Something New Is Afoot - Building Our New Camper

[ski3pin]

Julie and I finished the camper November 17, loaded it on the truck, and left home. I will finish up details of the building process and photos if and when we return from the maiden voyage.

 

[pvstoy]

"IF" ??? Love it!

Have a great trip.

 

[goinoregon]

hope your trip is going well, no loose wires, bolts, etc.

 

[penner]

Have a good trip! Looking forward to the trip report. ( and the heater review)

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Have a grand time out with the new toy.
Frank

 

[ski3pin]

Julie and I finished the camper November 17, loaded it on the truck, and left home. I will finish up details of the building process and photos if and when we return from the maiden voyage.

We returned after a month on the road. With several areas with tough backroads, it was an effective shake down trip. I will have more later and I'll complete the camper build photos. Our major learning curve was the new truck. It has a computer that wants to tell you everything, lots of buttons to push, and several I have no idea what they do. But, I'm settled in my confidence that I'll never need to know what they do. The truck's computer said that we traveled 3112 miles, drove for 80 hours, and averaged 17 mpg. I still do most things the old fashion way. Our log book says we traveled 3112 miles and bought 191.32 gallons of fuel. That equals 16.27 mpg, not 17. We had one tank at 19 mpg and one tank at 13 mpg. The 13 mpg tank was much more fun than the 19 mpg tank. This is all on winter blend gasoline. Past experience says summer driving yields around 10% better mileage. Note: I've calibrated the truck's computer to the circumference of our new tires, and I've confirmed the accuracy with gps.

More later, but we're working on a quick turn around. That "if" is still in play.

 

[Taku]

yep those buttons. Other friends have said the same. Not sure I want a new vehicle with all those buttons! Glad you had a good trip and the new rig is working out.

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

yep those buttons. Other friends have said the same. Not sure I want a new vehicle with all those buttons! Glad you had a good trip and the new rig is working out.

At least Monte & Julie’s new Ranger still has buttons. So many new vehicles have eliminated them, putting controls on a touchscreen. Some have gone so far as forcing the driver to scroll through menus simply to adjust a dashboard HVAC vent direction.

 

[Occidental]

Yes, my Ranger has buttons, but the latest over the air software update installed touch screen software, and there is no touchscreen, so now the buttons and the entire computerized infotainment system are useless. Four days at the dealer and a new computer later it still doesn't work. I'm not loving the technology.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

I am still figuring out all the tech stuff on our 2 year old RAV 4.
So much tech stuff that most of us will never use.
I just keep telling myself that technology is good.
Have fun with the new rig.
Waiting for the trip report.
Frank

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

At least Monte & Julie’s new Ranger still has buttons. So many new vehicles have eliminated them, putting controls on a touchscreen. Some have gone so far as forcing the driver to scroll through menus simply to adjust a dashboard HVAC vent direction.

You not supposed to use your phone while driving but it's OK to watch the touch screen
to get all that info.Go figure.
Frank

 

[goinoregon]

welcome BACK !
many pluses and minus's with new tech. underneath all, the newer the vehicle, generally, it is much safer. the way you two travel, you should find any 'problems' early on.

 

[ski3pin]

Here are photos of the completed camper. The table is in place and the Iceco chest refrigerator is in place across the front.

The drawers and cubbies are stocked.

Simple access to the fuses.

It passed the shake down trip exactly as we expected.

We are waiting for the cushions for the three seat tops to be delivered. Next up in the build documentation is sewing the new arctic/thermal pack for the sideliner.



The adventure continues. Please check back for updates.

 

[fish more]

Looks great Monte and Julie !! How do you like the Iceco refer? I just purchased a 35 Qt Iceco and really like it.

 

[PaulT]

Beautiful job. Looks like a picky banjo builder influenced the work.

 

[ski3pin]

Looks great Monte and Julie !! How do you like the Iceco refer? I just purchased a 35 Qt Iceco and really like it.

The Iceco fridge is the same IndelB truckfridge chest fridge that we've used for years. It does its job well. The only change I see is updated controls and much less swing between inside temperatures when operating. The compressor runs more often for shorter periods of time and keeps the fridge at a constant set temperature.

 

[ski3pin]

We picked up the seat cushions at ATC today. Marty also helped with an electrical issue I did not figure out. Saved me a lot of time. Thanks Marty! Marty knows campers inside and out.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Looking great Monte may you have many years of great camping.
Nice Christmas present.
Frank

 

[Taku]

Yes great build Monte! Glad the new camper and truck are working out so well. Merry Christmas to you and Julie!

 

[ski3pin]

December 25 update. Our three seat cushions are installed.

We have two circuits for love lights, both switched right inside the rear door. One led strip is below the cabinet and the second is under the counter.

The adventure continues. Please check back for updates.