15 replies to this topic

[karsonb]

Thanks Rusty for the input on this question.  I was forming the opinion that the NCO was possibly a little easier on the fuel economy from what I have been able to glean from the WWW as well.  Your input goes right along with others who have made passing coments on the 2 style options.  I think I will hone my search in on a used NCO, probably a 10'.  With the engine performance enhancements, Tire upgrade to "E" class, and the timbrens, I should be good for weekend get aways. If I was going on  extended long term outings often, I would consider a 3/4 ton upgade, but I am confident that my 08 F-150n with a 1940 lbs rated cargo capacity as a stock rig, should be able to handle my intended purposes with the mods I have incorporated.  Most of the time it will be no camper and a commuter to/from work, and the hauling job associated with my tree farm and saw milling on the side.  One more inquiry to you guys is modding for the newer trucks, what is the best way to go about it? just block up the floor under the camper to clear the higher side dimension of the truck box? Also what jack upgrades are suggested so one can possibly use the camper off the truck?

[Rusty]

1...using an older Alaskan while off the truck is a losing proposition...the floors are held on by itsy bitsy little tiny nails...and if they used glue it was water soluble.  Most Campers were bolted in the trucks and left there.  there have been cases of Alaskan purchases made...takes it home and removes it from the truck, leaves it overnight in the barn and the floor falls off overnight....ugly

 

The jacks I use are Atwood tripods much like the Reico Titan....the new CO has a set of Reico THD tripods w/extensions....there have been a couple guys adapt the reico brackets to a vertical electric jack so you can do it  automatically..really cool setups...not there yet

 

as far as mods needed for the bed...the popout at the rear passenger side needs to be reduced by 2.5"...not a bad job at all...a little framing...moving a hydraulic line and possibly adjusting some electrical that may have been modified before...after work a few nights

 

for CO's a riser must be installed to clear the cab height...4-4.5" high...Alaskan uses 4"

[karsonb]

thanks for the heads up Rusty! You must have been in and around these things for some time.  I will keep my eye out for a good used one.  I know when the time is right one will come up.  There seem to be quite a few in the PNW. Depending on time, I may do the retrofits myself, or possibly take it for a factory refurb if that is feasible and I don't have time to do it myself.

[Rusty]

karson....

 

the 10' NCO we are using was purchased new..by my grandmother.....in 1970 .....and I'm 71

 

She and my grandfather bought an 8' NCO in 1969, traveled the southwest for a year and came home to turn it in for a 10'NCO...the one we have

[karsonb]

That 10' in your avatar pic is one nice looking camper!  Thanks for all the sage advice and information. You guys are great!

[karsonb]

Well, back on the forum after a bit of a hiatus. In my travels (work) I found an 8’ NCO in sou5western BC Canadá. Going to go and seal the deal in a few weeks, it looks like a decent one, and pretty easy on the pocket book at $2k Canadian. I will get some pics and info up on it when I have it on my pickup. It is a 1970. Icebox, and wardrobe, stove, no oven. From the for sale pics, I see no signs of water staining on the Interior wood, will fill you all in when I get my hands on it. Kind of excited.