87 replies to this topic

[super doody]

Nice clean setup. How did brackets attached to the solar panel? Where did you source the brackets?

 

 

[MANXMAN]

Thanks for the comments on the camper interior build.

 

The LP system was certified this past week so now it's time to start the fun of using it.

 

We'll be out for some 2 and 3 day trips to for the next little while before heading to Utah for 3 weeks in September. Got our permit for the White Rim Trail and will be doing many other routes around Moab before heading over to Cathedral Valley. Should be a great time in the new camper. 

[MANXMAN]

 

Nice clean setup. How did brackets attached to the solar panel? Where did you source the brackets?

 

 

 

The brackets came in the kit with the solar panel from Zamp.

 

Once drilled for the correct spacing, they bolt through the underside of the panel's frame. The underside of the frame is much wider than the top so there is lots of room to drill the bolt holes.  I bolted the brackets to the roof rack with nut plates from Yakima.  

[MANXMAN]

An epilogue....... of sorts.

 

The first year of using our truck and camper was a total success!

 

The F150 surprised us with how well it handled the 4x4 roads around Moab with the camper and all our gear. The fact that we got 21mpg over the entire trip was above our expectations too.

 

It is no surprise to anyone that we have zero issues with the flatbed shell that ATC built for us. It took all the shaking from the washboard roads and twisting from the 4x4ing without any problems.

 

The deck was also trouble free. I gave it a good check over when we got back and there is no cracking of any of the aluminum or even any scuffs in the powder coating.

 

We have lots of trips with the camper planned for next year and then we will sell it because ATC will have our new flatbed camper ready by the end of September. 

 

ATC is going to build the new one with slightly different dimensions and with a 5 foot cabover instead of the 4 foot one we have now. The cabover will also be 2" deeper for more room so we can leave the sleeping bags in place when we lower the roof.

 

Really looking forward to building out the interior of the new camper this winter. It will have a different layout and some different equipment in it as well.

 

Should be another fun year.

Edited by MANXMAN, 06 March 2017 - 07:40 PM.

[ski3pin]

Thanks for the update!

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Maxman thanks,we will be waiting to see the new camper.

Will you keep the Ford 150?

Frank

[MANXMAN]

 

Will you keep the Ford 150?

Frank

Because the new camper is slightly different in width and length, I will need a new deck. If I'm going go to the trouble to make a new deck, I will put it on a 2017 F150.

 

The 2017 F150 has over 400 lbs more payload capacity in the same supercab configuration and now has 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Thats a lot of torque for a 1/2 ton and can only make the new F150 even better for hauling a pop up camper.

 

My existing F150 will be sold this fall as a complete unit. Truck, deck and camper. That is going to save someone a lot of work and a lot of money if they were thinking of getting a flat deck camper.

Edited by MANXMAN, 07 March 2017 - 12:16 AM.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

That's good to hear Max.Yes the next owner will have a great camper I'm sure.

It will be nice to see the new camper when finished.

Frank