge for Redford's camper.
But not being willing to pay $350-$3K for a new one, I'm stuck scrounging... As is tradition..
So yesterday I picked up a "1960s" Norcold 663 (G) propane only fridge, for free.
Sometimes I hate camper remodelers other times I like'em.

So it's missing screws for the door hinges, and it could definitely use a decent cleaning,
but it should work for at least a porch fridge in emergency situations.
More pics and posts about that coming.

Assuming you'll need to recharge the freon?

Way simpler absorption type system in these.
It's an ammonia and water solution, so..
No recharging, maybe have to "burp" it though.

[superduder]

Didn't notice I didn't have any actual pics of the fridge until after I posted so went out and got a few.
(It's 100% Not Purple, IDK why it showed up purple.)
The p.o. thought the electrics had been stripped, But there never were any, so that simplifies things quite a bit.
You can see how simple it is, So simple in fact that Popular Mechanics actually had a
"build your own refrigerator" article back in the 1920s.(I'll see if I can find the pdf.)
Anyway everything is mechanical on this one.
I'll post a pic of the back/guts later and hopefully it will help explain how it works.

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

The pics of the truck and camper remind me of the old camper my folks had in the 80s.

It was much larger than this one since it was one of the models built for something like a 70's Ford F150. Which is what I think my folks had it on.

I've got a pic of it around my house somewhere, but I'd have to find the photo album first. I've been meaning to do that anyway.

[superduder]

Those larger campers were usually built better too.
Heavier = Better materials, insulating, and exterior sealing.
Example: This one's been sitting for 10yrs, still no leaks.

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

Those larger campers were usually built better too.
Heavier = Better materials, insulating, and exterior sealing.
Example: This one's been sitting for 10yrs, still no leaks.

That's about the size of the one my folks had.

Thing was big enough to comfortably fit a family of eight in the late 1980's/early 1990's.

[superduder]

Believe it or not mine (tiny as it is) is supposed to be able to, With options, accommodate 6...
2 in the top bunk, 2 in the dinette bunk and 2 in the "Stretcher Bunk" supported via 4 closet rod sockets..
That's the only way I know to describe them, above the dinette bunk.
Cozy with a capital "Spooning" is what I envision in the "Can Accommodate 6" picture.   

The larger (12ft) slide in campers are insanely roomy for one person or a couple.
Have showers, "real" Toilets (as opposed to cassette type), decent kitchens, and yeah, usually can sleep 8 comfortably.
The Del Rey pictured below would be as comfortable as a tow behind.

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

Believe it or not mine (tiny as it is) is supposed to be able to, With options, accommodate 6...
2 in the top bunk, 2 in the dinette bunk and 2 in the "Stretcher Bunk" supported via 4 closet rod sockets..
That's the only way I know to describe them, above the dinette bunk.
Cozy with a capitol "Spooning" is what I envision in the "Can Accommodate 6" picture.   

The larger (12ft) slide in campers are insanely roomy for one person or a couple.
Have showers, "real" Toilets (as opposed to cassette type), decent kitchens, and yeah, usually can sleep 8 comfortably.
The Del Rey pictured below would be as comfortable as a tow behind.

That was the kind of truck my folks had their camper on.

[superduder]

Update....
Anyone who has read this whole thread knows that it started as a
"How to keep my Job that's 100+ mi from the house AND not have to pay rent on a second apartment"... "thing"..
That job went by the boards almost as soon as I was hospitalized with pneumonia/flu/covid.

So now it's kind of turned into a "how to fix up a cheap truck camper cheaply... And make it into a cabin"... "thing"
I now have my Perris valley truck camper And my Courier at one of my "rural properties"
And am getting tools/supplies and scheduling time to go there and build my multiple Water, Solar, and Storage systems.

Yesterday I may have done another thing...
A 1972 Six-Pac model 7 (for 7ft bed import trucks) Who would've thought..?
My mini truck camper cup doth truly runeth over!
Like the 1978 Perris Valley in the Courier, it also needs work (50 yr old truck campers amiright?)
They'll be on a deck, either individually or on a much larger deck together.

If y'all are willing to stay with it I'm willing to keep posting as I go.
J
For purposes of this post "thing" = Adventure/Folly/Experiment/Self Induced Sentence

[majorhavoc]

Definitely following this thread. But it sounds like you need another truck ...

[superduder]

Don't know if that was referring to all the stuff piled up around the trailer,
But, Those pics are from the previous owners yard, I would never allow one of my properties to look as bad.
Oh, just realized that you meant because of the TWO campers thing...
lol my lack of following the plot is showing.
I'll be building a deck with a roof... gazebo... pergola..? for them.
Pic from my 3rd plot included here.
Anyway, Knowing then (When I bought the Courier) what I know now,
I would've bought the '86 Ranger that was for sale at the same time.

Live and learn right?
Probably gonna try to sell the Courier for a Ranger or S10 once I get the Six-pac out there.
J

[Halfapint]

My parents had a camper that had the longest sleeping berth. It extended over the hood if the truck to almost the front bumper it could sleep like 4 adults or a dozen kids. And it was the absolute best place to ride when we were traveling. I can't even count how many hours I spent up there. Using the pass through to hand my dad beers and my mom whiskey cokes.

Oh memories.

[superduder]

At this point this is becoming a "camper stuff" thread, 
Was cleaning inside the six-pac some more today, and my oldest was poking around checking drawers and cabinets.
And found a brochure, exactly what I've been trying to find, I'll post anything info wise that I find here, in case anyone else is searching.

So, according to the brochure the camper weighs 820lbs "dry" no ice, water, or propane.
Believe it or not this information is extremely helpful if you're in the market, but for some reason, like owners manuals for cars people seem to throw it out at the first carwash.
Anyway, update filed.
J

[majorhavoc]

Can't remember if I already shared this, but Budget Buildz's YT video series on rehabbing a 70's era GMC motor home ( aka "urban assault vehicle" to my brothers and me growing up as fans of Bill Murray's classic movie Stripes) is absolutely fascinating and probably contains some nuggets you will find useful. 

[superduder]

And in today's episode of Tucson is a dumpster fire...

Two... "Fighting age males" stole my HF trailer and camper. Despite the fact that the latch pin (what keeps the trailer attached to the hitch ball) was missing.
They made it to the second turn leaving the apartment complex and being as the trailer was only attached to their truck by the chains
The camper tore free of the tiedowns and decided to break dance for a second.
Still waiting for TPD to come take an incident report.

Camper's totalled, trailer's gone, maybe I can still salvage the stove...

UPDATE:
midnight and TPD finally showed, got the incident report, filed for the trailer with my renters insurance
(might get $100 after everything's said and done.)
No more truck campers, I need a 14ft+ tow behind, an old Shasta, Kenskill, or Serro Scotty, maybe I'll get lucky.

[superduder]

Was able to salvage the Sink, Stove, "vent" hood, and water tank.
Not that the water tank will Ever be used for fresh water again, but having a grey water tank in the Perris Valley will be a nice addition.
It would be awesome if people were taught at a young age to keep their hands off other people's things.
r.i.p. Whitey, r.i.p. Six-Pac a.k.a. Roadrunner.