Skamper and Ranger Prep
For those interested in what we did to prepare the vehicle and camper for the trip here is our blog post about prepping and a few pictures of the Skamper.
After months of internet research, Craigslist scouring, and pipe dreams of pimped out Volkswagen Westfalias and Landcruisers, we found the perfect overlanding vehicle right in our driveway; Ken's Ford Ranger. Not only did it have 4 wheel drive and has been mostly meticulously maintained by Ken, we also stumbled on a rare Skamper pop up camper in Seward and sweet talked the owners into selling.
As anyone knows who has researched or has any knowledge of pop up truck campers, finding an affordable, light, durable camper to fit on the back of a Ford Ranger is extremely difficult. We did not have the budget to spend $10,000 + on a new pop up with all the bells and whistles, so our affordable 1988 Skamper has and continues to need quite a few modifications.
It turns out, after being outside during a record snow year coupled with a few tiny pinholes in the roof equals 200 lbs of wet, rotten plywood and insulation. Ken and a few friends tore everything out, replaced the insulation and plywood, and expoxied the crap out of all the seams and holes.
Ken acquired and mounted a solar panel and is rewiring and installing new LED lights and an oscillating ceiling fan as well as replumbing the leaky hand pump faucet in the sink. Actually he is doing a lion's share of the modifications to the camper and the truck including a long list of upgrades to the Ranger.
In an effort to update the dated 80's interior which included faded tropical floral curtains, faux wood paneling and dusty rose pink upholstery, I tried my hand at craftiness. I guess I am going to have to stick to cooking, nursing, reading, and drinking beer because I failed miserably at being crafty. I managed to successfully coat the stove cover with flammable paint and unsuccessfully dye the cushion covers, albeit they are now very clean. Despite my best efforts and because of Ken's, Suzie Skamper will be the lean, mean driving machine she was supposed to be.
Here's a list of all the modifications to the truck and camper.
Camper:
Removed water saturated ceiling and replaced with foam board and plywood.
Sealed all seams with 3M 5200
2×4′s on roof to mount 40W solar panel and roof rack
Roof rack fabricated out of 3/4″ pipe
Deep cycle battery for camper
Solar charge controller and battery isolator in order to for the alternator from the truck to charge both batteries
400W AC/DC inverter with USB port
New fuse panel and complete rewiring
Installed 3x 3W LED lighting in the camper, 6W flood light outside
12 volt fan over bed
Installed fans (actually old computer fans) in the vent over the stove
Dead bolt and new door knob on camper door
Removed the pain in the hole screen door
New water pump and faucet
Everpure Charcoal filtration system for water purification
New propane regulator, hose, and thermocoupler for the heater
Custom awning conceived and created by Ken Inc.
Reinforced rear side doors and master locks to side doors and propane door
New curtains thanks to our fabulous friend Krista
View attachment 135123
Truck:
BF Goodrich All Terrain LT 245/75/R16 E (Ken’s pride and joy, I think he has Armor All’d them at least 2 times in the past week)
Firestone Sport-Rite air springs
Shocks
Alignment
Towing mirrors
Hidden kill switch
Radio with auxillary and USB input
Locking gas cap
Ball hitch converted to step
Custom shelf in extended cab