Rafter C
Advanced Member
So this is probably a "johnny come lately" thread since I've owned my camper for over a year, but I'm starting to really get going on building it the way I want it, so I figure I'll get everything documented from the git go...
I bought my 2011 in November of 2016 from the original owner who had used it a couple of handfuls of times to go hunting. It was in perfect shape (minus the lingering scent of whatever aftershave he used), a relatively short distance from my home, and the seller was hard-nosed enough on his price (with the requirement of cash only), and “contactibility” was challenging enough, that it sat on CL for quite some time before I found it and arranged to buy it.
It’s a basic Cougar model with all the usual amenities (3 way fridge, sink & water tank, stove, furnace, 8' awning), and the basic couch and bed set up. It seemed to me at the time that I was paying a little too much for it, but I’ve since learned that the rarity of a used ATC unit, especially one in immaculate shape, commands a premium, and I’ve since reconciled the price as a good deal. Basically, I got an “in new condition” unit for about $3k less than buying a new one, and having to wait for construction. The only downfall of that was my inability to customize during construction. But that can be worked around…
One fortunate thing about the camper’s location when it was for sale (Antioch, CA), and where I live (Grass Valley, CA), is that the ATC factory was about half way in between, and right on the way. So after buying it and attaching it to my factory bed tie downs for the ride home, I was able to stop by and see “the guys” at ATC, and get the new owner intro to the camper from Marty. And while there, I bought a battery isolator and the proper bed eye bolts to mount it correctly. And then Marty offered me (free to a good home) a barely used Interstate AGM battery to replace the still in place original Optima blue top. It was really a great first experience interacting with them, and has been followed by several more since.
I’m going to post the progress I’ve already made, and that going forward in a series of posts over the coming days so I can chronologically document my work, and so I can take my time and include plenty of pics with each post, so hopefully it’ll be of some interest to the group, and any feedback will be appreciated. The first pics are the day we brought it home. I think we've got a pretty nice looking rig to start this journey.
More to follow…..
I bought my 2011 in November of 2016 from the original owner who had used it a couple of handfuls of times to go hunting. It was in perfect shape (minus the lingering scent of whatever aftershave he used), a relatively short distance from my home, and the seller was hard-nosed enough on his price (with the requirement of cash only), and “contactibility” was challenging enough, that it sat on CL for quite some time before I found it and arranged to buy it.
It’s a basic Cougar model with all the usual amenities (3 way fridge, sink & water tank, stove, furnace, 8' awning), and the basic couch and bed set up. It seemed to me at the time that I was paying a little too much for it, but I’ve since learned that the rarity of a used ATC unit, especially one in immaculate shape, commands a premium, and I’ve since reconciled the price as a good deal. Basically, I got an “in new condition” unit for about $3k less than buying a new one, and having to wait for construction. The only downfall of that was my inability to customize during construction. But that can be worked around…
One fortunate thing about the camper’s location when it was for sale (Antioch, CA), and where I live (Grass Valley, CA), is that the ATC factory was about half way in between, and right on the way. So after buying it and attaching it to my factory bed tie downs for the ride home, I was able to stop by and see “the guys” at ATC, and get the new owner intro to the camper from Marty. And while there, I bought a battery isolator and the proper bed eye bolts to mount it correctly. And then Marty offered me (free to a good home) a barely used Interstate AGM battery to replace the still in place original Optima blue top. It was really a great first experience interacting with them, and has been followed by several more since.
I’m going to post the progress I’ve already made, and that going forward in a series of posts over the coming days so I can chronologically document my work, and so I can take my time and include plenty of pics with each post, so hopefully it’ll be of some interest to the group, and any feedback will be appreciated. The first pics are the day we brought it home. I think we've got a pretty nice looking rig to start this journey.
More to follow…..