Tacovendor
Explorer
Camper will be installed on December 19th my son's will also be installed on the same day, definitely some good family time in the future!
Tundra and a Raven
- Thread starter Tacovendor
- Start date
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Yeah, that's a helluva Christmas present!
Tacovendor
Explorer
Camper started
So with my order and specs done, 4WC has put my camper into the production schedule. As I stated in my previous post, a build sheet called a "traveler" is created. As production is started, the various parts of the camper are assembled in the different departments and as it travels from one end of the assembly line to completion, the parts are built by my specs on the "traveler". The frame pieces are pre cut to each campers specs and from what I saw first hand are built with the quality and strength as a number one priority.
This year 4WC has made some great improvements one being the New Skid Guard Camper Base: Four Wheel Campers has used Douglas Fir or Birch plywood on the bottom floor of the campers for over forty years. They have now upgraded to a modern thermally fused polyester surface on the upscale Douglas Fir plywood. This new material is called Skid Guard and it's manufactured for decking on marina boat docks. They switched over because the new material is more durable, moisture resistant, and manufactured in Washington state (where they really know about moisture!). They have performed soap tests on the Skid Guard material and its abilities to resist moisture deterioration is very strong, which is excellent for the longevity of the product. Skid Guard also improves the abrasion resistance for a camper when mounted on a truck. Which in my case might be one the truck for some time.
The cabinetry has also been improved and this is what 4WC has on their website:
"New Painted Wood Cabinetry: For decades, Four Wheel has used a vinyl facing on plywood cabinetry. The new painted cabinetry uses an ultraviolet (UV) cured multi-coat finish that includes a clear coat which is then applied to an American Douglas Fir plywood. The end result is a cabinet that looks the same, but has a much more durable finish. In the past we've used Mahogany plywood luan. Environmentally, this was not good because of poor forest practices in other parts of the world. We now use a domestic Douglas Fir that exceeds the performance of the imports, and is more environmentally responsible. We also pay attention to resourcing domestically, and want to use American made products as much as possible." Got to love that 4WC strives to keep it "Made in America".
They have upgraded the camper electrical system with more of a marine grade quality product that is manufactured by Blue Sea Systems.
New one piece, no screw, no seam roof on all of the Four Wheel Campers
New radius rear camper door with rain gutter, adds strength and durability.
So with my order and specs done, 4WC has put my camper into the production schedule. As I stated in my previous post, a build sheet called a "traveler" is created. As production is started, the various parts of the camper are assembled in the different departments and as it travels from one end of the assembly line to completion, the parts are built by my specs on the "traveler". The frame pieces are pre cut to each campers specs and from what I saw first hand are built with the quality and strength as a number one priority.
This year 4WC has made some great improvements one being the New Skid Guard Camper Base: Four Wheel Campers has used Douglas Fir or Birch plywood on the bottom floor of the campers for over forty years. They have now upgraded to a modern thermally fused polyester surface on the upscale Douglas Fir plywood. This new material is called Skid Guard and it's manufactured for decking on marina boat docks. They switched over because the new material is more durable, moisture resistant, and manufactured in Washington state (where they really know about moisture!). They have performed soap tests on the Skid Guard material and its abilities to resist moisture deterioration is very strong, which is excellent for the longevity of the product. Skid Guard also improves the abrasion resistance for a camper when mounted on a truck. Which in my case might be one the truck for some time.
The cabinetry has also been improved and this is what 4WC has on their website:
"New Painted Wood Cabinetry: For decades, Four Wheel has used a vinyl facing on plywood cabinetry. The new painted cabinetry uses an ultraviolet (UV) cured multi-coat finish that includes a clear coat which is then applied to an American Douglas Fir plywood. The end result is a cabinet that looks the same, but has a much more durable finish. In the past we've used Mahogany plywood luan. Environmentally, this was not good because of poor forest practices in other parts of the world. We now use a domestic Douglas Fir that exceeds the performance of the imports, and is more environmentally responsible. We also pay attention to resourcing domestically, and want to use American made products as much as possible." Got to love that 4WC strives to keep it "Made in America".
They have upgraded the camper electrical system with more of a marine grade quality product that is manufactured by Blue Sea Systems.
New one piece, no screw, no seam roof on all of the Four Wheel Campers
New radius rear camper door with rain gutter, adds strength and durability.
Tacovendor
Explorer
If you look into the durability and quality of the existing wiring and the fact that 4WC gets units that are 30 years old and have had no electrical problems, if wouldn't be cost effective to change to tinned wire.
Red Primary Wire, 18 Ga 6000ft $0.04870 $292.20
Red Tinned Wire, 18 Ga 6000ft $0.14310 $858.60
Sean and his Wife are two great people. They did a great job going over everything, which made thing a whole lot easier. We picked up our camper on 8/1/14. Enjoy, JD
If you haven't visited Wander the West, you should as there is a big Four Wheel Camper following and lots of great posts.
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/forum/4-four-wheel-camper-discussions/
If you haven't visited Wander the West, you should as there is a big Four Wheel Camper following and lots of great posts.
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/forum/4-four-wheel-camper-discussions/
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Tacovendor
Explorer
I have joined WTW lots of great info and fun to read.
Tacovendor
Explorer
Update:
Wiring and the interior are being finished up, Thanks Stan for the pictures!
As you can see, 4WC has a limited amount of space to work with, but in the end you have everything you need.
Separate external compartment for the propane
Water heater and water pump
ALMOST THERE!!!!
Wiring and the interior are being finished up, Thanks Stan for the pictures!
As you can see, 4WC has a limited amount of space to work with, but in the end you have everything you need.
Separate external compartment for the propane
Water heater and water pump
ALMOST THERE!!!!
Tacovendor
Explorer
Link to my build thread and truck update picture.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/133855-2014-Tundra-Crew-Max-Build
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/133855-2014-Tundra-Crew-Max-Build
Tacovendor
Explorer
Thinking of the same thing, even a time lapse.
Overland Hadley
on a journey
I could not finish reading this without hearing the theme music.
Tacovendor
Explorer
Woodland here I come. Tomorrow can't come soon enough! 
Tacovendor
Explorer
Thanks Mike, like I needed anymore excitement. See you guys in the morning