The attract of classic truck campers is simple. They harken again to an easier time, providing a novel mix of nostalgia and journey. However their authentic options typically depart one thing to be desired for the trendy traveler. That is why I made a decision to embark on a challenge near my coronary heart: respiratory new life into my beloved Six Pac U850 truck camper.
The Six Pac U850, for these unfamiliar, is a traditional instance of truck camper design from the nineteen-eighties and early nineteen-nineties. Recognized for its sturdy construct and comparatively compact dimension, it was a preferred selection for adventurers searching for to discover off the crushed path. Its enchantment lies in its simplicity and its skill to remodel a pickup truck right into a self-contained cell dwelling area. Nevertheless, time takes its toll, and the U850’s authentic elements typically fall wanting up to date requirements when it comes to consolation, effectivity, and security.
My causes for modernizing this particular camper have been multifaceted. Whereas I admired its classic attraction, I craved a extra snug and useful expertise for prolonged journeys. The unique electrical system was woefully insufficient, the plumbing was exhibiting its age, and the inside felt dated and cramped. Moreover, I dreamed of with the ability to enterprise additional off-grid, relying much less on conventional campgrounds and extra on the liberty of dispersed tenting.
This text will element the journey of modernizing an previous Six Pac U850 truck camper, together with upgrades to {the electrical} system, plumbing, inside, and exterior. I’ll share suggestions, classes realized, and insights gained alongside the way in which, hoping to encourage and information others who’re contemplating an analogous challenge. That is my story of taking a classic gem and reworking it into a contemporary journey rig.
Planning and Preparation: The Basis for Success
Earlier than diving headfirst into the renovation, an intensive evaluation of the prevailing camper was paramount. This concerned a meticulous inspection of each nook and cranny, documenting the situation of all elements, and figuring out downside areas. Armed with a flashlight and a notepad, I crawled beneath the camper, peered into each cupboard, and examined each system.
What I discovered wasn’t completely surprising. Years of use had taken their toll. There was proof of minor water harm round a window, the unique fridge was struggling to keep up temperature, and the wiring appeared like a tangled mess of spaghetti. Step one to modernizing an previous Six Pac U850 truck camper was figuring out each concern. Documenting every thing with pictures proved invaluable all through the challenge.
Defining clear targets and priorities was equally necessary. What should be executed to make the camper protected and useful, and what would merely be “good to have”? Finances performed a major position on this resolution. I knew I could not afford to exchange every thing without delay, so I prioritized essentially the most crucial upgrades: {the electrical} system, plumbing, and sealing any potential leaks. Aesthetics, whereas necessary, have been secondary to performance and security. Setting a practical timeline additionally helped to maintain the challenge on observe.
Analysis and inspiration have been essential for gathering concepts and studying from the experiences of others. On-line boards and communities devoted to truck campers and RV renovations proved to be a goldmine of knowledge. I devoured numerous threads, watched dozens of YouTube movies, and scoured blogs for inspiration. I paid shut consideration to the challenges others had confronted and the options they’d discovered.
Sourcing supplies and components was an ongoing course of. I aimed to strike a steadiness between high quality and value, choosing respected manufacturers whereas additionally exploring extra budget-friendly choices. Native {hardware} shops and RV provide retailers have been my first stops, however I additionally relied closely on on-line retailers for specialised elements. I attempted to salvage and repurpose current supplies every time attainable, each to save cash and to scale back waste.
Lastly, I ensured I had the mandatory instruments and an appropriate workspace. Luckily, I had a well-equipped storage, however even a smaller area would suffice. Important instruments included a drill, screwdriver set, socket set, wire strippers, crimpers, a multimeter, and varied hand instruments. A round noticed, jigsaw, and sander proved invaluable for woodworking tasks.
Electrical System Upgrades: Powering the Journey
The unique electrical system was arguably the weakest hyperlink within the Six Pac U850. It consisted of a single, small deep-cycle battery, an outdated fuse panel, and dim incandescent lights. It was merely not sufficient for contemporary energy calls for. Modernizing an previous Six Pac U850 truck camper meant a full electrical overhaul.
Step one was eradicating all of the previous wiring, fuse panel, and lights. I meticulously labeled every wire earlier than disconnecting it, making a diagram to make sure I may hint every thing again if wanted. This proved extremely useful later when putting in the brand new system.
I opted for an entire improve to trendy energy options. As an alternative of 1 battery, I put in 2 hundred amp-hour lithium batteries, considerably growing my power storage capability. These have been positioned in a safe, ventilated compartment beneath the dinette seating. Solar energy was additionally important. I mounted two hundred-watt photo voltaic panels on the roof of the camper, linked to a high quality cost controller to handle the facility circulate to the batteries. I selected a two-thousand-watt inverter, to transform DC energy from the batteries to AC energy for working home equipment like a blender or laptop computer. The shore energy connection was additionally up to date with a contemporary, weatherproof receptacle.
New wiring was run all through the camper, utilizing appropriately sized gauge wire for every circuit. LED lights have been put in, changing the previous incandescent bulbs. This dramatically lowered energy consumption and offered a lot brighter illumination. New shops and USB charging ports have been strategically positioned all through the camper, making it straightforward to cost telephones, tablets, and different units.
Security was paramount all through {the electrical} improve. I made certain to correctly floor all electrical elements and used fuses and circuit breakers to guard towards overloads and brief circuits. The end result was a dependable and protected electrical system able to powering all my trendy conveniences whereas off-grid.
Plumbing System Overhaul: Guaranteeing a Dependable Water Provide
The unique plumbing system was additionally exhibiting its age. The water tank was discolored, the pump was noisy and inefficient, and the plumbing traces have been brittle and susceptible to leaks. Modernizing an previous Six Pac U850 truck camper required addressing these points for a dependable water supply.
The water tank was completely cleaned and sanitized, and the previous water pump was changed with a brand new on-demand mannequin. One of these pump solely runs when water is required, saving power and decreasing noise. A water filtration system was additionally put in, making certain a clear and protected consuming water provide.
The previous plumbing traces have been changed with PEX tubing, which is sturdy, versatile, and proof against freezing. New taps and bathe fixtures have been put in, giving the camper a extra trendy feel and look. I thought of a composting rest room, however finally determined to stay with a standard RV rest room for simplicity.
The gray water system was inspected and located to be in good situation, so I merely cleaned and sanitized the tank. I made certain the drainage was optimized to forestall clogs and backups. Whereas I did not set up a water heater initially, I later added a small, moveable propane water heater for infrequent scorching showers.
Inside Transformation: Making a Comfy Dwelling House
The inside of the Six Pac U850 was useful however dated. The previous cupboards have been worn, the counter tops have been scratched, and the flooring was drab. Modernizing an previous Six Pac U850 truck camper meant giving the inside an entire makeover.
Step one was demolition. All of the previous cupboards, counter tops, and flooring have been eliminated, revealing the naked bones of the camper. I took the chance to restore and reinforce the body, addressing any weak spots or areas of water harm.
New insulation was added all through the camper, utilizing inflexible foam insulation for the partitions and ceiling. This tremendously improved temperature management, making the camper extra snug in each cold and hot climate.
Vinyl plank flooring was put in, offering a sturdy, waterproof, and easy-to-clean floor. New cupboards have been constructed utilizing light-weight plywood, maximizing cupboard space whereas minimizing weight. Butcher block counter tops have been put in, including a contact of heat and class.
The previous home equipment have been changed with trendy, energy-efficient fashions. A brand new fridge, range, and microwave have been put in, making meal preparation a lot simpler and extra pleasurable. The dinette seating was reupholstered with a sturdy and classy cloth, and a brand new reminiscence foam mattress was bought for the mattress.
Lastly, I added the ending touches: portray the partitions with a lightweight, impartial colour, including new trim, and adorning the area with private touches. The end result was a vibrant, ethereal, and welcoming dwelling area that felt like a house away from dwelling.
Exterior Enhancements: Defending the Funding
The outside of the Six Pac U850 was in fairly good situation, nevertheless it wanted some consideration to make sure it remained weatherproof and shielded from the weather. Modernizing an previous Six Pac U850 truck camper meant listening to the skin too.
A very powerful job was sealing and weatherproofing the camper. All seams and home windows have been inspected and resealed with a high-quality sealant. Any areas of water harm or rust have been addressed and repaired.
The home windows and doorways have been inspected and repaired, and new screens have been added for air flow. The outside of the camper was repainted with a sturdy, weather-resistant paint. New graphics and decals have been added, giving the camper a recent, trendy look.
An awning was put in, offering shade and safety from the rain. Exterior lighting was added, making it simpler to navigate across the camper at evening. The jacks have been inspected and lubricated, and the mounting system was checked for security and stability.
Classes Realized and Suggestions: Sharing the Information
The method of modernizing an previous Six Pac U850 truck camper was a difficult however rewarding expertise. I realized a terrific deal alongside the way in which, and I am pleased to share my insights with others.
One factor that went effectively was the planning and preparation. Taking the time to completely assess the camper, outline targets, and analysis options saved plenty of money and time in the long term.
I encountered a number of challenges throughout the challenge. One of many largest was coping with surprising water harm. This required further repairs and added to the general value.
If I have been to do it once more, I might in all probability spend money on a extra highly effective photo voltaic panel system. I discovered that 2 hundred watts wasn’t fairly sufficient to satisfy all my energy calls for, particularly throughout cloudy climate.
The whole value of the modernization challenge was roughly seven thousand {dollars}. This included the price of supplies, components, and home equipment. Whereas this may occasionally appear to be a major funding, it was far lower than the price of shopping for a brand new truck camper.
To maintain the camper in good situation, I like to recommend common upkeep duties similar to inspecting and resealing the seams, cleansing the water tank, and checking {the electrical} system.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for a Traditional Camper
Modernizing an previous Six Pac U850 truck camper was a labor of affection. The enhancements I made to {the electrical} system, plumbing, inside, and exterior reworked it into a snug, useful, and classy journey rig. It is prepared for a lot of extra years of exploring and creating recollections. It’s additionally introduced a way of private satisfaction.
The advantages of the modernization challenge are simple. The camper is now extra snug, environment friendly, and dependable than ever earlier than. I can enterprise additional off-grid, realizing I’ve the facility and assets I want. The up to date inside is a pleasure to dwell in, and the outside enhancements have given the camper a recent, trendy look.
Total, I’m extraordinarily pleased with the outcomes of the modernization challenge. It was a difficult however rewarding expertise, and I am pleased with what I completed. In the event you’re contemplating modernizing your personal classic truck camper, I encourage you to make the leap. It is a good way to breathe new life right into a traditional and create your personal distinctive journey rig.
What are your favourite classic camper upgrades? Share your experiences and questions within the feedback under!
