After sharing our 2014 holiday wish list, we asked readers what they wanted for the holidays this year. Solar panels, new campers, and “a lovely, good-natured, outdoorsy, in-shape, attractive female co-pilot” top the lists.
“We want to upgrade to dual batteries. We like to boondock more, and dual batteries will give us longer times in the desert and mountains. We also want a portable generator, which will give us even more time off-the-grid. Other than those things, we are set to go!” – Mike Kolinski, 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 2012 Four Wheel Camper Hawk
“A 2000 watt inverter, flexible solar panels, the best battery bank and charger system, and the know how to pick the best of each. I need this because I’m retiring from USCG in June!” – Capt Gdog Martin, 2011 Ford 350, 2011 Alaskan 8.5
“More LED lights, especially reading lights. Better loading system so I can load straight without numerous back and forth attempts. One eye doesn’t work, so I have limited depth perception. A back-up camera! A better place to store fishing poles and rods. A better traveling companion. And more places to go with low fuel prices.” – Harry Palmer, 2008 Dodge, 2008 Lance 915
“Aqua-Hot’s hydronic heat system re-sized to replace any truck camper hot water heater. C’mon Santa! Happy Holidays TCM!” – Fred Pausch, 1997 Ford F-250, 1991 S&S 8.5SC
“Spring and Summer!” – Jim Duarte, 2015 Ford F350, 2013 Eagle Cap 850
“I hope Santa brings us a new CO2 detector that doesn’t go off at 3:00am because someone spilled water on it. Ours was manufactured in 1998. Wondering if that is considered old in the detector world.” – Susan Milner, 2004 Ford F-350, 2000 Skyline Weekender
Editor’s Note: All detectors need to be replaced every ten years. Please replace your detector as soon as possible.
“What I need most is time! Time to restore our truck camper so we can get camping in it.” – Grant Davidson, 2005 Ford F-350, 1965 Avion C-10
“My camper to stop leaking.” – Bryan Malone, 1999.5 Ford F250, 1997 Shadow Cruiser 851
“I wish for an air conditioner for my truck camper so I can use it on extremely hot camping trips without sweating at night when I try to sleep. I also wish for electric jacks to replace my hand cranked jacks that I have now.” – David Miller, 2012 GMC 2500HD, 2012 Travel Lite 890SBRX
“Solar charging setup, tire chains, and more time off work to go camping!” – Pete Horneck, 2006 Ram 2500, 2010 Hallmark Milner
“A Palomino HS6601. I’m picking it up on Black Friday!” – Howard Bisco, 2007 Ford F150, 2012 Palomino Bronco 1251SB
“We have one item on our wish list for the upcoming season… a new camper! Santa took our order early and will put a Hallmark Guanella in his sled for us. He’ll have to make a special trip for us next spring though because it won’t be ready for Christmas. Bill, Matt, and Andy Ward are putting it all together for us. Can’t wait! Love the TCM updates too. Something to look forward to since we have snow on the ground now.” – Mike and Kim Baird, 2001 Dodge Ram 2500, 2000 Frontier C99S (for now!)
“A second Fantastic Fan to be installed in the bathroom to replace the standard junky fan. A magazine rack to place all of my state atlas books. One more solar panel. A high output inverter of at least 1,000 watts with separate wall plug. Four is enough – for now…” – Steve Cilenti, 1999 Ford F350, 2012 Arctic Fox 990
“I recently had some work done at a Lance dealer service department. They had used Lance campers about the same age as mine, but they looked brand new! I want new caulking and beautiful, unstained and shiny exterior, just like the ones I saw on their lot!
On a more whimsical note I would like to replace my Generac generator with an Onan. I have lived without using my problematic generator for almost two years, as my two solar panels provide sufficient energy for my basic needs. But every once in a while I wish I could use my blender! Replacing the twelve year old fire extinguisher is on top of the list! I hope Santa brings joy and continued safe travels to all!” – Maggie Karam, 2011 Dodge Ram 3500, 2002 Lance 1130
“More time to enjoy camping!” – Bill Tex, 2006 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, 2013 Eagle Cap 850
“Safe stair system with a little porch. A skylight. A clear window in the back door at the top. A better holder for the sewer hose. A rainproof outdoor carrying place for the generator.” – Dennis Nord, 2005 Chevy 2500, 2004 Northern Lite Notherner
“For the camper, electric jacks and solar panels. For the truck, an Aluminess front bumper, a 12,000 pound winch, and a replacement fuel tank.” – T.J. Purdy, 2007 Chevy Silverado 2500, 1992 Caribou 9.5
“A new to us Eagle Cap!” – Paul Roberson, 2014 Ford F350, 1988 Lance 980
“What do I want for Christmas? To take delivery of the new truck camper I ordered in August. The wait is killin’ me!” – Gary Usher, 2015 Ford F350 Lariat
“Solar panels. That’s it.” – Jim Dunlap, 2013 Ram 3500, 2012 Lance 855S
“Emergency radio with all the extras! AM/FM/NOAA, flashlight, USB charger, and solar/crank/12v charging.” – Linda Rearick, 2002 Ford F-250, 2001 Arctic Fox 1150
“A product that can be applied to the nose cap of my camper that would make cleaning off bugs a lot easier.” – William Gahafer, 2008 Ford F450, 2013 Lance 1181
Editor’s Note: Some folks swear by Pam non-stick spray to keep the bugs off. Try spraying some on your front nose after you clean it. If it works, let us know.
“Arctic Fox to introduce a side door model. Hint-hint, please. A 2015 Ram 4500 crew cab, chassis cab with a flatbed. There would be no more weight issues ever. Diesel fuel. ATV fuel. A 24′ enclosed trailer with side awning.” – Elliot Groeneveld, 2011 Ram 3500, 2011 Arctic Fox 1150
“Laser alignment setup for loading my camper; the setup that won the mod contest. The Dewalt tool bag is a great idea. I use similar tool bags I bought at Harbor Freight, for about half that price. I have about twenty-five pounds of tools in one Harbor Freight bag, and about twenty pounds of miscellaneous parts, lubricants, gloves, and other emergency gear in a second bag.” – Kevin Burkhart, 2015 Ford F250, Lance 850
“We are downsizing from fifth wheel to truck camper, either Arctic Fox or Lance 1191 after the first of the year. For getting off the beaten path and into the less inhabited back roads, a DeLorme State specific Atlas and Gazeteer.” – Pam Conner
“Wow, that’s a tough one as this is my third camper. Over the years since I’ve owned this one, I am pretty set up with everything I need. So, I guess this would be my list: Even more time with family and friends out camping, and great health for everyone so we can spend that time out with the camper. Okay, I’ll say it; free fuel for the truck, and to wish everyone happy holidays and a great new year. Maybe unorthodox answers, but that is my wish list.” – Rich Bain, 1999 Chevy C3500, 2010 Adventurer 810WS
“A new refrigerator, a propane powered generator, battery setup, solar panels, and a new rear bumper and step.” – Bill Luebbers, 1999 Ford F250, 1992 Lance 880
“I want LED Lights from LEDTrailerlights.com, a Progressive Industries EMS-HS30C surge protector, and a Shurflow water system accumulator tank.” – Chris Jensen, 2007 Chevy SIlverado 3500HD, 2009 Arctic Fox 990
“Well, now that Gordon mentioned the AC voltage line meter, it has moved to the top of my list. But, before I read your list, here is what I wanted:
1. Hitch extension and whatever else we need to finally take our bikes with us camping
2. Replacement/extension mirrors for our truck. I’m talking about true replacement mirrors, not just those you strap on to the existing mirrors.
3. In a perfect world, a new step for our Lance 880. Ours is wonky. We haven’t been able to locate the actual step anywhere though.
4. We bought our Lance in October as a replacement for an older camper. I plan to include some of the housekeeping items in it when we sell the camper. So, I would like a new Camco sink cover, Swiffer floor stick sweeper, Command hooks and towel rods, etc. I realize that makes the list many more items than five, but it can be grouped under the heading “camper comfort”.
5. Our new Lance has an awning, so – though my boyfriend hates camper patio lights — I want camper patio lights and holders. As long as I put them up and take them down, he can’t complain too much about them, and they make a site welcoming and friendly. Happy Thanksgiving, Gordon, Angela and Harley!” – Linda Becker, 1999 F250 4×4, 1992 Lance 880
“All options on an Eagle Cap 1165.” – Harold Friess, 2015 Ford F 350 Dually Platinum, 2015 Eagle CAP 1165
“A battery power monitoring system. At the Jamboree in Chocorua New Hampshire, I saw a Borgart Engineering Battery System Monitor to get a better idea of our power usage and battery and recharging health. This looks great!” – Bruce Tinkler, 2013 Ford F-350, Lance 1181
“A 240 watt solar array and charge controller, and a 2000 watt full sine power inverter/charger. Well, if your gonna wish, wish big!” – Ted and Deb Webster, 2005 Dodge 3500, Arctic Fox 990
“I guess I’m a lucky one, beside a new bigger-with-slides and all-the-options truck camper (wishing), I’ll settle for a 120 volt AC meter, a surge protector, and a new three stage charger/converter.” – Jeff Hagberg, 2002 Ford F250, 2006 Travel Lite 800 SBX
“A new TV and surround sound for those rainy nights. We only seem to watch movies in our camper. We never have time at home. A new Trimetric 2030 battery monitor and solar controller with solar panels on the roof.” – Dave Miller, 2015 F350 LB CC DRW 4X4, 2003 Bigfoot 10.6E
“80-watt Zamp solar in a bag, portable water softener, and Campfire in a Can.” – John Dorrer, 2013 Ford F-250, 2014 Four Wheel Camper
“1. Joby Gorilla Lamp. I have two in the bedroom now. When we’re not plugged in, they’re the best reading lamps ever. I also have one in the dinette slide. An extra one would make it more convenient so I can sit on either side of the table without having to move the lamp back and forth. The magnetic feet work so well on these lamps.
2. Now let’s go for an upgrade to the electrics; Xantrex 2000 watt inverter would give me more off-the-grid capabilities.
3. To keep my single Group 27 battery charged without running the generator, a 150 watt solar panel system on the roof would really bring things up to a modern status.
4. For fun on the water, and weighing only 32 pounds, an Advanced Element Inflatable Kayak.
5. For the truck camper lifestyle I wish for all the TCM readers a fabulous 2015 year. Stay Healthy, Be Safe, Enjoy the Journey.” – Roger and Elaine Odahl, 2008 Ram 3500, 2004 Eagle Cap 950
“Since reading about advances in solar panels, I’ve been excited to install some on my old camper. That way, whether I remember to plug in, we’ll be ready to roll each weekend.” – James Hamre, 1993 Ford F250, 1988 Sun Lite Eagle
“1. A huge diet! I will be trimming the fat off my camper this winter, trying to relieve it of at least 200 pounds, and customize its fit to my truck for a lower center of gravity.
2. Rid my camper of the propane fridge for a 12-volt cooler-type appliance to further save weight and space saving.
3. A catalytic propane heater like the Olympian Wave-3.
4. A second deep cycle battery for more power storage.
5. A light-weight, larger capacity propane tank. Something less than a 20-pound tank, or multiple tank set up.
And a lovely, good-natured, outdoorsy, in-shape, attractive female co-pilot! Dang it! Was that six? I’ll swap that for the extra battery!” – Jim McCoy, 2003 Dodge Ram 2500, 1990 Hallmark LaVeta
