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A new Alaskan? That just doesn't happen! Bryan Wheat, President of Alaskan Campers, debuts the all new Alaskan Mini and tells us how the Mini happened...
It’s been a long time since an all new Alaskan camper debuted. When Bryan Wheat, President of Alaskan Campers, tipped us off about his new Alaskan Mini, we were chomping at the bit for information. He finally completed his design and sent in the following photos. It’s a cabover-free mini-truck marvel. Way to go Bryan!
TCM: Did you design the new Alaskan Mini?
Bryan: Actually, a customer ordered an Alaskan without a cabover a few years ago and he designed the interior. That’s what gave me the idea. We never have been able to build an Alaskan in the mini-truck payload range. The Mini is how we will pursue that market.
TCM: What trucks are you targeting for the Alaskan Mini?
Bryan: Most of the calls for mini-trucks are for the Toyota Tacoma. The Tacoma offers a six-foot bed and about 1,300 pounds. The 76” Mini comes out to the end of the bumper.
TCM: What does the Alaskan Mini weigh?
Bryan: The dry weight of the Mini is 940 pounds with battery. With a full ten-gallon water tank (80 pounds) and a full two-gallon propane tank (about ten pounds) the wet weight would be about 1,030 pounds.
We designed the camper to keep all of the weight forward including keeping the water tank and refrigerator in the first twenty-two inches of the camper. There’s almost nothing in the back of the camper but the two-gallon propane tank.
Tacoma owners are going to need suspension boosters of some sort. We’re not over weight with the Mini, but you’ll be right at payload capacity when you add passengers and stuff.
TCM: So what comes standard and what is optional on the new Mini?
Bryan: There’s a standard two-burner cook top, a single sink, and a Nova Kool 12-volt refrigerator. The Nova Kool is a really high quality 2.3 cubic foot refrigerator with a Danfoss compressor. Then there’s the ten-gallon fresh water tank, two-gallon propane tank, and a deep cycle battery. The Mini also comes with a 30-amp converter and battery charger.
TCM: Can a customer get a solar panel installed?
Bryan: Yes, we can put a solar panel on. We can do anything, but we don’t want to list a whole bunch of options for a camper designed for mini-trucks.
TCM: Does the Mini use the same hydraulic lift system as the full-size Alaskans?
Bryan: We went with the older style one-inch pistons because we don’t need as much lift for the Mini. Other than that, it’s the same lift system as the other Alaskans.
TCM: Were there any compromises for the Mini in fit, finish, or materials?
Bryan: The only thing we didn’t go for were our dove tail drawers. The Mini has plywood drawers. We used bolsters along the wall for the sofa instead of seat frames which allows the beds to have more width for sleeping. If we had installed a seat frame and cushion, we would have removed four to five inches of sleeping room.
TCM: What will the Alaskan Mini cost?
Bryan: The Alaskan Mini is $12,900.
TCM: Are you excited about the Mini?
Bryan: Yes, it’s a neat little thing. The couches are five feet so you could fit six adults. The truck would flip over, but the people would fit.
It’s a really open design for its size. There’s lots of overhead storage. Even with two people inside it, doesn’t feel small. And the windows are huge. They’re the same size windows we use the larger Alaskans. It really feels open.
I’m also excited because with the way people are downsizing to smaller trucks the Mini gives us a product to offer.
TCM: Any changes to the rest of the Alaskan line for 2009?
Bryan: I changed the countertop laminate pattern (laughs). If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. We really haven’t changed anything for 2009.
TCM: How are things going at Alaskan? Are you selling campers?
Bryan: December and January were down for us but things are starting to pick up. We just sold three floor model 2008 Alaskans and we recently took orders for two more campers. 2008 was a slow year, but we’re going well.
TCM: Have you been able to go out camping in your Alaskan in the past few months?
Bryan: I went out in my Alaskan January 23rd, 24th, and 25th and visited friends and family on Vashon Island. I really don’t get to go out enough. And I just sold my Alaskan.
TCM: You sold your Alaskan?
Bryan: I’m building another one. The President of the company should have a 2009.
TCM: Of course! And when did you become the President of Alaskan?
Bryan: Dad and I had a corporate meeting and we decided it was time for me to be President.
TCM: Congratulations Bryan! And thank you for the new camper exclusive.
For more information about Alaskan Campers, visit their website at www.alaskancamper.com
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