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

[TRAMPER]

Just finished up having a Ravelco installed on the TRAMPER. Service was amazing! Chuck from the Midatlantic Ravelco was legit. Professional FRIENDLY and even more importantly very good at his job. Install took quite a few hours but at this point I’m pretty sure my truck is just about as secure as I can make it. As long as that key is pulled it isn’t going anywhere. As far as vehicle upgrades go I would consider this one of the best.

 

[Chris-DTA]

Just finished up having a Ravelco installed on the TRAMPER. Service was amazing! Chuck from the Midatlantic Ravelco was legit. Professional FRIENDLY and even more importantly very good at his job. Install took quite a few hours but at this point I’m pretty sure my truck is just about as secure as I can make it. As long as that key is pulled it isn’t going anywhere. As far as vehicle upgrades go I would consider this one of the best.

Yep. That is how I felt after I had my Ravelco installed. Peace of mind. I just wish the damn dongle would be a little bit smaller.

I am going IGLA on my new truck. Already got it lined up as the first stop after picking it up from Granger. lol

 

[TRAMPER]

Yep. That is how I felt after I had my Ravelco installed. Peace of mind. I just wish the damn dongle would be a little bit smaller.

I am going IGLA on my new truck. Already got it lined up as the first stop after picking it up from Granger. lol

Nice!!!! I don’t mind the Ravelco size…. At least so far. My is tucked up under the dash and my truck is so tall it’s pretty easy to reach straight forward to plug it in before you get into the truck. I’m debating some kind of quick release or rip tab though if so get car jacked so it comes out with me. Idk maybe that’s not worth the risk of getting killed for my truck.

 

[cs0430]

Adjustable Relocation kit for factory tailgate camera fits 2023-2024 Ford Super Duty W/360 view-Camera included

Camera Included!

www.camerasource.com

Is this still the best plug and play option for regaining rear view camera functionality with a 360 degree equipped truck?

@Chadx @gmoon for visibility based on your prior posts on the subject.

 

[rwalk]

Adjustable Relocation kit for factory tailgate camera fits 2023-2024 Ford Super Duty W/360 view-Camera included

Camera Included!

www.camerasource.com

Is this still the best plug and play option for regaining rear view camera functionality with a 360 degree equipped truck?

@Chadx @gmoon for visibility based on your prior posts on the subject.

I'd say yes, unless you'd prefer to have a fixed angle housing instead of the adjustable that comes with that kit.

Rostra is the other option which I ended up purchasing for my '22

2017-2024 Ford Super Duty F-250 and F-350 Tailgate Camera Relocation Kits

When removing the tailgate from your Ford Super Duty truck, often the use of the backup camera system is lost. Keep this important functionality with a RearSight tailgate camera relocation system by Rostra!

www.rostra.com

 

[cs0430]

I'd say yes, unless you'd prefer to have a fixed angle housing instead of the adjustable that comes with that kit.

Rostra is the other option which I ended up purchasing for my '22

2017-2024 Ford Super Duty F-250 and F-350 Tailgate Camera Relocation Kits

When removing the tailgate from your Ford Super Duty truck, often the use of the backup camera system is lost. Keep this important functionality with a RearSight tailgate camera relocation system by Rostra!

www.rostra.com

Thank you! That kit looks to be a little more expensive - any reason you went with it over the camera source?

 

[gmoon]

Speaking of Ravelco...

Dropped my built Sprinter with the valet for the past 4 days when I flew to Taos NM for a ski trip. Here's what I got for splurging on a fancy airline (JSX):

Despite instructing the valet that the Ravelco needs to be removed after parking, and reinstalled before starting the vehicle. After exiting the hangar, the valet now working complained about how many times they tried to start the van but it "just wouldnt start." As a result, I now have a check engine light, and my electronic parking brake (which has plagued me once before) is failing to engage. I now get to pay $200+ for my Sprinter dealer to clear the codes.

Takeaways:
1. Never buy a sprinter
2. Be grateful we still have manual parking brakes. A fuse unknowingly blew once and it took 3 hours to winch my van onto a flatbed tow truck. Thank god I wasnt remote.
3. Consider how to handle the valet situation should you need them. I try to avoid them but there are some circumstances where that is not possible. Perhaps its a laminated sheet... Im not sure.

What would you do, risk an untrained valet messing up your vehicle, or do you opt to leave your vehicle "unprotected" -- which in my case translated to a dark Los Angeles parking lot and what was once Sprinter van valued at nearly $300k.

 

[rwalk]

Thank you! That kit looks to be a little more expensive - any reason you went with it over the camera source?

Camera Source doesn't have the OEM cameras in stock for the 17-22's. Didn't feel like trying to source a camera separately from the dealer so I went with the all-in-one option. Plus I had read that placing the camera at a different position/angle than OEM will skew the 360 view. I decided that would bother me, so I wanted to keep the location and angle on the camper the same as the factory tailgate anyway, so the fixed angle housing made sense.

 

[TRAMPER]

Speaking of Ravelco...

Dropped my built Sprinter with the valet for the past 4 days when I flew to Taos NM for a ski trip. Here's what I got for splurging on a fancy airline (JSX):

Despite instructing the valet that the Ravelco needs to be removed after parking, and reinstalled before starting the vehicle. After exiting the hangar, the valet now working complained about how many times they tried to start the van but it "just wouldnt start." As a result, I now have a check engine light, and my electronic parking brake (which has plagued me once before) is failing to engage. I now get to pay $200+ for my Sprinter dealer to clear the codes.

Takeaways:
1. Never buy a sprinter
2. Be grateful we still have manual parking brakes. A fuse unknowingly blew once and it took 3 hours to winch my van onto a flatbed tow truck. Thank god I wasnt remote.
3. Consider how to handle the valet situation should you need them. I try to avoid them but there are some circumstances where that is not possible. Perhaps its a laminated sheet... Im not sure.

What would you do, risk an untrained valet messing up your vehicle, or do you opt to leave your vehicle "unprotected" -- which in my case translated to a dark Los Angeles parking lot and what was once Sprinter van valued at nearly $300k.

Ugh man…. That sucks. Those Sprinters really can be a pain in the butt at times. I honestly don’t know anyone who has one but the YouTube videos I watch people are always having lights and issues.

As far as what I would do…. Idk man. Normally valets will let you park your car if you ask. I wouldn’t valet my vehicle personally but you gotta do what you gotta do.

A laminated instruction set is a pretty good idea. Honestly I’m suprised that didn’t just leave the key in.

 

[Chris-DTA]

Nice!!!! I don’t mind the Ravelco size…. At least so far. My is tucked up under the dash and my truck is so tall it’s pretty easy to reach straight forward to plug it in before you get into the truck. I’m debating some kind of quick release or rip tab though if so get car jacked so it comes out with me. Idk maybe that’s not worth the risk of getting killed for my truck.

I wasn't referring to the installation location. And in a way I am glad it is slightly visible as a deterrent eventually. But putting the keyfob and the dongle in my pocket it feels uncomfortable and too big. When I then add the remote for the Supertramp and the keys to the mix .... oh my.

 

[Chris-DTA]

Speaking of Ravelco...

Dropped my built Sprinter with the valet for the past 4 days when I flew to Taos NM for a ski trip. Here's what I got for splurging on a fancy airline (JSX):

Despite instructing the valet that the Ravelco needs to be removed after parking, and reinstalled before starting the vehicle. After exiting the hangar, the valet now working complained about how many times they tried to start the van but it "just wouldnt start." As a result, I now have a check engine light, and my electronic parking brake (which has plagued me once before) is failing to engage. I now get to pay $200+ for my Sprinter dealer to clear the codes.

Takeaways:
1. Never buy a sprinter
2. Be grateful we still have manual parking brakes. A fuse unknowingly blew once and it took 3 hours to winch my van onto a flatbed tow truck. Thank god I wasnt remote.
3. Consider how to handle the valet situation should you need them. I try to avoid them but there are some circumstances where that is not possible. Perhaps its a laminated sheet... Im not sure.

What would you do, risk an untrained valet messing up your vehicle, or do you opt to leave your vehicle "unprotected" -- which in my case translated to a dark Los Angeles parking lot and what was once Sprinter van valued at nearly $300k.

Maybe chain the dongle to something inside the van at the dashboard. On the other side - not trying to be mean - people who work valet are usually not the brightest. Sorry, if anyone is offended - but it is what it is. You may have a big red blinking arrow pointing to the dongle and certain people will still not get the clue.

 

[gmoon]

Maybe chain the dongle to something inside the van at the dashboard. On the other side - not trying to be mean - people who work valet are usually not the brightest. Sorry, if anyone is offended - but it is what it is. You may have a big red blinking arrow pointing to the dongle and certain people will still not get the clue.

You're not wrong..... I swear entry level jobs in CA are attracting less and less talent.

Back before a $20.00 minimum wage, I think we had really hard working, hustling young people. Now, I find there is so much complacency. Its something I dont see in Europe, Latin America, or parts of Asia.

Ill leave it at that....

 

[TX03RUBI]

First trip with my boy in the camper! He thought it was a success!

 

[TX03RUBI]

View from bed wasn’t too shabby!

 

[gmoon]

Awesome photos. Not sneaking up on your campsite.....

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Oak]

First trip with my boy in the camper! He thought it was a success!

Suppressed rifles and what appears to be a pair of Manners stocks. A man of class.

 

[Mister Bevilaqua]

Definitely Manners stocks. Throwing the new Elk and Mule Deer rifle together myself at the moment in the new Manners Pro Hunter.

 

[TX03RUBI]

Suppressed rifles and what appears to be a pair of Manners stocks. A man of class.

Those are both my boys rifles lol I built them to be as close to identical as possible. Unfortunately there weren’t any carbon fiber .177 barrel blank or prefit options at the time, so his WSM is wearing a tractor axle lol I’ve been contemplating ordering a Preferred carbon prefit now that they released them a few months back. It sure would balance better. The Impact built rifle is a dream to shoot and carry. The WSM is a dream to shoot haha

17 WSM built on a RimX action, Manners CS stock, and TriggerTech Special.

In the back is a 6 Creed built on an Impact NBK action, Manners CS stock, and TriggerTech Special as well.

 

[TX03RUBI]

Definitely Manners stocks. Throwing the new Elk and Mule Deer rifle together myself at the moment in the new Manners Pro Hunter.

I through a 6 PRC together last year, and ordered a Long Range Hunter for it at the time. In the meantime I bought a PRS2 off the Hide to hold me over as Manners has never came through in less than a year for me. Ended up liking the PRS2 and stuck with it the only time Manners ever came back timely. Only 7-8 months.

 

[jayPDX]

Making some progress on my interior build. First time using extruded aluminum - requires a bit more planning than working with wood, but definitely liking how it's turning out. Battery system in (taking a gamble, and using a Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 rather than a custom built Victron system, which was my original plan), fridge in, and 80% of the wiring done.