Thinking of buying a utility shell for a stealth/adventure vehicle camper.

[VanLifeCrisis]

We never used tape...isnt that more for permanent fittings?&nbsp; You have to unscrew it don't you (i guess only the one end)?&nbsp; I read you can check the connections with <span style="text-decoration: underline;">soapy water</span>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We never bothered though, we were in a large apartment, obviously an enclosed space like a camper is more risky.

 

[Telcobilly]

Thanks bk & Dazar, for that very reason, I haven't bought the propane tank yet. I think I'll do that before I commit. Would rather waste $ on green bottles and be alive than the alternative..isn't propane heavier than air? The tank would be at truck bed level and the heater is approximately 2 ft higher at floor level. The doors aren't perfectly sealed at the bottom, wouldn't the propane flow out through the gaps, going with gravity?

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

It does go down.&nbsp; I plan to use a large bottle in mine, in a floor vented/secluded compartment for just that purpose.&nbsp; If it makes you nervous, maybe you can talk it over with a lp guy though they are probably gonna tell you to put the big tank outside, as officially that's how they are supposed to be used.

 

[Telcobilly]

Yesterday was a long day at 4WP getting new tires,rims & SuperSprings. It was definitely worth the wait. I drove the 20 miles gingerly on the bumpstops. What was finally done is the following: 265/75/16 Procomp A/T tires, Mickey Thompson black Classic Lock beadlock style rims, SSA 19 SuperSprings, add-a-leaf, 2.5" leveling kit in the front and 2" blocks in the rear. Wow! The truck looks tough like a poor mans Earthroamer.
The 4% larger wheels made the speedo match the GPS. Now I have plenty of spring in the rear, no swaying or bottoming out and the ride is decent, not harsh. Got the tires on a sale, buy 3 get the 4th free. They threw in the AAL for free because the truck wasnt level with the leveling kit. Very happy!

I'll post better pix, these were taken pretty early this morning.

Front

 

[Telcobilly]

Going to Camping World to get the best connections I can, as well as a propane detector. I think if I set it up right, I will be safe. A little common goes a long way. Even though campers have the tanks outside, the lines and appliances are still inside, so it's false security not to be just as vigilant.

 

[Seraphim]

I'm enjoying the thread and photos. Good work.

 

[Telcobilly]

Thanks Seraphim, daily I'm finding better ways to do things. More creativity going on this weekend. I made a steering wheel holder for my iPad. May attach a small tray to extend its usefulness. Maybe $6 invested.. Notice what website the iPad is on.. Lol

Got a bucket of Damp Rid as well to see how it will do. It's sitting by my head. NO condensation this morning at all. Will continue to monitor its effectiveness. It was $10 at Home Depot.

Finally on the propane front, I'm heading south tomorrow to see family in Texas for Christmas, so I'm going to use the green bottles I already have. I'm going to purchase a 12-15 ft line and run it through an access hole in the shell between the left bedside and shell. It will be right there with my shore power cord. When I need to use the heater, I'll lock the bottle outside and connect the hose. Additionally, I'm going to purchase the propane sniffer from Camping World.

 

[mad*sparrow]

Hey telco they have something like that on amazon and it is suggested not to drive with it.

If you get the chance search for stearingwheel desktop and read the customer comments. Funniest stuff I've ever read.

Very nice DIY rig -- best I've ever seen.

 

[Telcobilly]

Thanks MS. I actually had already saved that steering wheel desk to my Amazon Wish List. Definitely not driving with it.
I'm back in the Houston area with family, so I can hold off on the propane tank and line for a little while. Going to have it on a longer line and the tank locked outside.

 

[crazybill]

Telcobilly, nice rig. Looks like you will enjoy it. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp; I have a few propane comments;<br>&nbsp;Use pipe dope or tape that is specifically rated for propane or natural gas only on screw in permanent type fittings. The tank connections are o-ring seals and do not need sealers. Just keep them clean.<br>&nbsp;Propane does drop in a still air environment but don't count on it going out through low level openings. Normal convection usually draws air in through these openings. When I use my catalytic heater I keep a window cracked about a quarter inch and a roof vent just barely cracked. This allows enough ventilation for me to feel safe and also helps control condensation. Sure I lose a bit of heated air but not enough to matter. <br>&nbsp; There are fixed propane detectors meant for rv's that use your 12 volt system and draw very little current. I would recommend this especially if you are storing the bottle inside. I know you mentioned you are going outside with your bottles and I only include this for future reference. As DazarGaidin mentioned use soapy water (50% mix) to check connections. <br>&nbsp;This is all just my opinion and is what works for me. <br>-Bill-

 

[Telcobilly]

Got the ARB 47L fridge/freezer today. It fit perfectly and is easy to access through the rear half door. Playing around with the settings and checking how effective it is. If its as good as they say it is, I'll be able to have whatever food I want with me.

 

[Telcobilly]

Crazy Bill, thanks for your propane advice. I will definitely heed it. Won't do anything right now as I'm going to a rig right after Christmas with housing.

 

[CarCampire]

Wonderful idea with the camper shell and I love the constant updates! Please keep'em coming. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[Telcobilly]

Thanks Sudormi, I'll keep them coming. Not much new right now. I swapped a few duffle bags for laundry baskets to make stuff easier to find. I'm finding that I need to have more of a backpacker's mentality vs that of an RV'er. It's too easy to load up way too much stuff and weight
I do have stout front & rear bumpers on order. Also, I may order the long propane line and bigger tank if I find myself in a cold place again this winter.

 

[Telcobilly]

Still in a holding pattern on upgrades. Don't expect to get the bumpers until Feb, need to get to work anyway. Sharing a pic of my setup with the laundry baskets under the cot. Notice also the green ratcheting straps holding the cot in place (3). Brainstorming now for cooling options for the next summer. My plan now is to be in cooler places like San Diego, or in air conditioned housing at a rig site. Probably have a Fantastic Fan right in front of the 8" pass through port with the rear ones open to allow cross ventilation. The white PVC pipe in the bottom of the pic has two T fittings, allowing me to attach it to the top door latches. I have a light camping tarp I can clamp to the bar, forming a shower stall with the doors on the sides and the curtain at the rear.

 

[Telcobilly]

Not a lot of big news, but I have a few observations. The truck handles very well with the SuperSprings, not harsh, & no sagging or excessive lean. I'm in San Diego again as of a week ago. I really had to retrain myself to drive this truck for fuel mileage. If not, its pretty abysmal.. 15 mpg. I got 21mpg in AZ when I stopped in Eloy, AZ for fuel. Then I burned it up going up that 30 mile grade on I-8 where the Golden Acorn casino is located. I knew I would, so I decided to put the hammer down to see how much better it would do than my struggling previous 4 cylinder Tacoma. It FLEW up there @ 70 mph with pedal left.. It wasn't in OD which is to be expected. I gained over 4000' in that climb.

The ARB fridge/freezer works great. I didn't have to leave any perishables at the rig. I took cheese, milk, butter & fruit to Dallas where I dropped $1500 on TTL for the truck and then went to SD with the same food. It stayed cold throughout the trip with 3 extended stops. I highly recommend this unit, but it isn't cheap. It will run off of 110v or 12v, using a fraction of the power of a thermoelectric cooler.

I'm getting a security system with remote start installed right now. Considering that this truck is my livelihood and backup home, I think it's a prudent purchase. It's going to be nice to be able to start the truck from the back if I need heat or air or need to top off the batteries.
Also, if someone unsavory is outside, I could set it off and call 911 with my phone.

I'll be getting Tough Country bumpers in February which will harden my rig in any potential mishap as well as being able to install a winch.

I'll post more pics when the bumpers go on.

 

[Telcobilly]

This is my actual front bumper with a winch mount and one simple bar. It's ready and waiting for me in El Campo, TX.
It's the bumper in the bottom of the pic.

This is a very similar bumper with the extra brush guards around the headlights. The truck is very similar to mine but with an added hood scoop.

This bumper may seem like overkill, but with the amount of deer I encounter out in OK & TX, I think it makes a lot of sense. I have had too many friends and coworkers who have had expensive and hazardous deer collisions.

 

[ccbreder]

Thanks for all the information. I enjoy going through the posts and photos. Bill had good advice about propane. Just to echo. yellow tape on pipe thread fittings, nothing on flare fittings, and the propane specific fittings use o rings to seal. There is a special leak detector (soap suds type) that "hangs" onto the fitting you test for leaks, it does work better than dish detergent. If you have your propane bottle inside your ride, you need a propane detector. If you burn propane, please get a carbon dioxide alarm. Also as others have said, ventilation is key to solving condensation and making up breathable air. small computor fans can be salvaged from cast offs and most are 12 volt. They work good for venting, are quiet, and use little battery. You should plan to have a deep-cycle house battery for your electrical needs, search this forum for info. again thanks for all your posts. forgive any of my repeats.

 

[Telcobilly]

Ccbreder, thank you for you propane safety advice. It's much appreciated. Right now the heater is stored as it's not needed. My plan next winter is to buy a long hose (I already have a filter), run it from the heater through an access hole with the power strip to the driver side of the truck between the bed side and shell. I'll use a 20lb bottle and it will be chained up outside when in use. I do have a co2 detector and an 8" opening one foot from my head. I spent 3 weeks in Boulder using the heater every day. My heater is indoor rated with tip over protection and a low oxygen sensor. I like that computer fan idea, I could mount one in that hole. That would be great if I could reduce the condensation. Now that I think about it, the marine stores sell fan ventilation units that fit in round hatches like mine. I was wondering if I could use a deep cycle battery as a house and starting battery? I would prefer one battery for simplicity and weight savings. In a pinch, I have a Honda generator with a 12v output and cables if I was ever stranded in a remote area..

 

[ccbreder]

A deep cycle battery can be used to start your vehicle. But if you have used it during the night, it may not have enough charge remaining to start. My mechanic mounted a battery box under the hood on the right side to pair with the starter battery on the left. The wiring confused me but the starter battery would not discharge when using the house, but the house would charge when running the engine.<br>but if you are going to drain your battery, a deep cycle is better to use than a starter battery as for long life.