Something New Is Afoot - Building Our New Camper

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Update 14 January 2025. We dropped by the ATC camper shop to have the guys inspect our final product. We shared with them how Julie is holding up the “technical end” of our adventures with apps on her smartphone. She monitors our battery health with Renogy’s DC Home app. The Iceco chest fridge is monitored with the Iceco app. We opted to use a Mopeka ultrasonic sensor. I installed the carrier for the sensor and the sensor on the bottom of our water tank. The phone app gives precise readout of water in the tank.

All that technology and camping won't be the same.
But it does come in handy.
Frank

 

[ski3pin]

It comes in handy because, for several years, Julie always asked me about the battery being charged, how much water's left, is everything okay? Now, if I'm curious, I ask her.

 

[PaulT]

Monte,
You sly debil. Division of labor is a smart management policy.
If you can get away with it.

I wouldn't be surprised if there are other status inquiries that, until now, were of minor importance. You may find you have been out-smarted. Julie seems to be pretty sharp. That could be a requirement for banjo maker management. Just saying.

 

[ski3pin]

And yesterday we were able to get that long awaited photo of Marty with the camper.

 

[ski3pin]

I'm curious what you like about the 2021 vs the 2003 truck. Did Ford do the right thing for you, or do you think the older one had better features?

I’m curious to see how Monte’s response will compare to my observations on making the move. I went from a 2007 to a 2019.

Now with 6000 miles on the truck carrying the camper in very rugged terrain - as the few members here who receive our Inreach location messages can atest - I can report we love this truck. Julie absolutely loves - me too - the complete Dobinsons suspension we installed. I expected to like it but never thought I'd be impressed. I am impressed. I will provide details when and if we return. The if is still in play.

 

[rubberlegs]

Since you finished the camper build, you’ve been out way more than home. I’m really concerned you’ll never have time to update your trip reports!

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

Since you finished the camper build, you’ve been out way more than home. I’m really concerned you’ll never have time to update your trip reports!

Banjo maker unplugged ... A great lifestyle.

 

[PaulT]

There have been reports of 8 ft of snow in your driveway; Big Red was last seen hitchhiking to warmer weather, and the local bird flock has filed a complaint related to empty bird feeders.
No estimates yet on spring thaw timing. Have fun on your travels.

 

[ski3pin]

Since you finished the camper build, you’ve been out way more than home. I’m really concerned you’ll never have time to update your trip reports!

Mr. Rubberlegs, I hear you want to contribute to my delinquency. I am reminded of the story of the little boy who reached up and tugged at his mommy's skirt. "Yes son? she asked. With a big grin he said, "Mommy, when I grow up I want to be a banjo player!" His loving mother looked down and said, "I'm sorry son, you can't do both."

 

[ski3pin]

Banjo maker unplugged ... A great lifestyle.

Night number 65 in the new camper.

 

[goinoregon]

Night number 65 in the new camper.

crap ! you guys will have sooooo many camping days, that you will throw in the towel on TR's!. a 65 day TR is a book, or multiple books.....

 

[5outta62]

Seeing the camper in person makes one jealous and makes me wonder if I should redo my Ocelot. This is one stunning camper setup.

 

[Occidental]

Sure wish there was info on the furnace. Did I miss that part? (no pressure)

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

crap ! you guys will have sooooo many camping days, that you will throw in the towel on TR's!. a 65 day TR is a book, or multiple books.....

They’re above and beyond 65 days. He’s got a few more books to write now

 

[rtpvibes]

That is so awesome . Loved always following your journey . With the remodel to both new campers. And seeing you both working on the things you love together . Happy trails

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Now I'm curious of your observations too!

I somehow missed your comment, from back in September.

There are a few things I do not like about my Ranger. The first is the 5’ bed on the CC version. Had I known how much I would miss the 6’ bed, I would have waited for the Super Cab. This is not Ford’s fault, it’s mine.

Second is the layout of the center dash. The little button switches for the HVAC are very hard for me to see while driving. I have to either strain to see the dimly lighted buttons, or switch the screen to climate. Both take my eyes off the road.

The rodent issue was a supreme faux pax on Ford’s part. I wonder why they didn’t learn from the international versions.

Things I like are many. It’s comfortable to drive, quiet, has great acceleration, and gets excellent MPGas long as you stay in ECO mode, not boost. Lowest mileage I experienced was around 14 MPG while towing a heavy utility trailer at freeway speeds. Empty, it typically gets 23-24 MPG on the freeway, and 18-19 in town. I have seen 26-28 MPG for short periods on flat terrain, and speeds in the 35-40 range.

The 10 speed transmission is smooth, and the traction control systems work nicely. Having a rear locker is very nice. My only complaint is with steep descents on pavement. I’m usually in 3d or 2nd gear, with the engine at high RPM. It doesn’t hurt anything, I just don’t like it. A low range 2 wheel drive would be a plus for me. I prefer to use compression, and stay off the brakes whenever possible.

I’ve used trail control a few times, and it’s nice, but I don’t need it.

Adaptive cruise control is a plus.

Overall, it’s a great truck that could be better. The biggest miss for me is the 5’ bed.

 

[pods8]

A low range 2 wheel drive would be a plus for me.

How is the 4wd engaged on the ranger? On the superduty vacuum is used to engage the hubs so there is a mod to put a switch/relay in the wiring to the solenoid and after you shift into 4lo you can flip the switch to unlock the front hubs and get 2Lo. If you switch it before going to 4lo it throws an error supposedly.

2LO mod / 2WD Low / Auto Front Hub Override mod - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

2017 - 2022 Super Duty - 2LO mod / 2WD Low / Auto Front Hub Override mod - Friends, Wanted to share my 2LO/Auto hub override mod. This has surely been done before (did it on my ?03), but I haven?t seen it here on this ?17+ forum, so I thought I?d write it up. It took only 15 minutes to do and...

www.ford-trucks.com

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

How is the 4wd engaged on the ranger? On the superduty vacuum is used to engage the hubs so there is a mod to put a switch/relay in the wiring to the solenoid and after you shift into 4lo you can flip the switch to unlock the front hubs and get 2Lo. If you switch it before going to 4lo it throws an error supposedly.

2LO mod / 2WD Low / Auto Front Hub Override mod - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

2017 - 2022 Super Duty - 2LO mod / 2WD Low / Auto Front Hub Override mod - Friends, Wanted to share my 2LO/Auto hub override mod. This has surely been done before (did it on my ?03), but I haven?t seen it here on this ?17+ forum, so I thought I?d write it up. It took only 15 minutes to do and...

www.ford-trucks.com

I don’t have an answer, but suspect it’s electrically actuated. I’ll check the Ranger 5G forum to see if it’s been addressed there. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[ski3pin]

How is the 4wd engaged on the ranger? On the superduty vacuum is used to engage the hubs so there is a mod to put a switch/relay in the wiring to the solenoid and after you shift into 4lo you can flip the switch to unlock the front hubs and get 2Lo. If you switch it before going to 4lo it throws an error supposedly.

2LO mod / 2WD Low / Auto Front Hub Override mod - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

2017 - 2022 Super Duty - 2LO mod / 2WD Low / Auto Front Hub Override mod - Friends, Wanted to share my 2LO/Auto hub override mod. This has surely been done before (did it on my ?03), but I haven?t seen it here on this ?17+ forum, so I thought I?d write it up. It took only 15 minutes to do and...

www.ford-trucks.com

The Ford Ranger is a live axle vehicle. There are no hubs to turn, the axles are always engaged and always turning. The 4x4 switch only activates the transfer case to engage 2H, 4H, 4L.

 

[ski3pin]

Seeing the camper in person makes one jealous and makes me wonder if I should redo my Ocelot. This is one stunning camper setup.

Stu, it was a pleasure meeting you and thank you for the very kind comments.