Budget Skamper Fix/Build

[tanglefoot]

I'm using one of these 10-W panels from UL solar in my super-budget system:

http://cgi.ebay.com/10-WATT-10W-SOLA...item414d43a0e3

It's mounted on the roof.

I am using a charge controller but it's the cheapest one I could find: A Brightwatts from Lowe's special order for around $16 but I can't find it on their page. Maybe they discontinued it.

Here's another option:

http://www.tylertool.com/solarcontro..._source=nextag

I've heard that a charge controller is recommended for panels 10-Watts or higher. Mine's been parked in the sun for a few weeks and the controller has stopped the panel from charging. It's probably not a good idea to over-charge the battery without a controller.

[BSS]

Wow, that brings back some great memories. The 060S was my first truck camper. I bought it used in about the same condition, took it all over hell and back. I've had a 4WC for some time now, but I sure do miss that under-bed storage the 060S had. That's the best feature of that thing in my opinion.

Word of advice: If you take apart the roof or trim for any reason, be VERY CAREFUL with those corner pieces. Not only are they structurally important, they get real brittle and break easily. And replacements don't exist.

[SLO_F-250]

Wow, that brings back some great memories. The 060S was my first truck camper. I bought it used in about the same condition, took it all over hell and back. I've had a 4WC for some time now, but I sure do miss that under-bed storage the 060S had. That's the best feature of that thing in my opinion.

Word of advice: If you take apart the roof or trim for any reason, be VERY CAREFUL with those corner pieces. Not only are they structurally important, they get real brittle and break easily. And replacements don't exist.

Glad you had fun with yours! Im hoping to take it all over hell and back too! I might need some pointers on the electrical system. Would be nice if I could find the old manual online!

Thanks for the advice on the roof pieces. Those are on my list to fix somehow. Still not exactly sure how, but I do have a crack in one corner.

[SLO_F-250]

So I got a lil work dome this weekend. I found the propane leak in the stove, so now I have a working stove! Yes! I also fabbed up the new tie down point. Its a plate with welded loop that bolts to the camper jack point utilizing the existing bolts etc.



Next I made a nice little step out of some scrap to get up to the camper. I made it extend out beyond the tailgate because I keep the tailgate on with the camper on since its a smaller camper.



Next on the agenda is to get my electrical system working. Im not sure what is up. Ill try to post some a bit later on it.

Tanglefoot.... Thanks for the info on the solar panel!! I think Im going to order a very similar setup. Now to figure out how to wire it in.

Cheers all!

[SLO_F-250]

Hey guys. Ive got a lot done lately, and pretty much fully restored the Skamper. Unfortunately not too many photos since I was in a rush to get it done before heading out to the desert for a long weekend. Anyways, thought I would shoot yall a few picts.

Of course you always gotta get a shot of the rig.


Basecamp


The new drawer. I'm going to change a few things, but for the most part its just a plywood frame that just slides on top of another sheet a plywood. Super simple, but works.



Drawer under the camper. It worked well, and was able put a lot of tools, fluids, etc under there.



Ill get some more picts of the finished mod's soon. She handled very well on the back roads so far. Im using ratcheting tie downs to the bed and had no indication of bending or coming loose. Even when I hit a few bumps a little hard. opps! My plan is to get the front two mounting points directly to the frame next.
Cheers!

[Maximus Ram]

Nice find. That's what I need for my Dodge.
Seems like all of the deals are at the other end of the state...

[psdfrank]

looks cool, nice work.

what i plan on doing about power i actually plan on using a used 45watt panel i got off craigslist, its more expensive than the lower wattage onces but for any extended trips and more power draw would be very helpful.

Also for batteries, I have 2 6V golf cart batteries for more capacity. I haven't hooked any of this stuff up yet but i'm planning too.

Last thing about power is some ppl have a little generator too incase you need to do a recharge and the sun isn't around etc.

[SLO_F-250]

Hey guys, Thanks for the comments. Ill get a lot more pictures up of the camper soon. Lots of little changes.

Quick question though. I need a FRIDGE! I found this on CL:

http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/rvs/1679438029.html

What do you guys think. My concern is draining my battery. I only have a small 5 watt, 0.75 amp solar panel right now for my battery. Not enough for this huh? Input? Should I way it out for a 3-way. Just seems like a good deal, and would work for a while. I was thinking I could throw a battery isolator kit in the truck to charge it while driving too. Anyways, your advice is appreciated, as I could get a friend to pick it up for me this week.
Thanks!
Paul

[fisher205]

It should work, especially for the price. I think the neser models are more efficient. Mine is set up to charge from the truck with an isolator and works fine. I do have dual house batteries and can do about 4 days before the refrig auto shuts down to protect the batteries. I think this is a way better system than the 3 way fridge set up.

Brad

[rgs]

Your restore is looking great. If you come across some extra money, the truck vault (www.truckvault.com) makes a great sliding and locking drawer for under your set-up, thy have a high and low profile option and if you get the all weather one, you can keep it in the bed even if the camper isnt on there.

Ryan