Truck Campers Only, w/ an Overland & Off-roading theme

[PJPVI]

There is a brand in Europe I am considering importing (essentially a wrappon with a bio bag instead of plastic) as many customers have requested such, but in general id love to hear more.

Keep us informed. I may be in the market after Mexico!

 

[TRAMPER]

Hey the subject of toilets finally came around!!!

I for one am actually a big believer in the Wrappon system. I currently own a Wrappon Green but sadly it just doesn’t fit in the Supertramp, just not possible (at least if I want to retain the case).

I’ve had my Green for a few years and it has only been used a handful of times, as mentioned above bathrooms can be readily available and when in nature (where allowed) dig a cat hole.

I’m 99.99999% I’m going to buy the new WT-4 (once I formally verify it will fit) my measurements say it will.

Pros of the Wrappon:

Simplicity - use it like a normal toilet press the flush button throw it away like a diaper.

Uses no water- Supertramp holds like 24 gallons, not having to waste a drop is great!

Sanitary- No matter what your feelings on these toilets is they are the cleanest most sanitary non-smelly solution that exists.

No elevation worries- the toilet that came with the ST has to be left to “breathe” as elevations change. We never used ours ok gonna say NO THANK YOU!

Backup/ emergency use- power outages, floods, natural disasters, ice storms, ect. People don’t generally consider this and while I don’t consider myself a doomsday prepper I also like to have a place to crap if there’s no water at home. We live way out on the country and use a well, definitely seen power outages that extend to a week or more.

Negatives of the Wrappon:

Cost- New toilet spec’d out is like $1800 (that’s ridiculous) and each flush is a couple bucks now….

Environmental- sealing your waste in plastic, while not in anyway illegal isn’t the best, I don’t love it, but for the amount of use it’s not really that big of a deal.

I don’t really have any other negatives, cost is really what’s crazy now, when I bought my Wrappon Green they were maybe half the price they are now….

I can’t see a better solution for my use, it makes my wife feel much more comfortable and that means a lot. A lot of these things we do, are for our spouses so they’ll join in our adventures. My tolerance for roughing it is a lot higher but I can’t pretend I don’t enjoy the comforts either.

If money was no option I’d have a wedge tent on a Tacoma too….

 

[Modman]

Hey the subject of toilets finally came around!!!

I for one am actually a big believer in the Wrappon system.

I like it! I've been thinking of converting our TT at some point so I'm enjoying learning from your various experiences. I'll do some more reading on the Wrappon. Also been looking at the OGO...

 

[TRAMPER]

@Chris-DTA hey man, watched both of your videos. Great job!! Seriously. They’re really good!!!

I had a question about your table, is it the one on Esty I linked on the first page of this thread? Or really just post up a link to the one you picked when you get a second. Thank you!!!

 

[Chris-DTA]

@Chris-DTA hey man, watched both of your videos. Great job!! Seriously. They’re really good!!!

I had a question about your table, is it the one on Esty I linked on the first page of this thread? Or really just post up a link to the one you picked when you get a second. Thank you!!!

Yes, it is but I did not order via Etsy. Found a coupon for when ordering directly from the manufacturer (Weekender Vans). Go to their website - may have to use different browser and I got a pop-up that gave me the 10% off.

And thank you for the kind words about the videos. Really appreciate the support.

 

[gmoon]

Hey the subject of toilets finally came around!!!

I for one am actually a big believer in the Wrappon system. I currently own a Wrappon Green but sadly it just doesn’t fit in the Supertramp, just not possible (at least if I want to retain the case).

I’ve had my Green for a few years and it has only been used a handful of times, as mentioned above bathrooms can be readily available and when in nature (where allowed) dig a cat hole.

I’m 99.99999% I’m going to buy the new WT-4 (once I formally verify it will fit) my measurements say it will.

Pros of the Wrappon:

Simplicity - use it like a normal toilet press the flush button throw it away like a diaper.

Uses no water- Supertramp holds like 24 gallons, not having to waste a drop is great!

Sanitary- No matter what your feelings on these toilets is they are the cleanest most sanitary non-smelly solution that exists.

No elevation worries- the toilet that came with the ST has to be left to “breathe” as elevations change. We never used ours ok gonna say NO THANK YOU!

Backup/ emergency use- power outages, floods, natural disasters, ice storms, ect. People don’t generally consider this and while I don’t consider myself a doomsday prepper I also like to have a place to crap if there’s no water at home. We live way out on the country and use a well, definitely seen power outages that extend to a week or more.

Negatives of the Wrappon:

Cost- New toilet spec’d out is like $1800 (that’s ridiculous) and each flush is a couple bucks now….

Environmental- sealing your waste in plastic, while not in anyway illegal isn’t the best, I don’t love it, but for the amount of use it’s not really that big of a deal.

I don’t really have any other negatives, cost is really what’s crazy now, when I bought my Wrappon Green they were maybe half the price they are now….

I can’t see a better solution for my use, it makes my wife feel much more comfortable and that means a lot. A lot of these things we do, are for our spouses so they’ll join in our adventures. My tolerance for roughing it is a lot higher but I can’t pretend I don’t enjoy the comforts either.

If money was no option I’d have a wedge tent on a Tacoma too….

@TRAMPER I have 1-2 of the new wrappons here. I can get you measurements tomorrow. Just let me know if there is something in particular you are concerned with and Ill make sure to focus on that are too.

I know from experience with a clients rig that the dims on line did not include the handles, plastic corner pieces, etc. When we modeled it in CAD with the new version and made the slide out drawer base for it (clients van needed to be built before these were back in stock) it arrived and I had to remove all the crap on the outside for it to clear this tight fit the client required.

Its a bummer they doubled in cost BUT they are now made back in Japan which is definitely a win.

 

[TRAMPER]

Yes, it is but I did not order via Etsy. Found a coupon for when ordering directly from the manufacturer (Weekender Vans). Go to their website - may have to use different browser and I got a pop-up that gave me the 10% off.

And thank you for the kind words about the videos. Really appreciate the support.

@TRAMPER I have 1-2 of the new wrappons here. I can get you measurements tomorrow. Just let me know if there is something in particular you are concerned with and Ill make sure to focus on that are too.

I know from experience with a clients rig that the dims on line did not include the handles, plastic corner pieces, etc. When we modeled it in CAD with the new version and made the slide out drawer base for it (clients van needed to be built before these were back in stock) it arrived and I had to remove all the crap on the outside for it to clear this tight fit the client required.

Its a bummer they doubled in cost BUT they are now made back in Japan which is definitely a win.

You guys are both the BEST!!! Thank you.

 

[Chris-DTA]

I totally get that. If you make it up to Tahoe I will buy you a beer (or coffee)!

We'll do that next time. Made it to Mono Lake, but that was about it. If you come south towards San Diego or the area east - let me know and we meet up.

 

[Chris-DTA]

View attachment 138545

Man, that is a good looking rig. How do you like awning? I am still undecided which awning to get for my rig.

 

[Chris-DTA]

It’s not as nice as the ones in here, but it’ll fit my needs for the time. I still need the bed of the truck regularly, although only for a very limited space. These wedge style canopies will work great for that purpose.

Looks great!!! I love it. If my use case and situation would be different, that would come close to what I would probably go for.

 

[Chris-DTA]

Yes, the portable toilets and cassette toilets can have an interesting effect if sealed shut, then driven to high elevation and not vented to adjust internal pressure before being used. Ha. Most only do it once!

For us, the happy in-between toilet is a separating toilet. They are not full on "composting" toilet, which are larger, have crank and vent, etc. but the important part is separating the liquids and solids. Something like the Trelino toilets. The downfall of portable toilets is they mix solids and liquids and that is what makes sewage. Horrid stuff. Keep the liquids and solids separate makes a huge different.

We've not used the Trelino yet because we purchased on black friday (that could be worked into a pun or joke. Ha), but in principle, we have already experimented with this concept by moving away from our portable toilet last year and going to separate liquids container and a solids "bucket" type container. The experiment was a success hence the purchase of the Trelino Evo M. But one can do a home made setup on the cheap or even cheaper is a homemade "bagging" toilet where it all goes in the same lined container and is changed after nearly every use (similar to Wrappon but costs $5 rather than $1,500. You can buy a lot of biodegradeable liner bags for that. You just don't get the electric sealing feature and bag replacement is a bit more hands on).

If we are dispersed camping (which is 95% of the time), it is allowed, and environment isn't prohibitive (biting insects, cold temps), we'll continue to dig and use cat holes for solids (and pack out paper rather than burying it). In the 5% of the time we camp in a campground (have fishing boat in tow, for example, so can't bounce up a forest service road), we'll use facilities there if they are not nasty. In any case, the indoor toilet use won't be used for solids every day nor every outing, but it's nice to have the option. We'll use the Trelino for liquids every day/night. Trelino is light and portable enough that we'll be able to easily move it from the camper into our little hub screenhouse if it's a matter of bugs being an issue.

Besides not creating sewage (mixed liquids and solids), the other benefit of a separating toilet (or bagging toilet, like the Wrappon, for that matter) is not using water to flush. Between flushing and dumping rinsing, a portable toilet and cassette toilet use up a lot of precious water.

I have used the Trelino many times now. I am almost excited to take it outside of the camper and set it up to have a nice view while doing my business . Don't judge me. lol

I bag #2 and double-bag it. I dispose it with the regular trash and I am kind of on a good schedule. The #2 bag goes in the trash and then I put the trash in the trash backpack and start a new trash bag for the day. I checked and trash bag size for one day is small enough to even leave it at a gas station trash or similar places without too much effort.

 

[Chris-DTA]

We leave on our trip February 1. I've been feverishly working to get the truck and camper ready. I'm almost done!

We'll be in Baja for the first few weeks then hop the ferry to mainland for a couple months. I'll post up when we return.

Are you traveling in a group or just by yourself?

Even though I live just north of San Diego for about 7 years I have never made it south of the border. Now with my camper and truck being ready, Baja is really giving me an itch to go. But I do not feel ready for whatever reason.

 

[PJPVI]

Are you traveling in a group or just by yourself?

Even though I live just north of San Diego for about 7 years I have never made it south of the border. Now with my camper and truck being ready, Baja is really giving me an itch to go. But I do not feel ready for whatever reason.

I'll be traveling with a few friends for the first couple weeks in BC & BCS then the rest of the trip will just be me and my wife. I get down there once or twice a year for the last few years. Just can't get enough!

I went down early this year by myself to scope out new places to take my wife (she's not as much about exploring and just likes to know we are headed to a great beach or whatever). Unfortunately I lost an injector on my van and ended up stuck in La Paz for 3 weeks while it got repaired so didn't get as much exploring in as I wanted. On the flip side, I now know every nook and cranny of La Paz and I did discover one new spectacular remote beach!

If you want to discuss Baja travel I'd be happy to. I have had nothing but positive experiences (except for losing an injector).

 

[Briski]

I have to ask, you guys don’t worry about a cartel member taking a liking to your rig and assuming ownership? I lived in SD for 12 years and had many friends experience this kind of experience. Maybe it has changed. The was in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
If it’s changed, I would love to adventure there.
Cheers

 

[gmoon]

I'll be traveling with a few friends for the first couple weeks in BC & BCS then the rest of the trip will just be me and my wife. I get down there once or twice a year for the last few years. Just can't get enough!

I went down early this year by myself to scope out new places to take my wife (she's not as much about exploring and just likes to know we are headed to a great beach or whatever). Unfortunately I lost an injector on my van and ended up stuck in La Paz for 3 weeks while it got repaired so didn't get as much exploring in as I wanted. On the flip side, I now know every nook and cranny of La Paz and I did discover one new spectacular remote beach!

If you want to discuss Baja travel I'd be happy to. I have had nothing but positive experiences (except for losing an injector).

Maybe starting a Baja thread is in order! Ive been down several times but generally always tagging along with people that have gone down for ages.. I have a lot to learn. Im sure expedition portal is a better place for such a thread but with the Tremor being so popular with overland campers, I feel it could also be good on here too. Plus we can change the stigma around mexico!

 

[PJPVI]

Maybe starting a Baja thread is in order! Ive been down several times but generally always tagging along with people that have gone down for ages.. I have a lot to learn. Im sure expedition portal is a better place for such a thread but with the Tremor being so popular with overland campers, I feel it could also be good on here too. Plus we can change the stigma around mexico!

Count me in! Why don't you take lead.

I actually enjoy traveling by myself. While it may sound terrible to some, the freedom to do whatever you want or go where ever you want without taking anyone else's thoughts into consideration is very satisfying. I also tend to meet so many more people when traveling by myself which I greatly enjoy. Having said that, I also greatly enjoy sharing the experiences with my wife when it's just the two of us. When there's another vehicle and people involved it can feel more limiting. Not to say I don't value my friends and their company ....

 

[gmoon]

Count me in! Why don't you take lead.

I actually enjoy traveling by myself. While it may sound terrible to some, the freedom to do whatever you want or go where ever you want without taking anyone else's thoughts into consideration is very satisfying. I also tend to meet so many more people when traveling by myself which I greatly enjoy. Having said that, I also greatly enjoy sharing the experiences with my wife when it's just the two of us. When there's another vehicle and people involved it can feel more limiting. Not to say I don't value my friends and their company ....

Oh I'm right there with you. 95% of the time we are SOLO and I like it that way.

 

[PJPVI]

I have to ask, you guys don’t worry about a cartel member taking a liking to your rig and assuming ownership? I lived in SD for 12 years and had many friends experience this kind of experience. Maybe it has changed. The was in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
If it’s changed, I would love to adventure there.
Cheers

Don't take this offensively (not intended to be in any way) but that sounds like something my parents say regularly. When I was trying to drive to S. America in my Sportsmobile in 2020 they both insisted as soon as I crossed into Guatemala I'd be killed for my van.

This probably isn't the thread to get into it, but I'll just say that my time in Mexico and Guatemala revealed the kindest people I had ever met. In short, I'm not worried about the cartel but I am aware of my surroundings and do avoid certain regions and tourist areas. Perhaps a Mexico thread as gmoon recommends would be great to get deeper into the topic.

 

[PJPVI]

Back to camper stuff.

Finally got my awning installed. I've lost a lot of sleep about how to attach this to the composite camper. With the rear windows mounted so high I needed to elevate the awning a bit higher. I started building my own brackets but wasn't happy with how that was going then found some from The Bush Company that where (almost) exactly what I needed. I reinforced with an oversized ¼" aluminum plate on the outside and ¼" plastic plate on the inside both of which are Sikaflex "bonded" to the composite wall. Two of those and another attachment point at the rear of the camper that I forgot to take a picture of yesterday. It appears to be rock solid. Three months of Mexico driving and use will prove out if it really is. Once I get the camper re-mated with the truck in about a week I get to figure out the logistics of real world deployment of an awning that will be ~9' in the air. I may have to carry another ladder in the flatbed drawer just for that.

 

[TX03RUBI]

Got my awning installed yesterday as well. For now it’ll sit a few days until the correct solar panels come in. The wrong panels were sent last week, and I opened them two days ago to realize they were much smaller than ordered. However the correct panels are on the way now.

As it sits now with the awning installed.