update...new owner 92' Eagle

[cacapasa]

Thanks for the advice

H20 sanitize???????
sounds easy but there's got to be an easier way to drain the storage tank. pumping takes awhile


There should be a drain on the outside of the camper. After flushing I use a product called Tastepure to help keep my stored water tasting fresh.

 

[Freelheeler]

the work on the camper has slowed down, ACL surgery slows a guy down (5/7). however the boss actually let me crutch out to the camper yesterday then it was back to the articulating knee torture device (6+ hours/day) starting the day of surgery. Thanks goodness for good drugs...

H2O
I know of the drain on the side of the camper but that's for gray water. i'm looking for a drain for the main storage tank so i don't have to pump it dry.

electrical (charging and fridge)
plan to rewire the 12v to the fridge and bypass the original fuse, probably pick up an inline fuse, any thoughts on sizing the fuse? i'd also like a manual switch to ensure the fridge does not deplete the battery

 

[ski3pin]

My water tank drain screws into the bottom of the tank through the camper and is directly above the bed side of the truck. I believe the petcock is standard. I put the elbow on it to gain more clearance.

 

[cacapasa]

My water tank drain screws into the bottom of the tank through the camper and is directly above the bed side of the truck. I believe the petcock is standard. I put the elbow on it to gain more clearance.


That's the drain I was talking about. (petcock) Most are aware of the grey water drain.

 

[craig333]

Whether you need to go solar and leds really depends on what type of camping you do. For weekend trips I really don't see the need for it. Its not like you leave the lights on all that long anyways. If its more expedition type trips, then all that stuff becomes much more worthwhile. More than likely you won't need to carry an extra propane tank. I find mine usually lasts the whole season. That heating, cooking, barbecuing etc.

There should be a drain for the water. Maybe someone plugged it off once?

 

[Freelheeler]

thats the drain i need (petcock) i'll take a look today if the boss lets me crutch out of the house?

 

[Dughlas Stiubhart]

electrical (charging and fridge)

plan to rewire the 12v to the fridge and bypass the original fuse, probably pick up an inline fuse, any thoughts on sizing the fuse? i'd also like a manual switch to ensure the fridge does not deplete the battery


Check with the maker of your fridge, or somebody here for the amps of your 12v heating element. Then use an inline fuse with more amps than the element. Most elements seem to be 7-15 amps range so you could ballpark the fuse at 20amps if you are only going to run the fridge on that line.

How do you switch between 12v, 120v and propane now?

Stew

 

[Freelheeler]

I haven't actually run the fridge on anything but propane and only moment. the previous owner only had the camper for a few months over winter and didn't run the fridge so i'm learning about it as i go. it appears the 12v was disconnected or at least i can't find a live wire coming into the unit. there's a switch on the rear of the fridge that switches between the 3 options.

 

[Freelheeler]

so back on the camper... the knee plus sickness has put me behind

H20
Figured it out... called FWC for some insight. turns out the drain on the ranger II is directly over the bed rail of the Toyota Tundra. The previous owner must have modified the drain and put in a plug which allows the camper to fit the Tundra, thankfully! so in order to access the drain i have to raise the camper, sort of a pain but it works for now. if anyone have modified their campers and relocated the drain please let me know.

Fan
talked to FANTASTIC FANS a few weeks ago trying to trouble shot my problem and they ended up sending me brand new innards. got around to installing it yesterday and the fan works great!!!

 

[Freelheeler]

Problem...1

Took the camper out this weekend nothing like a little rain and snow to appreciate not sleeping on the ground. Went over to Cody and checked out the museum dogs and all, it was pretty nasty out and we would pop up the camper and have lunch and take breaks in the parking lot, the dogs loved it.

Ended up camping up on highway 212 (beartooth pass) around 8500' or above, and had major problems keeping the Mr. Buddy heater lit! the wife got cold and i spent too much time screwing with the thing. A few details on my setup; i have about 15' of propane line running from the main tank. So i'm thinking the pressure is too low and/or elevation?? I really don't want to use the portable canisters.

I need a heater that works at this elevation and above and i thought this was it... maybe i need the wave3??? any thoughts


2
Any recommendations on automatic water pumps? my pumper isn't staying primed and i can see the benefits of running water.

 

[Skeeter]

Problem...1

Took the camper out this weekend nothing like a little rain and snow to appreciate not sleeping on the ground. Went over to Cody and checked out the museum dogs and all, it was pretty nasty out and we would pop up the camper and have lunch and take breaks in the parking lot, the dogs loved it.

Ended up camping up on highway 212 (beartooth pass) around 8500' or above, and had major problems keeping the Mr. Buddy heater lit! the wife got cold and i spent too much time screwing with the thing. A few details on my setup; i have about 15' of propane line running from the main tank. So i'm thinking the pressure is too low and/or elevation?? I really don't want to use the portable canisters.

I need a heater that works at this elevation and above and i thought this was it... maybe i need the wave3??? any thoughts


2
Any recommendations on automatic water pumps? my pumper isn't staying primed and i can see the benefits of running water.



Hey Freeheeler, the Mr buddy heater has a built in shut off feature when oxygen is begining to get low. High eleavations trigger this sensor and the damn things start to shut down. I cannot remember the altitude, but I wanna say 5000' feet or so. I believe it says something on the directions. -skeeter

 

[DLN]

Ditto, when I was shopping for heaters (not having FWC build it in was a big mistake) I passed on those because of the low oxygen shut off. Ended up installing the stock heater and loved it.

 

[Freelheeler]

Heater issue solved, bought stock furnace and plan to install. also picked up a 12v water pump, it's nice having running water!

We've been getting out the last few weeks and are really starting to adjust to the comforts of the camper.

 

[Freelheeler]

Furnace installed... just in time for July 4th weekend!!!

the knee recovery is truely given me time to work over this camper, and like the knee be ready for Fall trips.

 

[Freelheeler]

it's been a while since i posted and it's been one heck of a summer, knee surgery in May followed by another knee surgery in August... (other knee!), enough about me onto the camper update.

it's working great giving me a bit of sanity during recovery, the ease of getting out with the camper is sweet. We've made it to the mtns or music festivals somewhere nearly every weekend i was able. a few setup changes are in the plans

1) relocate stove, making coffee in the morning needs to be easy! this is probably my biggest issue, the campers great for hang'n out or sleeping but it's those time of transition that we're really cramped for space. but again i like the compactness of the setup??

2) improve outdoor cooking setup, does anyone else have a problem with low propane pressure with a 10'plus hose? I'm not a fan of indoor cooking unless the bugs or weather force us inside. i want an easy and quick outdoor setup that runs off the campers propane tanks

3)need to prep the camper for Fall hunting season and ski season (i hope...)

so after a season of camping with the rig and spending time think'n i keep wandering if a 4x4 van (astro) or full size with pop top including penthouse would be better? has anyone else ever has van envy?

 

[pods8]

1) relocate stove, making coffee in the morning needs to be easy! this is probably my biggest issue, the campers great for hang'n out or sleeping but it's those time of transition that we're really cramped for space. but again i like the compactness of the setup??

I like having mine over the fridge.

so after a season of camping with the rig and spending time think'n i keep wandering if a 4x4 van (astro) or full size with pop top including penthouse would be better? has anyone else ever has van envy?


If someone made a robust 4x4 camper van that didn't cost a ridiculous amount I'd potentially have interest. However sports mobiles and such are ridiculously expensive. You can't take the camper off and use them for other truck duties like hauling a load of dirt, etc. When they develop mechanical issues you're camper is intimately tied to them verse being able to swap the base vehicle out under a FWC.