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

[TRAMPER]

Announcing the Orvis Special Edition Four Wheel Camper - Four Wheel Campers

For over a year, ORVIS and Four Wheel Campers have been working together to create the ultimate pop-up truck camper for full-sized trucks, aimed at enhancing fly fishing adventures. This partnership between two renowned brands, leaders in their respective outdoor fields, brings a unique and...

fourwheelcampers.com

New camper drop, well not new but a new trim level. Partnered up with Orvis, has a few
Rod lockers and a mudroom for waders and boots. I’m probably the only one that finds it cool since I bought my camper setup with fly fishing trips in mind. FWIW the YouTube video I watched on it had it mounted up on a Tremor of course!

 

[TRAMPER]

Above referenced YouTube video for anyone interested.

 

[NightForceFan]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-chevrolet-c20-pickup-3/

Just in case someone wants to skip the wait for a Supertramp…..

 

[PJPVI]

Finally back from my little wander around the country. The truck and camper all performed exceptionally! I put on ~7400 miles and only had to pay for one "real" campground. Not too bad.

The recommendation for High Rock Bay on Lake Superior was spot on. What a beautiful location with a great mtn bike / hiking trail direct from the camp. This was one of my two favorite camp spots this trip with the other being in western Wyoming near Dubois. The camp in Wyoming was in a beautiful area full of grizzly bear and elk.

I have a couple small todo's from the trip. The most annoying one to address is the insane squeaking from the poly bushings in the Deaver springs. I have to assume they greased them up when installing them but they started squeaking in Baja back in February only a few weeks after installing them. It makes the truck sound like it's 100 years old.

A few pics. If you have any interest in other photos I post on social media I'm under "pjpvi" on Instagram.

 

[Modman]

The recommendation for High Rock Bay on Lake Superior was spot on. What a beautiful location with a great mtn bike / hiking trail direct from the camp.

My favorite spot to bike when I was in school up there...

 

[jayPDX]

gonna bookmark both the Wyoming site and the Lake Superior one on my map - hope to get to those some day!

 

[DarinH]

'23 Halmark Guanella Overland on a '21 Tremor 7.3
suspension upgrades (so far): Hellwig rear sway bar and custom Alcan leaf pack

 

[gmoon]

@rwalk

Thanks for the trip recap. Looks like an absolute blast.

 

[toximus]

Cape Lookout National Seashore

 

[TRAMPER]

Cape Lookout National Seashore

View attachment 159334

Good to see you back on the road Scotty!!! This thread has been quiet. I hope everyone is out wandering. I’ve got about 35 nights in mine so far this year but now don’t have much planned until Sept/ Oct….

Speaking of that anyone on here headed to ExpoEast this year? We are going after taking a few years off just to catch up with some friends….

 

[Oak]

Please ignore the mess in the yard, but finally got the shanty truck camper mounted. Have family visiting this weekend but hopefully I’ll get to take it out soon.

Still have a lot of work to do to really get this dialed in. Figured it’s finished enough to get out and see what/where I can add some storage & accessories.

Started this around Christmas, just ready to take the damn thing out!

Side note. My dad had a pop up truck camper growing up and I’m hoping to sell my wife on the idea. So my goal for this was a balance between cheap enough but good enough, and then we can possibly upgrade to something nicer in the near future. It’s definitely a 50 footer, but it’s watertight and sub 5k. A lot of the cost was in the BLUETTI AC240, Iceco fridge, and camper jacks.

 

[TRAMPER]

Please ignore the mess in the yard, but finally got the shanty truck camper mounted. Have family visiting this weekend but hopefully I’ll get to take it out soon.

Still have a lot of work to do to really get this dialed in. Figured it’s finished enough to get out and see what/where I can add some storage & accessories.

Started this around Christmas, just ready to take the damn thing out!

Side note. My dad had a pop up truck camper growing up and I’m hoping to sell my wife on the idea. So my goal for this was a balance between cheap enough but good enough, and then we can possibly upgrade to something nicer in the near future. It’s definitely a 50 footer, but it’s watertight and sub 5k. A lot of the cost was in the BLUETTI AC240, Iceco fridge, and camper jacks.

Looks killer!!!!!! Way to go!

 

[toximus]

Looks killer!!!!!! Way to go!

Agreed! It's always fun seeing what everyone chooses for a camper. There's seemingly no one size fits all.

 

[TX03RUBI]

The boys had a blast on our first larger trip together in it. Caught a few fish, got out of town, and escaped the Texas heat somewhat.

 

[TRAMPER]

The boys had a blast on our first larger trip together in it. Caught a few fish, got out of town, and escaped the Texas heat somewhat.

That’s the best reason for a truck camper I’ve ever seen.

 

[carolinablue]

'23 Halmark Guanella Overland on a '21 Tremor 7.3
suspension upgrades (so far): Hellwig rear sway bar and custom Alcan leaf pack

How are you liking the Hallmark? I've been following their campers for a while but they don't seem to get the attention four wheel, OEX and others do. It may just be their not as savvy with social media marketing like the others. Any noticeable differences for their "overland" models?

 

[gmoon]

Pulled this from a recent Instagram I posted. I figured the info would be relevant here as well!

--
"THROWIN SHADE! - with @forceprotectorgear.

With so many great awning / shade solutions for vehicles these days, it takes some time to sort through your options. Generally, you are considering: cost, weight, setup time, and the sq footage of shade. While we almost pulled the trigger on a 270 awning in an effort to be able to get shade for us and our pup as quickly as possible, we ended up going an entirely different direction.

After seeing photos from @pitcairnoverland using his products from FPG, I was intrigued. While FPG isn’t widely known in this space, they are a name brand within the military. For those that don’t know, FPG produces the same (or similar) shade panels for the US military, using technology that actually blocks & reflects heat, rather than simply allowing you to hide under a sheet of fabric. That, plus the adaptive nature of the product, which allows you to dream up whatever shade “system” of combinations of panels depending on where the sun is, have been an absolute game changer. Unless it’s high noon, the sun is generally at an angle where you’d want to deploy what you see here — a “shade wall.” I love the ability to move the system around and have shade on any part of the truck. We can even move it to another vehicle or use it stand alone away from the truck. You can do that with your typical vehicle awning.

I’ve learned that with a little practice, you can simple setup deployed in only a few minutes. If you plan to stay awhile, you could have a full Bedouin fort in 10-15 minutes.

If it works for the guys & gals in Iraq and Afghanistan, I think it’ll handle what we throw at it. Huge shoutout to Andy @ FPG for taking time out of his day to explain the system, help us mount some strapping points, and lending us his own system for a 3000 mile shakedown in Baja."

#MILSPEC


What awnings are you guys running? What are some of the pros/cons youve found with your existing system?

 

[TRAMPER]

Pulled this from a recent Instagram I posted. I figured the info would be relevant here as well!

--
"THROWIN SHADE! - with @forceprotectorgear.

With so many great awning / shade solutions for vehicles these days, it takes some time to sort through your options. Generally, you are considering: cost, weight, setup time, and the sq footage of shade. While we almost pulled the trigger on a 270 awning in an effort to be able to get shade for us and our pup as quickly as possible, we ended up going an entirely different direction.

After seeing photos from @pitcairnoverland using his products from FPG, I was intrigued. While FPG isn’t widely known in this space, they are a name brand within the military. For those that don’t know, FPG produces the same (or similar) shade panels for the US military, using technology that actually blocks & reflects heat, rather than simply allowing you to hide under a sheet of fabric. That, plus the adaptive nature of the product, which allows you to dream up whatever shade “system” of combinations of panels depending on where the sun is, have been an absolute game changer. Unless it’s high noon, the sun is generally at an angle where you’d want to deploy what you see here — a “shade wall.” I love the ability to move the system around and have shade on any part of the truck. We can even move it to another vehicle or use it stand alone away from the truck. You can do that with your typical vehicle awning.

I’ve learned that with a little practice, you can simple setup deployed in only a few minutes. If you plan to stay awhile, you could have a full Bedouin fort in 10-15 minutes.

If it works for the guys & gals in Iraq and Afghanistan, I think it’ll handle what we throw at it. Huge shoutout to Andy @ FPG for taking time out of his day to explain the system, help us mount some strapping points, and lending us his own system for a 3000 mile shakedown in Baja."

#MILSPEC


What awnings are you guys running? What are some of the pros/cons youve found with your existing system?

View attachment 159755View attachment 159756

Very interesting!!!

My first real truck camper had an 8’ ARB awning with the ARB room, it was honestly awesome since the GFC it was mounted to didn’t have a lot of live-able space. We used it to hang out in, cook in, and as a heated space to hang out with friends. Also when opened up it was an invaluable escape from bugs on occasion.

Second camper rig I was running the Alu Can 270 and like your awning its heat reflecting (coming from S. Africa I assumed they knew what was up).

TBH, we rarely used it. Probably less than a dozen times in the two years or so we owned that rig for whatever reason. Perhaps because this camper allowed us to eat lunch inside out of the sun if we wanted too?

In the interim between selling the Taco/ Khaya and getting the Tremor and Supertramp delivered we ran a Rav4 and had a Yakima (Same as ARB and almost every other awning company out there). Like the first camper this one had the room attachment though smaller this was still nice to escape bugs or stay warm since the RTT didn’t offer much in living space.

Now the Supertramp…. Its blank, I didn’t love the options they offered so we opted just for the side L-Tracks, I’ve been shopping for awnings since getting it but really haven’t settled on the right one yet.

My list of maybes….

ARB with the Alumium case
Fiama awning

These two would allow large side rooms and or screen rooms.

Final option is the Kammock, this is a super fast deploying free standing awning that would offer quick shade and takes only a few seconds to deploy.

Living in the North East bugs are more of a concern than overpowering sun for us….

Just my thoughts on the subject!

 

[gmoon]

@TRAMPER

Great info. I have made similar "rounds" as you. Everything has its perks.

WIth a trip to northern europe on the calendar, I am also worried about bugs. I was trying to find a way to attach Front Runners bug enclosure to a 270*, but I couldnt get the Dimensions to work.

God I hate bugs. And my partner Steph gets absolutely eaten. Fortunately, those Theracell bug things work super super well.

G

 

[Chadx]

Pulled this from a recent Instagram I posted. I figured the info would be relevant here as well!

--
"THROWIN SHADE! - with @forceprotectorgear.

With so many great awning / shade solutions for vehicles these days, it takes some time to sort through your options. Generally, you are considering: cost, weight, setup time, and the sq footage of shade. While we almost pulled the trigger on a 270 awning in an effort to be able to get shade for us and our pup as quickly as possible, we ended up going an entirely different direction.

After seeing photos from @pitcairnoverland using his products from FPG, I was intrigued. While FPG isn’t widely known in this space, they are a name brand within the military. For those that don’t know, FPG produces the same (or similar) shade panels for the US military, using technology that actually blocks & reflects heat, rather than simply allowing you to hide under a sheet of fabric. That, plus the adaptive nature of the product, which allows you to dream up whatever shade “system” of combinations of panels depending on where the sun is, have been an absolute game changer. Unless it’s high noon, the sun is generally at an angle where you’d want to deploy what you see here — a “shade wall.” I love the ability to move the system around and have shade on any part of the truck. We can even move it to another vehicle or use it stand alone away from the truck. You can do that with your typical vehicle awning.

I’ve learned that with a little practice, you can simple setup deployed in only a few minutes. If you plan to stay awhile, you could have a full Bedouin fort in 10-15 minutes.

If it works for the guys & gals in Iraq and Afghanistan, I think it’ll handle what we throw at it. Huge shoutout to Andy @ FPG for taking time out of his day to explain the system, help us mount some strapping points, and lending us his own system for a 3000 mile shakedown in Baja."

#MILSPEC


What awnings are you guys running? What are some of the pros/cons youve found with your existing system?

Us? We've never liked attaching awnings to our rigs. Partly because they would just get ripped off since we frequent narrow, tree-filled trails. Another is the awnings are always in the wrong place since the sun moves. And, with popups, they don't shade the popup. We just used a white tarp and tied it to L Track on the very top of our previous campers on whichever side we needed shaded. That way, it shaded the pop-top as well. And, we could easily change the angle of the tarp by using different length lines and staking it close or far or using poles. Often, we'd stake the tarp at a steep slant to block the sun when lower in the sky (where a normal awning won't block it). Also, used it as a screen to store things away from prying eyes when dispersed camping and away from camp). This FPG shade looks more up our alley than a fixed awning.

More info here https://www.forceprotector.com/asp-learn-more
And Adapter Shade Panel (ASP) here. https://www.forceprotector.com/fpg-online-store/Adapter-Shade-Panel-ASP-2-0-p472625973
Shockingly reasonable price compared to a lot of the "Overlanding" shade options.

Was hard to find the specs (scroll down a submenu), so posting here:
PRODUCT FEATURES:

• Works on vehicles with or without attachment points using the various included strapping systems.
• A specially coated Ripstop Nylon takes the place of the original DesertCloth which means no need to flip it over in sustained wet weather.
• ~100% improvement in sustained wet weather operations while retaining heat performance.
• 21 Hypalon reinforced attachment points “Gromolons” at every snap position offer great strength while almost doubling the pole tip anchor locations.
• 100% UV blocking, wind proof, highly water resistant.
• Effective treatment for shock during the Golden Hour of transport.
• Reduces cold injuries, reduces heat injuries, expedient litter.
• Vehicle corner details provide mounting flexibility, a SmartClip Retainer to absorb shock loads from heavy winds or loads, and padding to protect your vehicle’s paint from scratches.
• Metal “Anchor Rings” on the other end capture pole tips as well as super durable Hypalon.
• Stake Straps lock in anywhere inside a 270° pull angle.
• The super popular Strap Adapter is a great add on that lets you place an anchored pole tip at any location increasing flexibility.
• Full width “Chafing Band” with 3x ¾” Surface Mount Buckles provides extra wide protection for both the ASP and your vehicle on high contact areas.
• Build as big a shelter as needed by snapping in the MILSPEC double sided snaps to additional Field Blankets adding 60 sqft of protection each time.
• Center anchor point for added stability, easy reference during assembly, and providing a “rain peak”.
• Stand-alone shelter/shade, vehicle-based shelter/shade.
• Fire resistant to CPAI-84.
• Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty.

INCLUDED:

• 1x Adapter Shade Panel coyote in color on both sides
• 2x 12’ long Stake Straps featuring ¾” male side release buckles with reinforced stake loops and loose end retainers
• 3x Short Straps with ¾” side release buckles to capture close anchor points on vehicles or other objects
• 1x 12’ “Belly Band” Long Strap with ¾” side release buckles for odd attachments or when no anchor points are available
• 1x mesh carrying pouch to help circulate air when packed up with hook and loop I.D. patch

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• ASP Dimensions: Trapezoid shape; 112” L x 52” (vehicle end) and 72” (pole end) W, (285cm L x 132 &183 cm W)
• Total Weight: 3lbs, 1 oz
• Pouch Dimensions: 10” L x 6” W x 4” D, (25cm L x 15cm W x 10cm D)
• Pouch Capacity: 240 cubic inches (3.9 liters)
• Colors available: Coyote only

PRODUCT SPECS:

• 500D Cordura
• FPG Ripstop Nylon
• FPG Reflectec®
• Military Grade buckles, snaps, Hook and Loop, and thread

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