So here is the plan/progress to date:
Last week, my cousin and I tried to drop the spare tire in order to attach the backup camera wiring, and we discovered that my truck was missing a small pat called the “spare tire lock key,” a 3-inch metal contraption in the glove compartment (according to the owner’s manual). After two previous owners, that little metal piece is gone. I had to order one from a local Ford dealership today. I’m very glad we discovered this now and not when I’m on BLM land. This past weekend, we finished installing the Lagun table and fixed a few minor things (a broken drawer latch, a leaky outdoor shower hose, etc.). I discussed step options with the truck camper dealership, but it appear that there aren’t many good, simple options. There is a good scissor-step option, but it would involve modifying the bumper… and would cost over $500. So I will skip that for now. The only things left to do to the camper are to reinforce the table support and install new pistons in some of the cabinets. I have all of my recovery gear now and know (more or less) how to use it, and I believe I’ll be ready to hit the road sometime next week, touch wood.
I’ve made some more discoveries through living this lifestyle over the past few weeks. For one, I’ve come to realize that my “Navy showers” are not as short or water-conversing as I thought they were. I turn the shower head on, collect the runoff water in a pail (to use later for dishes, brushing my teeth, etc.) until the water is running hot, wet my hair, turn the shower head off, shampoo my hair, turn the shower head on, rinse my hair, wet my body, turn the shower head off, wash with a washcloth and Dr. Bronner’s soap, turn the shower head on, and rinse off. It doesn’t feel like I’m using a lot of water, but eye-balling the level of the translucent 40-gallon tank, I’m surprised at how much water I’m using. I’m going to have to get more efficient with my showers or get more deliberate with the “sponge bath.”
I find myself forgetting to close things and put things away before I drive off. I always make sure the safety stuff is done (propane stove turned off, taps off, tie-downs secured, pigtail connected, etc.), but I have forgotten little things in the cabin. I once left an open cup of soda in the cab over before driving off, which spilled onto my mattress. I have accidentally left a window open and driven off, etc.
One more thing left to do for the camper: over the next week or two, while I’m still in New England, I will make window covers for the door and the cab over windows. That will increase privacy and “stealth” by a major factor, although I am not planning to go urban “stealth” in a truck camper. The folks at the truck camper dealership suggested bubble foil. That is an excellent idea, as bubble foil is light, blocks 100% of light, and also insulates. I am also thinking of putting a peep hole on the camper door. Thanks for reading!
Last week, my cousin and I tried to drop the spare tire in order to attach the backup camera wiring, and we discovered that my truck was missing a small pat called the “spare tire lock key,” a 3-inch metal contraption in the glove compartment (according to the owner’s manual). After two previous owners, that little metal piece is gone. I had to order one from a local Ford dealership today. I’m very glad we discovered this now and not when I’m on BLM land. This past weekend, we finished installing the Lagun table and fixed a few minor things (a broken drawer latch, a leaky outdoor shower hose, etc.). I discussed step options with the truck camper dealership, but it appear that there aren’t many good, simple options. There is a good scissor-step option, but it would involve modifying the bumper… and would cost over $500. So I will skip that for now. The only things left to do to the camper are to reinforce the table support and install new pistons in some of the cabinets. I have all of my recovery gear now and know (more or less) how to use it, and I believe I’ll be ready to hit the road sometime next week, touch wood.
I’ve made some more discoveries through living this lifestyle over the past few weeks. For one, I’ve come to realize that my “Navy showers” are not as short or water-conversing as I thought they were. I turn the shower head on, collect the runoff water in a pail (to use later for dishes, brushing my teeth, etc.) until the water is running hot, wet my hair, turn the shower head off, shampoo my hair, turn the shower head on, rinse my hair, wet my body, turn the shower head off, wash with a washcloth and Dr. Bronner’s soap, turn the shower head on, and rinse off. It doesn’t feel like I’m using a lot of water, but eye-balling the level of the translucent 40-gallon tank, I’m surprised at how much water I’m using. I’m going to have to get more efficient with my showers or get more deliberate with the “sponge bath.”
I find myself forgetting to close things and put things away before I drive off. I always make sure the safety stuff is done (propane stove turned off, taps off, tie-downs secured, pigtail connected, etc.), but I have forgotten little things in the cabin. I once left an open cup of soda in the cab over before driving off, which spilled onto my mattress. I have accidentally left a window open and driven off, etc.
One more thing left to do for the camper: over the next week or two, while I’m still in New England, I will make window covers for the door and the cab over windows. That will increase privacy and “stealth” by a major factor, although I am not planning to go urban “stealth” in a truck camper. The folks at the truck camper dealership suggested bubble foil. That is an excellent idea, as bubble foil is light, blocks 100% of light, and also insulates. I am also thinking of putting a peep hole on the camper door. Thanks for reading!
