23 replies to this topic

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I found an old brocure from the 80's for Four Wheel Campers. In the brocure they list the Fleet as a model made to fit the "New" import trucks and the picture shows the fleet in a 4x4 Toyota pickup

KP, That's good news. The secret in the sauce is the set of measurements!!! Be sure of both the truck and camper.

To answere your question about jacks. There are tripod foot jacks that are placed at the center of balance. I think they may still be made, but have fallen out of favor and been surpassed by corner jacks. Check the Rieco site to see what is still offered.

 

[Living The Dream]

I have what I believe is an 80s Fleet in my 2009 Tacoma Access cab.  It does fit.  However I have no idea what someone did before hand so I guess it could have been narrowed, but I truly don't think it was.

 

The one thing I had to do to get it to fit my truck is but a couple of runners of wood between the bed and the camper floor.  Before this the wings of the camper sat on the truck bed rails which is a bad idea.

 

I too have just the two jacks.  It is a pretty sketchy situations when the camper is sitting just on the two jacks before you get the truck under there, but it works.  Make sure you get the jacks symmetrical when using them.  And also, on the side with the windows be sure you guide the jacks as they get weighted so you don't mess with the window framing.

 

So far I'm loving mine in my tacoma.  

 

If its in good condition, specially water tight roof, solid lifting panels, decent canvas.  I'd say 850 is a solid deal. I got mine for substantially lower with two jacks, but have since done quite a bit of work and money.  

[kpihera]

Did you modify your suspension?  How does the load feel when driving etc?

[Living The Dream]

I put ride rite air bags in.  All good so far.  Maybe a little bouncy that I know if you go with struts and leafs its supposed to be better.  It really depends on what you want.  If you will take of regularly, I think airbags are the best option.  If you are going full time instal might want to consider the other.  

 

Plus the ride rites are quite easy to instal on your own if you know how to turn a wrench. Tons of videos and other forums about installing them.

 

I just realized you are gen 1 not gen 2. But still I think you can get it to work....  be creative. 

[Missing Link]

We had a 1989 Fleet on a 1988 Toyota pick up (pre Tacoma) for 10 years with no modifications to the camper whatsoever.  We had a spring shop re-arch the stock springs and add an extra leaf to the stock spring pack.  This made for a stiff ride without the camper, but was a perfect setup when the camper was loaded. 

[kpihera]

Thanks for all the help!  I am now the owner of this camper... I ended up getting it for 750 with the 2 jacks.... pretty good deal I think!  It doesn't seem too heavy.... I will most likey add a leaf or add a helper spring.  

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Thanks for all the help!  I am now the owner of this camper... I ended up getting it for 750 with the 2 jacks.... pretty good deal I think!  It doesn't seem too heavy.... I will most likey add a leaf or add a helper spring.  

 

Hey, congratulations!   Let's see some pictures.   

[Living The Dream]

Congrats.  Way to pull the trigger.

[RC Pilot Jim]

My congrats too.
Wow $750 for a 4 wheel camper
If you improve it please report with pictures.

[Tomas Tierra]

Nice score!!

I ran around with an '84fleet on an '88 custom cab 4x4 Toyota for ten years back in the '90sThat thing went through Baja Hell (actuall heaven, but not for the truck) and madeit back every time. Probily 10,000 offroad miles.

I bolted through the floor to attach it, and built up the spring pack to carry it. The center of gravity was little back, but it wasn't that big a deal. Pack smart!

Sold it for $100 more than I paid after all those years and miles..
Have fun!! Post up some pics!

TT