Alaskan camper - things to look out for?

[rstl99]

Hi all,
Someone local is selling a 10foot non-cabover Alaskan camper.
Ad says it's in good shape, stored indoors. Built in mid-70's. 2 owners.
Will see it later this week.
I've reached the conclusion over the last few months that my next camping/travel vehicle will be a truck camper, and probably using a 3/4ton Dodge Gen1 or Gen2 truck with Cummins. Am presently on the lookout for a suitable truck, and will take my time to find a good one at a reasonable price.
I have read advice before that one should pick the camper first, and then the truck to carry it. I gather the Alaskan is heavy (2000 pounds loaded for the 10footer) and that a 3/4 ton Dodge could carry it. My plan is take long road trips up North, and across N-A, once retired next year. I've read good things about the Alaskan, and the benefits it has compared to other hi-lo campers. The build-quality and durability are things I appreciate. I'll be traveling solo or with someone else from time to time so figure the 10footer non cabover will be big enough.
Anything I should be looking at in particular, other than rot and mould in walls, ceiling and floor? The 3way Dometic quit and he replaced it with a small 110v fridge, had to cut part of the counter to make it fit. Otherwise I expect it's pretty stock.
What would be a reasonable price for one in good condition (not a $500 restoration project)? This guy is asking over $2000 for his, and as I said I don't know the year or real condition yet.
By the way, I am in the Northeast, and these campers don't come up often for sale in my parts, which may affect price/interest in this one.
Thanks.

[Rot Box]

A 70's AK for $2K had better be in exceptional shape without a trace of water damage and everything must work for my money. Alaskan's are so lovable and cool but more importantly they are very well built. Just a warning the 10' models seem HUGE once they are in the truck and even with a 3/4 ton truck you may find the need for airbags or an extra helper spring or two.

I have a FWC and an 8' AK and they couldn't be any more different. The size of the AK (small for 3) and weight put it second to the FWC. If it were not for those two things the AK would win by a long shot and then some. Alaskan have charm that few other campers have. Anyway hope this helps,

Andrew

[rstl99]

A 70's AK for $2K had better be in exceptional shape without a trace of water damage and everything must work for my money. Alaskan's are so lovable and cool but more importantly they are very well built. Just a warning the 10' models seem HUGE once they are in the truck and even with a 3/4 ton truck you may find the need for airbags or an extra helper spring or two.

I have a FWC and an 8' AK and they couldn't be any more different. The size of the AK (small for 3) and weight put it second to the FWC. If it were not for those two things the AK would win by a long shot and then some. Alaskan have charm that few other campers have. Anyway hope this helps,

Andrew
Thanks for your response Andrew. I'll go have a look at it tonight and determine the condition. It no longer has a 3-way fridge which I see as a negative, and would justify a lower offer from me.

Yes, I gather these things are on the HEAVY side! One of the drawbacks to an otherwise ingenious and unique kind of camper. In my case, I would be camping solo and occasionally with another adult, so figure the size would not be a huge issue. Some have suggested a cabover model is preferred, but this camper is what it is, and these Alaskans don't come up very often for same in my neck of the woods. Plus, the issue of condition, condition, condition... :-)

Thanks for your comparison between the Alaskan and FWC. The latter gets a lot of press in Overland Journal etc., but few people ever mention the venerable old-fashioned Alaskan.

Cheers.
--Robert

[fisher205]

The price seems a little high, unless it is in perfect shape. I saw a 70's 10' Alaskan go for $5000 in Gillette WY, but it had been stored inside it's whole life and not used.

The 3 way fridge being gone is probably a benefit. Sell the 110 fridge to a college kid for the dorm and get a Norcold or Nova Kool compressor fridge in it's place.

Really check along the back edge of the Alaskan for rot. Their is an aluminum "el" that reinforces the back edge. there can be rot around it. I also think that the NCO is better if your traveling single. Less wind resistance, and better sealing from the cold.

[rstl99]

Thanks.
The current owner (last 5-6 years) told me he only used it 2-3 times. Alaskan has sat in his garage otherwise. He told me he had problems with his truck which he then sold, and now drives an SUV. He toyed with the idea of putting the Alaskan on a trailer, but gave up and decided to sell. Original owner, who he apparently bought it from, apparently stored it inside when not used, also.

I will indeed try to check underneath for rot, I have seen here and there some restoration photos that show rotted out floors on them (which I would rather avoid!) It looks to be sitting off the floor a couple of inches, on dollies with rollers, so hopefully I'll be able to have a look.

You probably have a point about the fridge! Indeed, there's more effective solutions out there than the old Dometic 3-ways.

I attach a few pictures from the ad. Not great pictures, but gives an idea of condition.

Cheers.:ylsmoke:

[rstl99]

Those are crappy photos...but from what I can see it's a keeper. If that's where it's lived - in a garage - you are in luck.
I agree - that price is for a camper with no apparent problems. Peter

Thanks Peter for the great advice on checking for past water ingress, rot, etc. I'll have a look at that white strip closely, or ask about it anyway.

I'll have a look tonight and report back! (with better pictures, too). Cheers.

[Rot Box]

In my case, I would be camping solo and occasionally with another adult, so figure the size would not be a huge issue. Some have suggested a cabover model is preferred, but this camper is what it is, and these Alaskans don't come up very often for same in my neck of the woods. Plus, the issue of condition, condition, condition... :-)

A 10' is going to be plenty roomy for one or two people without a doubt. Alaskans utilize every inch of space and make really good use of it it. From the pics that one looks to have been cared for--hopefully you don't find any surprises. Let us know what you decide :elkgrin:

[rstl99]

Hi folks. I bought the Alaskan tonight!! Checked it all out, it has obviously been very well cared for, and stored inside for most of its life (when not in use). Only sign of some wood damage from moisture was the bottom part of the upper door (around the hinge and the bottom, where there is some bulging of the wood). Everywhere else inside, in every nook and cranny I looked, was very solid and no water stains. Looked at the plywood floor underneath and all looks well and solid, no indication of serious rot at all. Everything's in good shape, upholstery, curtains, blinds, doors, drawers, hardware. Some cosmetic changes and enhancements were made here and there, but they all make sense and were well done. A few minor things for me to look at and address, but will allow me to personalize it a bit for me.

The top lifts smoothly with the hand pump, and comes down smoothly too. Comes with two sets of jacks (2 stock center jacks circa 1975) and 4 new jacks that the PO needed to raise the camper into his higher-than-normal pickup. Room for porta-potti inside. Built in water reservoir. No propane compartment, so he has a standard tank that sits inside the pickup bed alongside the camper. 4 feet standard width of the bottom, 10 feet long. At least 6ft 3 or 4in standing height inside.

For our agreed upon price (which was close to his asking price, given the VG condition), the guy agreed to deliver to my place. He also built an angle iron base with HD casters in which the camper sits, which allows wheeling it in and out of the garage, very handy. Camper also has had a nice set of roof racks to carry a canoe. He's also replaced the original table with a longer one that fits down on the lip of each seat base, to form a solid flat base for the bed. Anyway, look forward to having it in my garage and start exploring the nooks and crannies this winter. Then in the Spring I'll be hunting for the proper truck to carry it on the trips.

Thanks to everyone for chiming in their advice, input and support. I'll take some pictures and put them on a public site so you can see my new acquisition. For now, I attach a couple of pics for your pleasure (was limited in what I could photograph in the garage).
Cheers!!

[Rot Box]

Excellent! I'm sure you will be more than happy with it :elkgrin:

Be sure to keep us posted once you start putting it to use :)

[rstl99]

I've uploaded a few pictures of my Alaskan. I'll add some better ones once I have it sitting in my driveway (not that easy to take good pictures of something in a cramped garage).

http://picasaweb.google.com/108250850896166383506/AlaskanCamperCirca1975?authkey=Gv1sRgCK33quO694Oql wE&feat=directlink

A couple of questions:

My preference is to store it in my single-car garage, to maintain it in this good condition over-winter. However, it will mean storing my garage-queen car outside under a car cover (not too big a deal) but also re-arranging a lot of stuff in the garage given the extra width of the Alaskan. Would it harm it greatly to store it in my paved driveway, jacked up on cement blocks and covered with a plastic tarp over winter?

Also, given that the floor underneath is in good solid shape, would it not be a good idea to paint the underside with a good exterior paint, to protect it from potential moisture damage?

Thanks again.

[fisher205]

Nice buy, and welcome to the Alaskan club. Now you need to start using it.

I would store it outside and I think that painting the bottom is a good idea. Just need to get rid of the 110V fridge. I used a cooler, while I was waiting to but my Nova Kool.

Brad

[BCHauler]

Nice camper. I have been lusting over an Alaskan camper since I discovered this site. I want an 8' cabover. Please continue posting photos as you find your truck.

[rstl99]

Nice buy, and welcome to the Alaskan club. Now you need to start using it.

I would store it outside and I think that painting the bottom is a good idea. Just need to get rid of the 110V fridge. I used a cooler, while I was waiting to but my Nova Kool.

Brad

Thanks Brad. Well, unless I use it in my garage/driveway :ylsmoke: I'll need to acquire a suitable truck to be able to drive it to destinations. That will be phase 2 of my trekking vehicle project!

Two votes for storing outside, I'm glad of that (less work for me trying to fit it into the garage!). The 110V fridge would look good in my cottage. As you say, there are less obstrusive, lighter and more energy-efficient solutions...

--Robert

[rstl99]

That's a fine camper - beautiful - best I've seen of the old ones... You got lucky! Given the window type & ash ply interior I think it's earlier than '75. They went to an ugly printed ply interior in the 70's. Mine was a about '73 and had that same beautiful ash interior with newer style windows. Late 60's early 70's is my guess. They built them in several places so I could be wrong - they weren't all the same -
Your top vent isn't original - they used these great metal ones that lasted forever - my replacement looked like yours after only a few years. I never did find a quality replacement.

Thanks! It looked too good to pass up, for sure! You are probably right. It came with no documentation, but the rear door has a visitor sticker from Mexico in '75 (the original long-term owner went for a trip down there not long after buying it, supposedly), so early 70's is probably a good guess. Ok so vent is non-original, kind of makes sense, plastic doesn't last that long! As I said, a Fantastic Fan is something I've put in campers before with good success (bit pricey though). If I can't get that fan to work...



A tarp is fine - a "custom" heavy truck weight tarp would be 100.00 or more but you could get it the right size, it would last a long time and it wouldn't be blue...but Northern Tool has some decent cheap tarps. I'd put some planks on the roof rack to keep the tarp from getting ripped & the air space would be good too.

Good to know, I definitely think I'll store it outside in the driveway then. Probably means that I'll pass on his 4x10' rollaround frame, because I don't know where I'd store that!? Unless I store the camper on there in the driveway, but it's only a few inches off the ground, and I don't know if that's enough ventilation to keep the floor dry underneath, with the snow drifts we get here... I figure it would be better to store it on cement blocks a couple of feet off the ground... However, would be handy to be able to wheel it around on the driveway, get it as close to the edge as possible... Yeah, I tend to sweat the small stuff don't I? :ylsmoke:



I'd coat it with epoxy but definitely seal it with something.Peter

Sounds good, I have a pre-winter project then. I don't know why they didn't paint the bottom at factory as a matter of course...



Sorry to offer the following unsolicited advice but here it is anyway...
Looking at the exterior trim it looks like the original sealant - which I wouldn't trust at all - you won't see any evidence of leakage till it's done some damage so to labor the point a bit - I'd re-seal all the exterior trim & penetrations before too long...You've got just a spot of stain on that inner front left top corner which is from the edge trim sealant failing. I'd also pull all the exterior screws, give the holes some sealant if they are sound & a syringe of epoxy if they aren't & re-fasten. That & epoxy seal the exposed bottom ply would give your Alaskan a LONG rot free life. That 40 year old sealant & leaking screw holes are what kill these campers...

Hey, no problem, advice is what these forums are all about! The sealant under the metal edging around the roof curve front and back of camper looked still soft, and had the consistency of window mastic. Not sure if that's original, or whether the first owner re-did it at one time. But as you said, no harm going over those areas with proper modern sealant, and be done with it. I figure once I get the truck to carry this, the camper's going to stay on there for quite a while, so will be exposed to its fair share of rain.

I did notice that small stain spot, so you have a keen eye for this! Good suggestion about the screws too.

What about the two seams running length-wise on the roof? Can anything be done to seal (or re-seal) those up? Didn't get a good look at them yesterday...

--Robert

[wannaby]

Nice camper. I have been lusting over an Alaskan camper since I discovered this site. I want an 8' cabover. Please continue posting photos as you find your truck.

Here are a couple right in your neghborhood

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/ALASKAN--pop-up-camper-must-sell_13052415

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/Alaskan-type-camper-with-jacks_13066718

[rstl99]

I've never seen those before - I don't think they are a seam - the aluminum skin seam is higher up as I recall. I'd guess they are for an awning. Since the aluminum can't leak it's only the screw holes to worry about. After I pull one out if there's no sign of rust & they weren't stripped in the wood stringer that runs under the skin I just put a dab of sikaflex & put it back. If the screw was stripped (well the wood actually) I mark that hole & keep moving doing the sikaflex the holes routine. Later I mix some thickened epoxy, put it into a syringe and pump that into all the bad holes. Next day just sika & replace the screws. Goes pretty fast.
These things live outdoors just fine - as long as all the holes in your skin are sealed. The original sealant was a mastic like you describe - pretty good stuff but asking it to last 4 + decades...? It will still be flexible & look ok and leak like hell - at least that's my experience. Polyurethanes like Sikaflex are vastly superior.

It's down the road but on (very) rough roads you can get enough frame flex to damage the camper if it's mounted too rigidly to the truck - I made that mistake...

You have just a beautiful example of the Alaskan Camper...Peter

Hi again Peter. yeah those two longitudinal lines on each side on top of the roof don't show up in the pics, but the seller thought they were seams. Maybe not. The c-channel shaped aluminum moulding on one side is indeed for the awning, said the PO. Apparently a real ***** to string the awning through (using a cord) and he didn't get the poles with it.

Thanks for the advice on the screws and sikaflex/epoxy fix. As well as replacing the mastic-like seal under the edgings (and probably around window frames). All great PM stuff, that indeed will pay off great dividends down the road! Given that, I may try to get it into the garage, so I can fix that kind of stuff this Fall, dry and inside.

I'll have to get the PO to explain to me again how he attached it to the truck. He was describing all kinds of things like that while I was listening with one ear, trying to go through the camper and make myself an opinion on it. Almost wish I could have had 30 minutes alone to go through it without having to make conversation about this and that. Oh well, all worked out in the end. So yeah, I'll inquire about frame flexing and proper attachment at some point in the future...

As you say, it does seem to be a nice specimen. Up to me now to maintain it that way!

--Robert

[rstl99]

Nice camper. I have been lusting over an Alaskan camper since I discovered this site. I want an 8' cabover. Please continue posting photos as you find your truck.

Thanks, will do!!

[rstl99]

Hi again all,
Well, the camper got delivered today and all is well, it's resting safe and snug in my garage!
I uploaded several pictures I took today, for your viewing pleasure. On the same link in my original posting.
The seller arrived this morning with the camper on a uhaul. He raided the top, then attached the two stock jacks to each side, and proceeded to lift it off the uhaul. He said he's always had good success with those jacks, which he prefers using over the 4 other corner jacks (simpler). He showed me to be careful and ensure the lock engages before letting to of the handle, and to raise (or lower) about 4 turns then do same on the other side. Once he cleared the trailer, he pulled it out by hand, which set the camper rocking slightly on the jacks (he didn't seem to bat an eye, but my heart was beating a bit faster!). Eventually the rocking ceased, he rolled his homebuilt metal dolly stand underneath, and lowered it on. Then it was a simple matter of lowering the top, and pushing it into my garage, then nestling it against the outside wall.

The way it's sitting, I can at least raise the top enough to sit inside, which will make whatever inside work I may need to do a little more pleasant. The garage door opener and the door prevent me from lifting the top any higher. That's fine, at least it's nice and dry for the winter...

In addition to the two sets of jacks, he also gave me a custom step he had made for it, which attached to the trailer hitch on his previous truck, and extended a step beyond the dropped tailgate. I'll see if I can fit it to whatever truck I end up buying. He also gave me an extension square tube and ball for his hitch, that he had also made, so one can pull something while the camper is on. Useful to have stuff like that.

I noticed that there is some cracking in the (original?) weatherstripping at the ends of the top, behind the bolted metal border edge, so this Fall will be a great time for taking that apart and re-sealing with modern sealant. Ditto for the side mouldings, around the windows, maybe the windowframes themselves, the the fan opening on top, etc. Will make it more water-proof when I go to use it next year, and help preserve its good condition.

Anyway, thanks again for your thoughts and positive impressions on my camper.

One thing I'll have to investigate: when I plugged an extension cord into the AC input, it would trip the breaker. Not sure if it's because all the lights inside were probably turned on? Didn't seem to be a problem in the seller's garage.... Anyway, I'm sure it's nothing serious, just need to spend some time diagnosing.

Until soon,
--Robert

p.s. The ID tag on it has serial number "S 862 M". Maybe the company could date it with that information? Also the tag indicates "PennAcamp Inc" "Manheim Penna", which was probably the manufacturing plant where it was made.

[Maximus Ram]

Robert, good to see you have it in your possession. Let the fun begin...:wings:
I will guarantee that now that you have it, you will start to find a lot of things that you didn't see originally. I did the same thing with our tent trailer when we bought it. Started finding things i didn't see originally when I looked at it. Don't let these things discourage you. It looks like a very nice camper and I am sure you will turn it into something you will be happy with and enjoy.




Matt

[wannaby]

This one is for sale in victoria on usedvictoria.com $1200.Alaskan style but not an original alaskan ...were there copys made or homade.

[rstl99]

Interesting that Alaskans spawned off some knock-off campers!
I suppose it's not THAT complicated a structure, for someone very handy in woodworking and construction to replicate. Whether the result would have the same fit, finish, quality, feel is another matter I suppose.

I like things like an Alaskan camper: time-proven, tweaked and improved over the years (decades!) but at its heart still the same ingenious and reasonably simple design. In that way, the Alaskan is a good fit with the kind of things I usually seek out and own/maintain, whether they be electronic equipment, musical instruments, or cars.