Not sure what this means for my van in the long run.

[pjpvi]

I've actually been watching that build but didn't notice he was on this forum too. Nice build!

[pjpvi]

Quick update which is essentially no update. Talked to the camper guys and they are now saying mid summer until I get the camper (Grrrrr). They offered my deposit back if I wanted but I told them I would stick with them. They are willing to do all the custom stuff I want without (I think) totally breaking the bank (that is still to be seen though).

In the meantime I installed my HAM radio and on-board air system in the truck. It sure is nice having the up-fitter switches and handful of pre-installed wires from the engine bay to the cab that can be used.

ARB twin compressor mounted very nicely under the hood and I installed a 4 gallon air tank in a void between the flatbed frame mounts and the flatbed rear storage box on passenger side. I just open the rear drawer for easy access to the quick connect air port on the tank. With drawer closed it is fully hidden (except some of the tank can be seen through the wheel well).

Speaking of the flatbed drawer, I do get a bunch of storage in the flatbed which will be nice!

The van gets at least one more trip to Baja. Prepping for a Feb / March trip now. Doing a temporary install of the new camper awning on the van since I destroyed the Fiamma awning last Baja trip. Trying to decide if I bite the bullet and get a new set of tires or try to get one more trip out of the pretty worn ones on the van now. Since I'm probably selling the van later this year I hate putting more money into it and was thinking just discount appropriately and let the next owner put whatever tires they want on. I'd hate to blow more than one tire out in the middle of nowhere Baja though. We'll see ....

More on the truck camper whenever I have more to tell.

[eddyturn]

Drooling, I am. That's gonna be a neat setup once it finally gets done. Been looking at something like that or an AEONrv but likely just keep the van and the money.

We will be in Baja about the 26th of this month through mid-March and it would be good to meet up with you somewhere. I can PM you contact details if you want. We have no plans other than to cross the border, buy some food in San Felipe, top off the tank and head for Gonzaga for a couple of days. From there - we dunno. Going south. We do want to get to Todos Santos this year just to check it out. New full float axle in the rear got us to LA and back for the NCAA title game. Fortunately we are Bulldog fans so that worked out well. So, van is getting loaded and ready to head out. Gotta make sure we don't get snowed in again...

[pjpvi]

Thanks Eddy. Just sent you a PM.

[E-350]

Check out All 4 Adventure’s Rameater built. Perhaps giving some ideas [emoji12]

[pjpvi]

Hadn't seen the "Rameater" before. A bit blingy for my likes although seems pretty darned capable. Camper 2.0 will likely be some sort of minimal pop up canopy style camper. Camper 1.0 is more about comfort. I really wish I had some camping attachment to throw on the flatbed for Baja next month as I'd love to take the truck. Of course I love taking the van but I need to scratch up the new truck too!

[pjpvi]

With the posting of my van for sale I've had a few people PM me wanting to know what's next. Figured I would update this post to bring it back to the top.

I'm still waiting on my camper. Camper 1.0 is now going to be a pop top camper instead of the original plan for a hard side. Long story I won't go into but we are good with it. Hopefully I'll be picking it up in July as a shell with interior built out less systems. I'll do the systems install myself.

In the meantime, It's an air mattress on the flatbed under the stars for me. Back to basics....

At the request of some, I'll update this as the camper comes together.

[E-350]

What do you want more: you got cholla cati around you, beautiful sky, looks like you’re around JT NP?!? :-)
In the meantime that’s my boys favorite way of camping: camping without tent :-)

[pjpvi]

Originally Posted by E-350

What do you want more: you got cholla cati around you, beautiful sky, looks like you’re around JT NP?!? :-)
In the meantime that’s my boys favorite way of camping: camping without tent :-)

The location was beautiful! This was in Mohave National Preserve.

When I was younger (not sure how old your boy is), it was my favorite way of camping too. I just turned 60 though and like a few creature comforts now. Don't get me wrong, I still love traveling in the van but having a comfortable wife travel partner is also fantastic.

A few more pics from this particular camp area....

[marret]

Awesome Phil, beautiful.

With you on some creature comforts these days in my 60s.