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AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 27 2017, 09:37 AM





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QUOTE(SidecarFlip @ Jan 25 2017, 02:01 PM)
I still sleep in a tent when out hunting.  Usually a Hillerberg but a TC is always better and a motel room is even better than that.

Problem is, most hunts I go on are very remote so no motels and/or TC's.  Usually on horseback in the mountains.
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Horseback has always been my dream! Too late for that too as the land I own is in Big Bend [Texas] where it is too hot in the summer and nothing for them to eat!!! I actually have it up for sale....

We have always used Hillsboro tents! Best ever made 4 season...

Have a great day.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3108053 · Replies: 19 · Views: 38,322

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 25 2017, 01:47 PM





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QUOTE(SidecarFlip @ Jan 24 2017, 03:34 PM)
Very nice.  Beemers lend themselves to hacks.  Mine is strictly a pavement bike and it never gets dirty and if it does, it gets cleaned and waxed.  I have an ADV bike (Kawasaki) that stays perpetually muddy and a quad that isn't much better.

I spent many a night and day remote camping, I was an Eagle Scout so at my ripe old age of 66, I like comfort, at least somewhat.

Myself, I have no desire to re-experince the joys of numb butt from riding bikes long distance, did that, been all over the country on 2 wheels, except Alaska and Hawaii, though I have ridden bikes in Hawaii (rental bike).Nice website / blog btw.
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Thank you.
Funny I just realized that since we have the camper I have never set up our tent!!! Maybe at 68 I am done with that? This Northern Lite is just too comfy... a great tiny home I must say.

Have a great day.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3108043 · Replies: 19 · Views: 38,322

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 23 2017, 09:06 PM





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QUOTE(SidecarFlip @ Jan 23 2017, 08:40 PM)
I use mine for a bit more than powering the converter to keep my house batteries charged.  I use it to power a microwave and /or my toaster ( I like toast with my bacon and eggs in the morning) and because I camp in the deep woods, I run my bug zapper as well.  keeps the skeeters from ruining an evening in the woods. biggrin.gif
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Lots of mechanical knowledge! Not much here as all I did is cook all my Life and believe it or not have never used a microwave!!!

Nice bikes for sure...

You can see ours here

www.theoasisofmysoul.com

Bought the bike in 95, added the sidecar 11 years ago and with 320K still going strong! Washed it once in 96... Too much off road to keep it clean.

Thanks for the info.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3108035 · Replies: 19 · Views: 38,322

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 23 2017, 06:23 PM





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QUOTE(SidecarFlip @ Jan 23 2017, 05:57 PM)
Sure do, no smell whatsoever.  The Champ has a double fuel shutoff.  One to the carb and another on the top of the filler cap.  Basically the same as your Rotopax container.  I had a Yamaha 2800I Inverter that was about 10 years old and I sold it.  Like you, I was concerned about how much longer it would go.

I ordered the 2 gallon and the 1 gallon containers as well as the extended hold down from their website this afternoon btw.  The 2 gallon for gasoline (premixed) and the gallon for bar oil and I'll mount them on the back of the camper next to my farm jack.

No issue running premix in the generator.  I run 50-1 in my saws, premium synthetic Stihl oil and it has no ash content, so no carbon and the Stihl oil has stabilizer already in it.  That (Rotopax) setup will eliminate the need for me to carry fuel for the chainsaw.  I seldom fuel the Champ.  One fill lasts all weekend, very miserly on fuel.

Not cheap but usually stuff like that isn't....

I set the Champ inside the camper door as my last to do thing before breaking camp.
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Well, I appreciate the info and good to know as we are taking off in about a week after Dr's release [!!!]. I think I will do the same. Will try it anyhow as I can still get in and out of the camper even with the generator lengthwise by the door. I can then take it down or up one step at the time until I get stronger again to store it in its space at shoulder height. I don't know what they were thinking designing it as such!

You will enjoy the Rotopax. They do not leak at all and very easy to pour. None of that needing four hands like the many other containers. When we tow the sidecar BTW I carry 5G "racing can" which are also easy to pour. They are vertical cans with two handles. I meant to ask you considering your handle on this forum if you ride a sidecar! I don't know how to post photos here [do you?] or I would have of our set up. 7 years full time in a tent! Spoiled now with this camper...

Thanks again.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3108021 · Replies: 19 · Views: 38,322

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 23 2017, 02:14 PM





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QUOTE(SidecarFlip @ Jan 23 2017, 01:46 PM)
They are pretty hard to beat not only price wise but performance wise as well.  In fact, I don't think you can beat the price versus features. 

My spare tire is on the front of my F350 in a hitch (receiver) mounted carrier, reason being is the factory (Ford) under rear bed mount of the spare becomes an exercise in busted knuckles and swearing if you need the spare (I have) so I canned the OEM mount and put it on the front.  Lots easier to deal with.

Besides, the 2000 watt Champ fits inside the camper very nicely.  When the time comes that I cannot lift 50 pounds (Champion) from the back of the TC, I'll stay home.

I'm going to check out the Rotapak fuel container.  Seems like a good idea for carrying fuel for the chainsaws without the vapor issue.  I'll just use the chainsaw premix (50-1) in the Champ as well and consolidate my fuel containers and I like the outside mount system.  I'll mount one on the backside of the camper.
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Good to know about the Champion Gensets. Strangely enough I had never heard of them and while browsing the specs it seems just about as quiet as the Honda. My Honda is over 10 years old, you never know when it will bite the dust!

As far as the Rotopax I don't use their holder. I just slide it [nozzle up] between the camper and truck bed walls on the side.

You have me a bit confused when I read that you would use 50:1 premixed in the Genset also? Is that right?

And do you actually store the Genset inside the TC? I have thought about it as right now it would be easier to take it down then from its space at shoulder height due to my surgeries but if so doesn't the inside of the TC smells of fuel? Just curious...

Thanks...
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3108017 · Replies: 19 · Views: 38,322

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 22 2017, 05:26 PM





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QUOTE(Double B @ Jan 17 2017, 09:03 AM)
Trying to upload my pictures of the Viking rebuild so if they can help someone they are there. But there is a limit on picture space called Global Picture space. how do you increase that?

I have resized my picture down to 600 pixels so file size is minimal.
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I don't even know how to post photos here. Are there instructions anywhere? Might be able to help you then from my end.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3108001 · Replies: 2 · Views: 9,448

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 22 2017, 05:23 PM





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QUOTE(skyhammer @ Jan 22 2017, 04:37 PM)
I re-caulked my camper last Summer. It didn't need it, but I did it anyway. I was easy. It took 4 tubes to do all the seams and 2 tubes of dicor to do the skylights and AC.
I spent the most time removing the old dicor with a heat gun and scraper, but it went quickly.
I found that the key was to cut the nipple on the caulk to the correct angle and width, and not to caulk when it is cold.
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We are in Louisiana right now, headed West in about a week or so and Ontario is kind of far for now, but Thank You for the tip.

Skyhammer. I do understand that Dicor Lap sealant is the best. When you say "4 tubes to do all the seams" did you use something else besides the 2 tube of Dicor? And if you did, why wouldn't you strictly use Dicor all around?

I also understand that "Eternabond" tape is great and can be applied [pressure sensitive] to any existing caulking, except silicone, after cleaning the existing caulking, with like Simple Green. Why not do the skykights, AC, vents, with the tape over it all? Seems like much less work to me. Not that I can get on the roof yet!!!
Thanks...
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3107999 · Replies: 6 · Views: 17,345

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 21 2017, 02:37 PM





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Our 4 years old NL has never leaked but I just realized by reading from a few others that theirs has and I should as preventive maintenance re-caulk it all!

I am not good at it as I have watched professionals do it without even using their fingers but instead at incredible speed and precision do a beautiful bead.

Would you take it to a Camper/RV Dealer? Has anyone had such experience of such preventive maintenance?

Being full time West mainly we could just about go anywhere. I think it would be a worthwhile investment.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3107985 · Replies: 6 · Views: 17,345

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 18 2017, 08:57 PM





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Getting the Honda 2000 out in the Northern Lite is also a pain while the outside cabinet is at shoulder height! That is the only bad design of this camper... Having had spine surgery 11 months ago, a new hip 4 weeks ago, well, it is still in the cabinet... [we do have solar also]. My solar is limited however as there is not much room for many batteries and I do need to use the Genset about once a week to edit photos and videos. As someone wrote above it does run about 8 hours and will also on the NL run the air conditionner which we rarely use.
As far as carrying extra fuel try the Rotopax 2G. They are a bit pricey [$70] but do not leak and can be stored in the bed of the truck between the outer camper wall and truck bed wall. You can actually store more than one!
  Forum: Support Equipment · Post Preview: #3107979 · Replies: 10 · Views: 60,316

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 18 2017, 08:50 PM





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QUOTE(fivealive @ Aug 23 2014, 11:26 PM)
Also I can also add that I have successfully camped in San Francisco and other bay city's many times with no issues.  Stay clear of Marin County, Sonoma County, and the city of Santa Cruz.  San Jose, Oakland, and San Fran are all good for up to 72 hours in any legal parking spot not otherwise posted.  Not sure on any of the other surrounding city's.

If your on vacation though I wouldn't bother sleeping in the city.  Go down Hwy 1 and the good camping turn-outs start appearing just south of Half Moon Bay.  There are a lot of good ones going all the way down to Santa Cruz.
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Might be doing that coast this coming spring. So it is OK to spend the night at pull outs on Highway #1? We generally stay away from CA because of the cost being so high on everything.

BTW, as far as urban camping, hospital parking lots are great [they also always have an open cafeteria!], welcome center after their closing time which is generally 5pm [they always leave their WiFi on], garage parking lots as long as you are out of there early before they open. In little town in their park parking lots. It will generally say "no overnight parking" and I then go to the police staion, show them my credentials and ask them politely [while incredibly tired!] if I could just sleep there until morning. Has never been a problem and actually they will notify the night shift which will pass by/patrol and make sure you are alright. Of course 99.99% of the time we are on BLM or National Forest lands but we do have to go food shopping at times!
Hope this help.
  Forum: Boon Docking · Post Preview: #3107977 · Replies: 7 · Views: 105,783

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 18 2017, 08:41 PM





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QUOTE(Murdog @ Nov 28 2016, 04:13 PM)
Take a look at Northern Lite campers.  I have a keen eye for build quality, I've owned two other RV's before our current Northern Lite and while the Northern Lite is not without issues, it's way better than most others in terms of fitment and quality....certainly better than any Lance's I've looked at.  Personally I think Lance's are the Chevy of truck campers not the Cadillac.  Our Northern Lite so far has 15 thousand miles and 70 nights of camping....and it's been awesome.
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QUOTE(Freespool @ Nov 29 2016, 07:14 PM)
Thanks for the input guys.  I agree with you Murdog, the Northern Light looks well made, maybe it's a Canadian thing.  I remember shopping for a nice formal dining table with chairs and the one I like most was also built in Canada.  The problem I have with Northstar's, Northern Lights and Bigfoots is space.  Without at least one slide, two or three would be much better there is simply not enough room for  my needs.  The Host seems to address all of my needs, however the cost is so ridiculous I don't feel good about ordering one.
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I must agree with the Northern Lite. Could it be because my Dog and I have now lived in one full time for three years? I did a lot of research before settling on it. Space is not a problem. I actually did not want slide outs, or pop tops for that matter. I like being stealth no one knowing if we are in or not in case we stop in a town or so. I just read today that even though just two pieces of fiberglass put together they can leak through the roof at the seam of the fans and so forth. I will check that. Besides it all no problem whatsoever. Only had to have the mattress changed and foam for the dinette set cushions. I cannot for the life of me understand why a manufacturer wants to cut corners with such a high quality camper...
Anyhow...
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3107975 · Replies: 29 · Views: 63,538

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 18 2017, 02:48 PM





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I have been using them full time on a Ford f350 7.2 Turbo diesel 4x4 [2000] and a 2013 Northern Lite 9.6 without a problem for 3 years. The front ones are spring loaded, the rear ones are not and I think [was recommended] I am going to invest them so rain does not go in. I generally put in a few drops of 3 into 1 once or twice a year but I think inverting them is a good idea.
Hope this helps.
  Forum: Support Equipment · Post Preview: #3107965 · Replies: 1 · Views: 30,254

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 18 2017, 02:27 PM





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My favorite for the past nine years has been Big Bend, Texas, where actually I bought ten acres 30 miles North of Terlingua at $100 an acre. Great GS country as we ride a 1995 GS with sidecar for my dog. Terlingua had 3 RV Parks and a decent grocery store the next one being 80 miles away in Alpine. Cell reception and beautiful on/off roads. A few restaurants and much music on The Porch. Paved River Rd to Presidio [66 miles] is one of the countries most scenic rd. Weather is mild even though it can freeze at times throughout the nights, maybe even snow one day per yer!
Big Big National Park itself has two RV Parks and many primitive sites [900,000 acres of freedom!].
This time around however I think we are on our way to "Why", Arizona, near "Ajo" for a change of scenery.
Hope this helps.
  Forum: Camping Trips & Rallies · Post Preview: #3107961 · Replies: 4 · Views: 107,921

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 18 2017, 02:16 PM





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To me, while full time and never seeing campgrounds, 4x4 is a must and in addition as 4x4 from the factory is generally only 2x4 adding progressive lockers in the rear is like having insurance. Of course we don't go rock crawling [F350 7.2 Turbo Diesel / 9.6 Northern Lite] but much off road. 4x4 might not be needed reaching a spot, but as much as I keep an eye on always the local weather, it can suddenly turn to much rain while we need to exit and the 4x4 comes in handy.
All depends on your camping purposes and locations and peace of mind.
  Forum: Matching Truck and Camper · Post Preview: #3107959 · Replies: 9 · Views: 92,641

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 18 2017, 12:24 PM





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We have been [my dog and I] camping on National Forest and BLM lands for free now for about ten years. Generally 14 days is the limit which is fine with me as by then it is time to move on. We are full timers and did seven years with motorcycle/sidecar/tent, the past three years mixing it up with a 9.6 Northern Lite/F350 7.2 4x4. Some aspects have changed. BLM is now setting up quite a few campgrounds with no facilities besides a bathroom and sometimes water for around $15 a night, half price for us since I am over 65. It is the result of campers leaving their garbage behind and on and on... we are paying the price! Another big change has been the influx of homeless, drug addicts and thieves. I use to trailer the motorcycle/sidecar with the camper. Leave the camper behind for the day and go riding. No more... I just don't feel safe leaving the camper behind anymore even for the day. So it is one or the other while we store either one on some Friend's land. Kind of a sad situation but it is what it is...
Hope this helps.
Stay well
Ara and Spirit
  Forum: Boon Docking · Post Preview: #3107957 · Replies: 5 · Views: 366,322

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 18 2017, 12:15 PM





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QUOTE(Murdog @ Nov 28 2016, 03:18 PM)
Hi Linda,
My wife and I have  2011 Northern Lite 8'1" Special Edition we purchased used 1.5 years ago.  We've been very happy with the camper and because it's small enough to fit in our drive way we use it a lot, in fact we've spent nearly 70 nights in it since purchasing....and we both have full time jobs.  Every time we use the camper we remind ourselves of how much we enjoy it. 

The Northern Lite is better insulated than most other brands and that's important...yes you'll have a heater and you may have an AC but you want to reduce your reliance on those, especially if you camp without hookups (we almost always boon dock with no hook ups).  The capacities for water, grey, Black and propane are great for boon docking.  The cabinetry is frankly better than anything else I've seen in a camper, trailer or motorhome.  The layout is great, and our favorite feature is probably the traditional style dinette with two small bench seats and a table in the middle.  Also the north south queen bed with storage on both sides is great.  I also like the fiberglass exterior as it's easy to clean and looks better, IMO than other campers. 

We removed the AC on ours and replaced it with another vent and very glad we did.  You can only run the AC if you are plugged in or carry a generator (note; we camp mostly in the West/North West. If we were in the South it might be a different story on the AC).

Regarding your question about problems:  First, a Northern Lite will have all of the most common potential leak issues of any other motorhome, trailer or camper IE around the vents and roof penetrations.  If you don't maintain them then they will leak.  The fact that the NL's are made out of fiberglass with only one seam does not make them immune to leaks.  Their marketing materials are bit misleading in that way.

Second, while the name implies they are light weight, you really need to research the capacity of your truck and the actual weight of the camper.  Our 8'11" when full of water, batteries and propane weighs nearly #3000.  You can very easily go well past the capacity of a 3/4 ton truck with a Northern Lite, especially if your truck is a diesel, 4x4 or Crew cab (each of which reduce the payload). Our 2013 Ford Diesel handles the 8'11" beautifully, but it took some modifications to the truck.  Better shocks, air bags and stable loads.  If I did it over, I'd have started with an F-350. 

Third, we found this out after the fact:  If you purchase a used Northern Lite (2014 or older) and you have a late model Ford (2012 or newer) the 8'11" or the 9'5" you will need a 2 inch platform in the bed in order to have clearance from the roof of the truck to the over cab section of the camper.  If your Ford has marker lights on the roof (ours did not) you'll need even more platform lift.  This adds to your overall height and center of gravity and can affect handling.  Northern Lite does not mention this anywhere on their web site.  Since 2015 the Northern Lite models were modified and they now fit on the new Fords with out any platform.
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So all very true. My dog and I have had a brand new 2013 9.6 since obviously then with no issues. I did a lot of research before settling on one of those considering the hefty price yet, out most quality. Thanks for writing about the leaks as I was under the impression that this camper would never leak as ours never have. Will climb up the roof some day to check it out or stop to have the caulking double checked. Having had spine surgery 11 months ago and a new hip 4 weeks ago that might be a better solution! I definitely wanted a 4 season camper and this one is. I also did not want to use a dually and this one fits perfectly on our 2000 Ford f350 7.2 Turbo diesel 4 door Long bed. It has the camper package, new shocks [the truck only has 140K on it] and the rear airbags are a MUST. Seriously! It has totally changed the handling to a dream ride . I did change the mattress to a Sealy Genius which is two inches taller but still allows to open the cabinets. Dream sleep as we are full timers. I have also changed the foam of the dinette to the best foam available. I never understood why such a quality camper has to cut corners with a mattress and foam... But, Oh! well. Since I ran my Honda Genset about once a week to edit photos and videos on a laptop the one drawback is the fact that it is stored at shoulder height. With my surgeries I am barely able to now take it out. And yes, this camper rests on a 2" foam on the bed of the truck. A line out of course would be nice but I wanted stealth and no drafts. I also can only sit in one place at the time.... I see now that many camper manufacturers are copying the many components Northern Lite uses which I think is a compliment to them. Would I buy another one? Absolutely. I hope not though as at 68 this is I hope our last home... 4 doors in the truck BTW is very helpful for storage...
I added 2 x 120W 12V soft 4lb solar panels which I stake in the ground since I like to park in the shade with only 1 140amp/h battery and a 300W pure sinewave inverter, all being plenty for our needs. Except for the laptop once a week... There is only room for two batteries which originally where not sealed ones and a real pain while checking their fluid level. Decided to go with just a bigger one...
Hope this helps...
Stay well.
Ara and Spirit
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3107955 · Replies: 3 · Views: 18,307

AraWithSpirit Posted on: Jan 18 2017, 11:57 AM





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I use 2 x 120W soft 4lb solar panels with each a 30' extension as I like to park in the shade and stake them on the ground. It is not much with one 140 amp/h battery and 300W pure sinewave inverter but my needs [all LED] are not much. They are when once a week I fire up my laptop to edit photos and videos and for that purpose I use a Honda 2000. I carry extra fuel in a slim Rotopax which fits in the empty space of the bed of the truck between the camper wall and bed wall. We never do campgrounds and it is pretty quiet. With the 9.6 Northern Lite the only design flaw is that the space where the Genset is stored is at shoulder height! Having had spine surgery 11 months ago and now a new hip 4 weeks ago it is kind of a problem... 50lbs! All Gensets having their own personality mine has also as far as knowing how much choke, how many pulls.... The upside is that it runs the air conditioner when needed which is rare as we are full time and travel with the weather trying to never be in an area where it is over 80 degrees... Hope this helps.
Stay well.
Ara and Spirit
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3107953 · Replies: 19 · Views: 38,322

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