Okay I bought the plans for a truck bed camper for Small (courier/datsun/luv) pickup that I've wanted for a long time.
Since my cousin and I had one that came on a 74 Datsun pickup back in the early 90s
stayed in said camper through a blizzard in SW Ohio actually, which I guess is why I've wanted one so bad.
Anyhow, thinking of posting a build series, depending on if anyone wants to see it that is.
I only ordered the plans because nobody makes a slide in camper for small trucks (plymouth arrow, ford courier, chevy luv)
and IF you Do happen to find a used one they cost an arm and a leg AND are usually water damaged so badly they're unusable.
The estimated weight of the camper is 550-750lbs, I'll be shaving weight wherever possible,
And working on a budget having to improvise certain parts, and accessories should make it slightly interesting.
So anyone interested?
And yes that's a 1973 ford courier in the picture.
Jay
I love reading about builds of just about any type, mostly to live vicariously through people who have space/time/knowledge to do this sort of stuff! On a good day I'm able to hang a shelf or change the spark plugs in my car, but not much more than that!
What type of truck is this going on? Do you still have the Datsun, or will it be on something a bit more modern? I've seen some slide-in campers which go on more recent small/mid-sized trucks, but if you're doing this for an older mini-truck then those would still be too large.
Strangely enough,
I'm talking to a guy locally about getting a '73 Courier "long bed" like in the picture,
and Same as the Popular Mechanics feature article from Mar 73 (archive dot org has it) which is how I found out there even were plans.
The one we stayed in I always thought was manufacturer built, but it was Glen-L a hundred percent diy.
As far as the "space" part, I live in an apartment.
So it's being built in the bed, and in the parking lot.
Or maybe I can get a friend to let me use his carport, or may have to rent a storage unit.
Looking at the materials list it's looking like it will be around $1K to maybe $2500
depending on how much material I can get from salvaging scraps, and rooting through CL.
Not sure what the stance on posting a pdf of the magazine is, but this is the cover.
Jay
Quote from: superduder on June 20, 2021, 07:52:26 PM
So anyone interested?
Not only yes, but FAAK yes! The wife and I have a 2018 f250, with a short box, while granted it can carry a HELL of a lot more than the mini trucks. We don't like any of the campers they make that fit it. So we are thinking of making our own! So I would LOVE to see what you come up with!
Quote from: Halfapint on June 20, 2021, 10:55:42 PM
Quote from: superduder on June 20, 2021, 07:52:26 PM
So anyone interested?
Not only yes, but FAAK yes! The wife and I have a 2018 f250, with a short box, while granted it can carry a HELL of a lot more than the mini trucks. We don't like any of the campers they make that fit it. So we are thinking of making our own! So I would LOVE to see what you come up with!
At that size, why not look for something like a used Geo Pro, or similar trailer? A 250 would pull those like there's nothing behind the truck.
Quote from: boskone on June 20, 2021, 11:03:35 PM
Quote from: Halfapint on June 20, 2021, 10:55:42 PM
Quote from: superduder on June 20, 2021, 07:52:26 PM
So anyone interested?
Not only yes, but FAAK yes! The wife and I have a 2018 f250, with a short box, while granted it can carry a HELL of a lot more than the mini trucks. We don't like any of the campers they make that fit it. So we are thinking of making our own! So I would LOVE to see what you come up with!
At that size, why not look for something like a used Geo Pro, or similar trailer? A 250 would pull those like there's nothing behind the truck.
We really don't want a trailer. We want something that's right behind the cab. We have a canopy we were thinking of converting to a mini camper.
Same here, The whole reason behind the camper is my job is 125mi away from the house.
And I can park a compact pickup at work during my shift, $20-$30 per day in fuel makes the job less than profitable...
but a trailer (even a small one, or pop up)I would have to leave unattended on public (dispersed/free camping)
Or state park (paid camping) land for 8hrs while I'm at work, And risk being locked out when I get off work at 11pm.
Also, I found a picture of a fellow builders Toyota on the site I got the plans from,
I'm really liking the way these look... given that one has the skill to build it, I may not, or may mess up.
Jay
Quote from: superduder on June 21, 2021, 02:21:49 AM
Also, I found a picture of a fellow builders Toyota on the site I got the plans from,
I'm really liking the way these look... given that one has the skill to build it, I may not, or may mess up.
You don't need the skill. You get to develop the skill while building it. Of course you're going to mess it up. Then you get to fix it.
The process of screwing it up and learning from the experience is as important as the finished product.
The screwups will make better stories anyway.
Quote from: superduder on June 20, 2021, 07:52:26 PM
And working on a budget having to improvise certain parts, and accessories should make it slightly interesting.
I'd like to see it, if nothing more than just for those reasons alone.
Go for it!! :smiley_coffee:
Okay, got the '73 Courier.
Drove it 6hrs in 107 degree heat from Vegas to Phoenix where it now sits.
The "Frigette" (read J C Whitney) air conditioning was disconnected by the previous owner.
Reportedly, nohing was wrong with it, he disconnected it for "restoration reasons".
Good news, all the components are there, so it should be repairable at least,
Also it's rated at 12,500BTU so it should work Awesome, even in the AZ heat once fixed.
The engine is strong, it has the stereotypical worn out throttle linkage which every mazda truck I've owned had.
separate post on a cheap/improvised fix for that coming soon.
New clutch installed by the previous owner,
new brakes (4 wheel dual cylinder drums) done by a shop in Vegas
The factory Philco AM radio is still in it (needs reconnected), looking for either a kraco am/fm/cb, or maybe a GM version to replace it.
It needs the seat re-padded/Re-Upholstered thanks to leaving the door open and having an untrained dog.
And to top it off.
It already had a slide in type camper in it before, so I know it'll handle it now.
So let the repair segment of the project begin!
First picture is in the P.O. garage.
Second is the first pic in Phoenix.
Quote from: superduder on July 17, 2021, 08:34:38 PM
Okay, got the '73 Courier.
Drove it 6hrs in 107 degree heat from Vegas to Phoenix where it now sits.
The "Frigette" (read J C Whitney) air conditioning was disconnected by the previous owner.
Reportedly, nohing was wrong with it, he disconnected it for "restoration reasons".
Good news, all the components are there, so it should be repairable at least,
Also it's rated at 12,500BTU so it should work Awesome, even in AZ the heat once fixed.
The engine is strong, it has the stereotypical worn out throttle linkage which every mazda truck I've owned had.
separate post on a cheap/improvised fix for that coming soon.
New clutch installed by the previous owner,
new brakes (4 wheel dual cylinder drums) done by a shop in Vegas
The factory Philco AM radio is still in it (needs reconnected), looking for either a kraco am/fm/cb, or maybe a GM version to replace it.
It needs the seat re-padded/Re-Upholstered thanks to leaving the door open and having an untrained dog.
And to top it off.
It already had a slide in type camper in it before, so I know it handle it now.
So let the repair segment of the project begin!
First picture is in the P.O. garage.
Second is the first pic in Phoenix.
Very cool! Is it as clean as it looks, because I don't really see any dents/rust on it in those pictures. Here in Michigan, that's not actually possible unless a vehicle lives indoors, is washed at least once a week, and is never taken outside in the winter...
I'm officially the second owner, The son-in-law had it for the past year.
It does have a pretty decent dent in the drivers door, garage incident, it should be repairable without too much metal work.
There's some pretty serious sun fade/bake, and sand wear on the paint, pics of the interior will show the original shade of red.
It's been a Las Vegas truck it's whole life, and only has around 65K miles on the clock.
I wish (not a joke this is sincere) J.C. Whitney was still around.
Anyone else remember when you could order complete bench seats, or padded re-upholstery kits from them?
I'll post more pics tomorrow to better show the condition of the truck.
J
https://www.carparts.com/vehicle/1973/Ford/Courier/Base/4_Cyl_1-dot-8L
I miss J C Whitney too. Did not even know they were gone till a couple years ago. Which kinda explains why they are gone.
Quote from: flybynight on July 18, 2021, 04:34:58 PM
https://www.carparts.com/vehicle/1973/Ford/Courier/Base/4_Cyl_1-dot-8L
I miss J C Whitney too. Did not even know they were gone till a couple years ago. Which kinda explains why they are gone.
Sorry,carparts (dot) com isn't even helping.
I'd stand a better chance talking to someone at Jo Ann Fabrics.
Sorry you mentioned headliners and I saw they had them
Quote from: superduder on July 17, 2021, 08:34:38 PM
Okay, got the '73 Courier.
Drove it 6hrs in 107 degree heat from Vegas to Phoenix where it now sits.
The "Frigette" (read J C Whitney) air conditioning was disconnected by the previous owner.
Reportedly, nohing was wrong with it, he disconnected it for "restoration reasons".
Good news, all the components are there, so it should be repairable at least,
Also it's rated at 12,500BTU so it should work Awesome, even in AZ the heat once fixed.
The engine is strong, it has the stereotypical worn out throttle linkage which every mazda truck I've owned had.
separate post on a cheap/improvised fix for that coming soon.
New clutch installed by the previous owner,
new brakes (4 wheel dual cylinder drums) done by a shop in Vegas
The factory Philco AM radio is still in it (needs reconnected), looking for either a kraco am/fm/cb, or maybe a GM version to replace it.
It needs the seat re-padded/Re-Upholstered thanks to leaving the door open and having an untrained dog.
And to top it off.
It already had a slide in type camper in it before, so I know it handle it now.
So let the repair segment of the project begin!
First picture is in the P.O. garage.
Second is the first pic in Phoenix.
That looks like a hell of a fun project!
I know I said "tomorrow" but I got busy.
I've decided that (after being ordered to wear a mask at an open air tetanus factory)
that I will be re-covering my own seats.
For my base/foam retention layer I'm using a wool blanket left in the truck when I bought it.
This layer is put on the frame or springs of the seat to help the longevity of the foam or other padding used on automotive seats.
I'll also be using a moving blanket under the foam, the foam is the only part I have to buy new.
So a trip to Jo-Ann will be happening.
Attached to this post are pics of the seat back "before" And "After"
as well as pictures of the zip ties (yup, using free zip ties to re upholster my truck seat.)
"craft clips" from Dollar Tree which I used to "hem" the fabric (blanket) while tying it to the frame,
Which would normally be done with twistix, or hog rings, but I'm too cheap to pay for a hog ring kit.
I can post more pics if anyone needs any more info on how this was done.
Report filed, hope this can maybe help someone.
J
That's a big improvement.
I saw a little mazda truck the same color as yours sitting on the side of the freeway the other day and wondered how this project was going.
Quote from: RoneKiln on July 23, 2021, 03:13:21 AM
That's a big improvement.
I saw a little mazda truck the same color as yours sitting on the side of the freeway the other day and wondered how this project was going.
Other than everything costing like 3-4X what it would have cost eighteen months ago, Pretty good.
Seems like the only thing cheap or free on this project is my physical labor.
Scrounging for ingredients for this mechanical stew is definitely challenging.
After the seat, title, smog, and registration, I really need to do something about the 4 wheel drum brakes...
And the lefty tighty lug nuts on the (tries to remember which side Left or Right... cue Jeopardy music...) one side of the truck.
Big plans, hopefully Big successes ahead as well.
J
More seat progress pics, If anyone is still interested.
First I put cardboard on top of the wool blanket, So you wouldn't feel the springs through whatever I decided to use for padding.
Then a friends mom was having her carpet replaced with "wood laminate" flooring,
So I grabbed a couple yards of that, and a can of 3M spray adhesive
(headliner fabric adhesive apparently works best for under floor padding, I did not know that.)
anyway the contractors gave it to me for free, and glued two layers of that down on top of the cardboard.
Covered that with an 8x12 canvas drop cloth from HF and then covered the whole thing with a
"Heavy Duty" camouflage moving blanket also from HF.
I'm still going to spend the money and get the proverbial saddle blanket seat covers from AutoZone,
But I think I did a pretty good job for a first timer.
Still working on the A/C, found a Kraco am/fm/8track/cb... but it's $400
and I'm not paying that unless the comms can get out over 20miles.
And I'm still gathering mats for the camper, I was thinking Pallet "ribs/top boards" could stand in for 1x2 white pine in the walls,
but it will most likely be a good bit heavier, so probably going to keep looking unless I can cut weight somewhere else.
This could take quite a while.
J
Quote from: superduder on July 31, 2021, 08:03:29 PM
More seat progress pics, If anyone is still interested.
First I put cardboard on top of the wool blanket, So you wouldn't feel the springs through whatever I decided to use for padding.
Then I a friends mom was having her carpet replaced with "wood laminate" flooring,
So I grabbed a couple yards of that, and a can of 3M spray adhesive
(headliner fabric adhesive apparently works best for under floor padding, I did not know that.)
anyway the contractors gave it to me for free, and glued two layers of that down on top of the cardboard.
Covered that with an 8x12 drop canvas cloth from HF and then covered the whole thing with a
"Heavy Duty" camouflage moving blanket also from HF.
I'm still going to spend the money and get the proverbial saddle blanket seat covers from AutoZone,
But I think I did a pretty good job for a first timer.
Still working on the A/C, found a Kraco am/fm/8track/cb... but it's $400
and I'm not paying that unless the comms can get out over 20miles.
And I'm gathering sill mats for the camper, I was thinking Pallet "ribs/top boards" could stand in for 1x2 white pine in the walls,
but it will most likely be a good bit heavier, so probably going to keep looking unless I can cut weight somewhere else.
This could take quite a while.
J
I like the improvisation on the seat repair, it looks nice and hopefully it is comfortable. My dad and stepmom run a classic car restoration business here in Missouri, with specific focus on International trucks. One of the biggest part of their business, believe it or not, is people shipping seats, headliners, sun visors, etc to have them repaired. It's not a hard job to do, but its a time consuming to do it right.
I think when you're done that will be a fun little truck to live out of. Since you're in Phoenix how are you gonna cool/heat it???
Awesome project. My father had us in his fullsized camper every weekend. Heading to god knows which woods. To camp, fish and hunt. I love campers.
I have been thinking of doing a van conversion for hiking and hunting. Even 2 wheel drive would be fine. For some reason if uou put 4x4 in a van its price exceeds 30-50k used.
There are alot of used vans out there.
Lastly, my grandfather had a couple of the early datsuns. He drove them exclusively up in the mountains. And they did great. He owned datsuns his whole life.
Quote from: Brekar on July 31, 2021, 10:26:17 PM
I like the improvisation on the seat repair, it looks nice and hopefully it is comfortable. My dad and stepmom run a classic car restoration business here in Missouri, with specific focus on International trucks. One of the biggest part of their business, believe it or not, is people shipping seats, headliners, sun visors, etc to have them repaired. It's not a hard job to do, but its a time consuming to do it right.
I think when you're done that will be a fun little truck to live out of. Since you're in Phoenix how are you gonna cool/heat it???
Not to sound like an ad, but I found a 12V self contained A/C which (supposedly) only uses 15amps to run so...
looks up calculator.. 180watts... I think that's good, since I'm not looking to refrigerate the camper just make it tolerable.
That's probably going to be the most expensive part of the whole build too.
I already have, and have been using a few of (forgive me) the HF solar panel kits.
They're running through an aftermarket charge controller that can actually handle 30amps,
and have been doing a pretty awesome job keeping my batteries topped as long as I've had them.
I'll have 3 sets mounted on the roof of the camper (which should shade the roof and help keep it slightly cooler inside)
Also I have Steven Harris's (The Survival Podcast) "battery1234" and "solar1234" video sets(His crazy inspired My crazy)
and am gathering parts to have the 2 (hoping to add another 2) 100AH batteries charge off of the couriers electrical while I'm driving around so the solar is never really taxed too much.
Of course this may all go out the window if I find a Perris Valley cabover for the mini trucks at a decent price/condition.
J
Quote from: superduder on August 01, 2021, 12:26:24 AM
Not to sound like an ad, but I found a 12V self contained A/C which (supposedly) only uses 15amps to run so...
looks up calculator.. 180watts... I think that's good, since I'm not looking to refrigerate the camper just make it tolerable.
That's probably going to be the most expensive part of the whole build too.
Dunno what the budget would look like, but you might check out RV fridges. RVs that only get 15A service often have fridges, so they be more efficient and/or have built-in soft starts.
And some can be cooled with propane or electricity, though I think that's getting to be less common.
Quote from: boskone on August 01, 2021, 12:41:17 AM
Quote from: superduder on August 01, 2021, 12:26:24 AM
Not to sound like an ad, but I found a 12V self contained A/C which (supposedly) only uses 15amps to run so...
looks up calculator.. 180watts... I think that's good, since I'm not looking to refrigerate the camper just make it tolerable.
That's probably going to be the most expensive part of the whole build too.
Dunno what the budget would look like, but you might check out RV fridges. RVs that only get 15A service often have fridges, so they be more efficient and/or have built-in soft starts.
And some can be cooled with propane or electricity, though I think that's getting to be less common.
And I'm back (caught the trifecta, Covid/Flu/Pneumonia together.) ICU is a heckuva place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.
I think there may have been a misunderstanding on the "15 amp" thing,
The A/C I found is self contained and only draws 15, so it shouldn't draw down my batteries too much.
I'm going to go with a dc/110/propane fridge from an older pop up trailer, less stuff to modify.
I'm actually reusing as much from that as possible, (ex.) taking the dinette/bed from that is Way easier than designing/building my own.
Also taking all the 12v interior lighting and using LED bulbs which are brighter and draw less current.
The plan IS moving along, but slower than it was.
I did buy a factory option aluminum cap for security for the time being. (pics to follow.)
Because Tucson is a thing I needed something to store my ramps, towbar, and rv accessories in to keep them mine.
Many more updates coming up (I promise!).
J
Another update to keep the thread alive.
I'm still working on gathering materials for the hard side camper build.
Stuff is exceedingly expensive/scarce these days, so it's taking longer, Sorry.
But I also found (maybe) a cheaper build that may be more doable.
A tent box from "How to Build Trailers" from all the way back in 1937. (pdf available for download here https://archive.org/details/HowToBuildTrailerBook)
Pages 106-112 explain pretty well how to build your own version of a tent camper box
like Coleman, Livin' Lite, and others have made.
I hope this information can help someone,
J
That would be so cool if you built your own camper shell along the lines of those 1937 instructions.
Extra cool points if you have a pipe like Mr. Jellystone Park does in those illustrations.
Quote from: superduder on August 01, 2021, 12:26:24 AMOf course this may all go out the window if I find a Perris Valley cabover for the mini trucks at a decent price/condition.
J
So... Update!!!
I found a Six Pac M6 Mini locally for a fair price...
But, I have a trip to Ohio planned and budgeted/paid for.
I would have to wait two weeks to get it, Unless I blew off the trip,
and counted a loss the money I've already spent for accommodations.
Anyway, got pics, Wish me luck...Or depending on how badly y'all wanna see the build, Curse me.
EDIT:
Did not get the SixPac, Went on a cross country trip with the wife and kids instead.
still gathering matts for a camper build of Some kind.
Okay, here we go.
I'm playing "Thread Jesus" and bringing this back to life because Sunday, I found a (Perris Valley) camper that fits Redford.
And is in dirty, broken, but still useable shape...For cheap too.
After a 700mi round trip, and 16hrs on the road (this truck is a trooper!)
Even with the repairs that are needed (there are a couple that are definitely not)
It will still be Way cheaper than the full build that I originally wanted to do.
The tally starts at $350 + two tanks of gas ($150 so $500) all in for the camper.
I have some things already that I got for free trying to scrounge up materials to build from plans.
But now will be shifting to um... Not really a "remodel" how most people do to older campers like this one.
More of a resto-mod I guess.
Big Plans, lots more coming. Promise.
J
Small update for more "before" pics.
Also we had a pretty decent thunderstorm last night,
And the camper is confirmed watertight.
So there's that..
Okay pics how it came.
Cleanup starts tomorrow.
The camper did not come with the tea set, or coffee pot.
But did come with the dual burner Coleman propane stove..
Which I will be replacing with a GasOne propane/butane single burner stove.
It uses much less fuel for the same results and it cost me a dollar plus $11 shipping.
I already had my invertor, a Cobra 800w/1600max as suggested by Steven Harris in his Battery1234/power bank videos.
It should be able to run the fridge and have some range left for lighting or a laptop.
You can see where the p.o. "remodeled" the cabinet to fit the fridge, I'll be undoing that as soon as I find a 12/110/propane fridge to replace it.
Grundig radio for scale of remodel/reduction.
More pics..
This camper also didn't come with something that every other Perris Valley I've ever seen has.
A "cigarette lighter" 12v socket.
So I'll be hitting up the help aisle and/or junkyard soon.
There's also no water tank (Fresh or Gray)
So I'll be improvising something for that as well.
Pics of the original linoleum (40+ years of sun bake and all.)
And the black "deck carpet" that I had already put in Redford's bed for sound deadening,
Now installed inside the camper.
Also I bought some athletic mats (kindergarten nap mats) and am thinking of trimming them, and reupholstering them for the dinette/guest bed.
The cushions that came with it came from
"Some living room suit that my wife always hated."
And don't fit, lay flat. So they need replacing.
Will probably still add an inch of memory foam for comforts sake.
Pic of current cushions included.
Rainy monsoon day today, which is delaying my work on the invertor/electronics install.
So I'll cover this for today...
I'm not sure if I accurately expressed just how small these are.
Perris Valley specialized in campers for the small import trucks of the 1970s and 80s.
Most of which had a 6ft bed... That should say a lot.
Pics of the overall width measured at the beam of the top bunk.
And interior height measured at the dinette.
5ft 9in hi and 5ft 11in wide,
6ft 5in runway length (door to bulkhead...
Good thing I'm average (5ft 10in) there won't be any stretching out in bed, that's for sure.
The one that I bought plans for has a 6ft 4 ceiling height and 6ft2 width with a 7ft runway length, for reference.
(Edit)
7ft 10in exterior height overall, it's just over to fit in my covered parking.
Sadly the Cobra 800/1600W inverter squealed the squeal of the little engine that Won't...
It doesn't have the oomph to start the mini fridge that came with the camper.
But it did have the push to run my full size fridge, a laptop, and a floor lamp while charging 2 cellphones.
Maybe I need larger cables to connect to the battery, the 16ga that my current clamp on connector is made from
probably doesn't have the capacity to run the inverter at or even anywhere near full power.
So I guess I'm making 8Ga connectors next, After all "If we're gonna do it, Lets do the GD thing right..." Spence-1988
Words to live by from the only movie I can think of where Sean Bean Doesn't die.
Good news, the "porch light" works, but it's a Christmas bulb,
Might be a good beacon for a sniper, but it's not bright enough to draw June bugs.
So that'll be replaced with... idk, Something. I've always liked those "mason jar" porch lights.
Maybe I can figure out a 12V version, more 12V = Less reliance on the inverter.
The stove (Coleman 2 burner) is going away, and I'm cutting the hole in my counter slightly larger,
So I can use a full aluminum sheet pan as a prep surface, and a flameproof platform for the gas one single burner.
I'll also be seeing about putting aluminum flashing to keep the cooking area as fireproof as possible.
More pics and more mini projects to follow.
So, I bought my sheet pan ($2.50 at Deseret Industries)
And got a (temporary at least) light cover for the 12V dome light ($2.50 also from DI)
But I didn't get home in time to go dig through storage to find my jigsaw.
So the prep/cooking surface will have to wait for another day.
But I did figure out my 12V interior lights.
Which both (color me surprised) work like new.
I'll be running a new 12V lead to the passenger storage panel accessed from the rear of the camper.
Speaking of the storage and shore line closets,
I'll be buying and installing mailbox type locks for those.
Dusk pics of interior lights included, night pics will be added later.
As promised night time pics.
I think the bulbs (1156 turn signal) do well enough.
The LED replacements will use less battery though,
And should last longer... Even though the ones in it may well be original from 1978.
Definitely getting a case of the 1156 just in case.
Alrighty then...
Improvised a couple 10ga cables and...
My fridge works now! Yay me!!
God bless Big-Lots and their $7 jumper cables that I buy every chance I get.
Now I need to get another battery... Or three.
I'm including pics of the camper loading booklet for the courier in this post as well as pics of my kill-a-watt meter when the fridge was running.
Little victories like this are motivating as all get out
Not motivation enough to dig through my entire storage unit to find my jigsaw just yet, but still.
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 in 117deg summers, 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... a little.
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.
Quote from: superduder on December 09, 2023, 03:27:34 PMMoving 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?
Quote from: majorhavoc on December 09, 2023, 03:34:34 PMQuote from: superduder on December 09, 2023, 03:27:34 PMMoving 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.
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.
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.
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.
Quote from: superduder on December 11, 2023, 02:57:31 PMThose 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.
Believe it or not mine (tiny as it is) is supposed to be able to, With options, accommodate 6... :eek1:
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. :smiley_crocodile:
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.
Quote from: superduder on December 11, 2023, 03:54:34 PMBelieve it or not mine (tiny as it is) is supposed to be able to, With options, accommodate 6... :eek1:
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. :smiley_crocodile:
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.
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
Definitely following this thread. But it sounds like you need another truck ...
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.