Question Of The Week

2015 Holiday Wish Lists Revealed

This week we asked what you had on your 2015 holiday wish lists for your truck campers.  A few of you questioned whether you’ve been naughty or nice, a topic we may explore in a future issue.  Others didn’t hesitate to tell Santa exactly what they want.  Sadly, not one Red Ryder BB Gun was mentioned.

Here’s what Truck Camper Magazine readers are hoping to find under the tree Christmas morning:

“Safe travels, sunny weekends, and a warm dry camper!  And I would like a wireless rear view camera with monitor.” – Allen Jedlicki, 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 2014 Wolf Creek 850SB

“A newer, upgraded truck camper with electric jacks.” – Paul Roberson, 2014 Ford F350, 1988 Lance 980

“I want a pop-up camper with a north-south bed that I can leave made up when the top is down.” – Karen Eddie, 2015 Toyota Tacoma, That’s the conundrum

“I might be interested in getting a solar panel.” – Richard Luczynski, 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500, 2015 Lance 1050S

“A 12-volt crockpot that I can plug into either the truck front seat or the camper to keep food warm.  Amazon has several models on their website.  Perhaps a good question of the week could be, ‘Are there any 12-volt items campers would recommend?’  I have seen coffee mugs, electric blankets/throws, small heaters, coffee pots, as well as crock pots for camping or tailgating.” – Lorraine Schwass, 2009 Dodge Ram, 2013 Four Wheel Hawk

“A better and easer entrance and exit steps that will go closer to the ground.  We are in our 70s and we need an easer way to get into and out of the camper when it’s on the truck.” – Bob and Brenda Vea, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, 2003 Arctic Fox 1150

“New blinds and large shade for our camper.  I’d also like a larger 22-inch television.” – Helen Scurzi, 1991 Chevrolet Silverado, 2008 Lance 9’11”

“Spring!  Just bring us Spring please so we can uncover the camper and get back out on the beach!” – Jim Duarte, 2015 Ford F350, 2013 Eagle Cap 850

“A bigger, nicer television!  The optional $600 one has already been replaced under warranty.  Maybe an external WIFI antenna too.  It might be camping, but I still need my morning fishing forecast!” – Gary Usher, 2015 Ford F350, 2015 Lance 1172

“We love our truck camper.  I’m asking Santa for an inverter to work my mini Keurig when we’re dry camping.  I’m also wishing for good roads, sunny skies, great camping, finding new places, and meeting new people!” – Janet Manis, 2014 Dodge Ram 2500, 2016 Travel Lite 960R Illusion

“A F550 with a body kit, of course!  On a more realistic note, one or two more solar panels and two more batteries installed in the truck bed like your recent winning mod! More time to use the truck camper, but don’t worry that’s coming soon.” – Ed Amato, 2000 Ford F350, 2015 Northern Lite 10-2 EX RR

“First, I really need a new battery.  Second, I would like to have all the interior lights converted to LED, not just some.  Third, a nice, quiet 2000 watt Honda generator.  Fourth, some time to go enjoy it all.” – Jack Pavie, 1995 Ford F350, 1987 Real Lite 950

“Two sets of roof racks for my trailer, a 15-20 horsepower outboard, a rear deck system for my truck camper.  That’s not too much, LOL.” – J. Kevin McCarron, 2013 Ford F350, 2013 Northern Lite 10-2 CD SE

“To make it the perfect camper for us, an air conditioner unit for the wife and electric jacks for the hubby!  But, unfortunately, we stop believing in Santa a long long time ago.” – Denise Hupé and Robert Joanisse, 2010 Ford F250, 2004 Adventurer

“A newer camper with a bathroom and electric jacks!” – George Reid, 2011 Chevy Silverado, 1985 Sun Lite

“A roof mounted air conditioner or a new Arctic Fox 990.” – Kelvin Kohanes, 2003 Ford F350, 1994 Caribou 10ft

“A nice widower ready to share travel and adventure.” – Denise Barber, 2011 chevy 2500, Lance 815

“Two camper jacks like the Brophy camper jacks to be more flexible in unloading the camper at home.  We removed the original jack plates during renovation.  The original jacks caused most of the damages on the camper’s frame.  Actually we unload with a self-constructed winch system in our barn.” – Manfred Klement, 2000 Ford F-250, 1992 Jayco Sportster 8ft

“I would like a truck that fits me.  Try buying a new truck today if you are 6’5” tall.  I have a hard time just climbing into it and then my head hits the roof, even with the big bad one ton duallies.  They are downsizing everything these days.  Guess I am doomed to stay with the older models that have plenty of room.” – Steve Brant, 1995 Ford, 1977 Lance 9’10”

“A rear ladder with a higher last rung to access the roof.  I would like a way to fix my basement roll out drawer so that it works better.” – John Bull, 2004 Dodge 3500, 2015 Arctic Fox 990

“I want a Honda generator.  We want to head to the Four Corners area, and a generator would let us boondock more.  Other than that, we are set and ready to roll.  Camp on!” – Mike Kolinski, 2012 GMC 2500 HD, 2012 Four Wheel Camper Hawk

“OMG!  There are so many things to list.  This is a camper being used as a permanent residence.  I want a bathroom with a shower and not just a toilet and cabinet, a stove with an oven, a three-way refrigerator that works during the summer (Arizona summers are brutal), jack stands that work as my hydraulic ones are shot, a north-south facing bed (they’re easier to make), a hot water that works right, and storage, storage, storage!  Ahh heck!  An Arctic Fox 990 will do!  I would want a generator, solar power, air conditioning, and no microwave because I’d rather have the storage.” – DuWayne Hermann, 1996 Ford F150, 1993 Fleetwood Elkhorn

“I’ll just keep it to the biggies.  I would like a rear mounted camera to keep an eye on the towables, a new 12 volt TV/DVD combo, and lots more time off to enjoy it!  Merry Christmas to all!” – Lisa Harless, 2012 Ford F250, 2010 Northstar Adventurer

“A new grey tank – don’t ask what I did!  I would like blinds to go under the new curtains I sewed, and solar panels.” – Michele McLeod, 2013 Ford F150HD, 2000 Travel Hawk 9.5

“4800 series camper jacks by Happijac.” – John Macdonald, 2011 Ford F250, 2008 Okanagan

“We would like to replace our factory installed love seat with two recliners.” – Tom Warren, 2013 Ram 3500, 2013 Eagle Cap 1160

“A solar panel would be nice.” – Barry Schoenwetter, 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 2005 Lance 1030

“Lazy Boy style seats that are interchangeable with the dinette – switchable when needed!” – Charles Coushaine, 2001 Ford F350, Chalet DS116RB

“The following items, in order is our wish for 2016.  Items 1 and 2 will be installed this spring on our Lance.  Item 3 will be purchased and installed upon manufacturer’s availability.

1. A second 50 watt solar panel.
2. Two six-volt golf cart batteries replacing a pair of Group 27s.
3. New Torklift rear bumper as recently featured in the Truck Camper Magazine.

These items will greatly improve our boondocking capabilities and add additional personal needed items for outdoor experiences.” – Warne Todd, 2000 Ford F250, 2005 Lance 981

“I want to trade my factory pickup bed/box for a utility version so I can have lots more storage space.  I would also like to have a portable generator.” – Marlin Marx, 1999 GMC Sierra 2500, 1977 Trek 10.5 ft.

“A set of air bags and more time to use the camper and boat.” – Dave Riddle, 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 2006 Host Tahoe

“Snow!  With the temps ranging around 40 degrees we’ve had no snow for winter camping, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, etc.  Colder temps and snow would be my wish for our camper.” – John Desjardins, 2007.5 Sierra 2500HD, 2002 General Coach Globetrotter

“For the camper, a working generator.  My Onan never worked right.  For the truck, tires. The OEM Generals finally wore down.” – Philip Tron, 2009 Chevy 3500, 2012 Lance 1050

“Someone to just come and give it total inside and out cleaning, detailing, organizational fixing, wax, and check and redo all the seals.  Then a 30-foot RV carport to keep it covered and clean. My dream wish list would be a heated shop with full hook-ups inside.” – Elliot Groeneveld, 2016 Ram 3500, 2011 Arctic Fox 1150

“We are in the process (and the throws of winter) of getting all the upgrades done on our rig before spring.  As we are officially semi-retired and we really want to spend more time out with our rig next year.

I am working on a storage, landing, and rear bumper step system for the camper.  This will make ins and outs safer and more convenient.  Plus, it will provide more grey water storage.  I will post results of the upgrade next spring.

I would also like a better entertainment center with a television with DVD player.  Many times while out on our travels, catching an evening movie is enjoyable.  So getting a better more viewable television is on my list.

The other thing that comes to mind is we are still in need of air bags on our new truck.  I am hoping to go all out this time and have the onboard compressor and an interior gauge kit.  I’m not sure if I have been good enough for al l these things.  Merry Christmas to all!” – Wes Hargreaves, 2016 Ford F450, 2006 Snowbird 108DS

“A cure for cancer.” – Ed Krech, 2006 Dodge 3500, 2011 Northern Lite 8-11

“I want tank gauges that actually work.  We’ve never owned a rig where the gauges worked worth a darn after the first month!” – Joanne Hall, 2014 Chevy Silverado 3500HD, 2014 Lance 1172

“We just want great weather and good fortune copied with safety on our upcoming Alaska trip next June.  We’ve been blessed with everything else we could ever need for the camper. ” – Cheryl Nelson, 2004 Chevy 3500, 1990 Shadow Cruiser 9.5

“We had the camper built to accommodate about a 26-inch LCD HD television, but decided to wait to add the television until we could research the choices.  That will be the 2016 project, plus finding storage options for the bedside penguins.” – Joe and Sandee Sesto, 2015 Silverado, 2015 Bigfoot 2500 10.6E

“A mobile support and road side assistance plan from Adventurer Manufacturing to cover all systems and gear in our Eagle Cap camper.” – Dan Daddieco, 2015 Ram 3500, 2015 Eagle Cap 1165

“I’d really like to add a roof top air conditioner unit to my camper.  We have owned our current camper since 2010.  The summer heat was never much of an issue.  Last summer though, was very hot for a long time.

After a few days out in the camper in 112 degree Fahrenheit heat it was apparent we need an air conditioner.  My wish list?  The Polar Cub 9200 BTU unit.  My portable generator will run the air conditioner and I really want a low profile unit.

So Santa, or other giving person, please bring me a Coleman Polar Cub air conditioner unit.  I have been good, for the most part.  Okay, I have tried my best for the last year.  Thank you.” – Rich Bain, 1999 Chevy c3500, 2010 Adventurer 810WS

“Oh Santa, have I got a list for you.  But first, we need to find out if I qualify in the naughty or nice category.

Let’s start with last April when we joined fellow truck campers in Prosser, Washington for the Yakima Wine Festival.  Traveling in our truck campers from winery to winery to taste the purity of those Washington grapes, one must sip slowly to enjoy the fruits of the valley.  I was careful not to over indulge which is a nice thing to do when having fun with fellow truck campers.

Then there’s the road trip in June through the Olympic Forest when at 2:00pm in the afternoon a deer decides to cross the road.  But hey, I’m a nice guy and slammed on the brakes, swerved over to the oncoming lane (luckily, no traffic) and saved that animal’s life.  Now that was an extremely nice thing to do.  Santa, that was a deer you need to put on your reindeer team.  He made a U-turn so fast that he could show your reindeer what roof to roof delivery is all about!

Oh, and let’s not forget the road trip to Colorado Springs and staying at 9,000 feet elevation campgrounds and not firing up the generator at 7:00am in the morning for coffee. Thereby I maintained the peacefulness of the Rockies for all the tent campers that were surrounding us.  So you can see, Santa, that I have tried my best to be on the nice scale.

And now my camper wish list.  Let’s start at the back of the camper, right side.  I would like a new generator that produces quiet noise.  On the left side, two fiberglass propane tanks that are 50% lighter and tanks where you can see the amount of propane that is remaining.  Next up, the water heater.  A new on demand hot water unit would save a lot of weight and free up space under the cabinet.

Next, I would like replace my one battery with a larger box and slide out tray containing two group 31 AGMs.  And now to the inside. The bathroom fan with only one speed has got to go.  I would like a Fantastic fan with three speeds and remote.  Our microwave works fine, but a convection microwave would be a much nicer addition and would allow for the removal of current oven.  In its place I would put a catalytic heater.  And while we’re working under the cabinet Santa, let’s add a 3000 watt Xantrex pure sine wave inverter.  To the roof I would add a 200 watt solar panel system.

It’s your choice Santa, I can’t wait to see what comes down the chimney.  Ho, ho, ho to all and a Merry Christmas!!” – Roger and Elaine Odahl, 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, 2004 Eagle Cap 950

 

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