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 unique options usually go away 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 basic instance of truck camper design from the nineteen-eighties and early nineteen-nineties. Recognized for its sturdy construct and comparatively compact measurement, it was a well-liked alternative for adventurers in search of to discover off the overwhelmed path. Its enchantment lies in its simplicity and its capability to rework a pickup truck right into a self-contained cellular residing area. Nevertheless, time takes its toll, and the U850’s unique elements usually fall in need of up to date requirements by way of 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 practical 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 having 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This text will element the journey of modernizing an outdated Six Pac U850 truck camper, together with upgrades to {the electrical} system, plumbing, inside, and exterior. I’ll share ideas, classes realized, and insights gained alongside the best way, 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 drawback 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 fully sudden. Years of use had taken their toll. There was proof of minor water injury round a window, the unique fridge was struggling to keep up temperature, and the wiring regarded like a tangled mess of spaghetti. Step one to modernizing an outdated Six Pac U850 truck camper was figuring out each situation. Documenting every little thing with pictures proved invaluable all through the challenge.
Defining clear objectives and priorities was equally necessary. What should be completed to make the camper secure and practical, and what would merely be “good to have”? Funds performed a major position on this determination. I knew I could not afford to interchange every little thing directly, so I prioritized essentially the most vital 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 data. 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 elements was an ongoing course of. I aimed to strike a steadiness between high quality and price, choosing respected manufacturers whereas additionally exploring extra budget-friendly choices. Native {hardware} shops and RV provide outlets 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 each time potential, each to save cash and to cut back waste.
Lastly, I ensured I had the required instruments and an acceptable workspace. Thankfully, 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 numerous 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 satisfactory for contemporary energy calls for. Modernizing an outdated Six Pac U850 truck camper meant a full electrical overhaul.
Step one was eradicating all of the outdated wiring, fuse panel, and lights. I meticulously labeled every wire earlier than disconnecting it, making a diagram to make sure I might hint every little 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 rising 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 ability movement to the batteries. I selected a two-thousand-watt inverter, to transform DC energy from the batteries to AC energy for operating 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 outdated incandescent bulbs. This dramatically lowered energy consumption and offered a lot brighter illumination. New retailers 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 positive to correctly floor all electrical elements and used fuses and circuit breakers to guard towards overloads and brief circuits. The outcome was a dependable and secure 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 strains have been brittle and vulnerable to leaks. Modernizing an outdated Six Pac U850 truck camper required addressing these points for a dependable water supply.
The water tank was totally cleaned and sanitized, and the outdated water pump was changed with a brand new on-demand mannequin. The sort of pump solely runs when water is required, saving power and lowering noise. A water filtration system was additionally put in, guaranteeing a clear and secure consuming water provide.
The outdated plumbing strains have been changed with PEX tubing, which is sturdy, versatile, and immune to 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 conventional 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 positive the drainage was optimized to forestall clogs and backups. Whereas I did not set up a water heater initially, I later added a small, transportable propane water heater for infrequent scorching showers.
Inside Transformation: Making a Snug Dwelling House
The inside of the Six Pac U850 was practical however dated. The outdated cupboards have been worn, the counter tops have been scratched, and the flooring was drab. Modernizing an outdated Six Pac U850 truck camper meant giving the inside a whole makeover.
Step one was demolition. All of the outdated 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 injury.
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 space for storing whereas minimizing weight. Butcher block counter tops have been put in, including a contact of heat and class.
The outdated 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 trendy 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 coloration, including new trim, and adorning the area with private touches. The outcome was a brilliant, ethereal, and alluring residing area that felt like a house away from residence.
Exterior Enhancements: Defending the Funding
The outside of the Six Pac U850 was in moderately good situation, however it wanted some consideration to make sure it remained weatherproof and protected against the weather. Modernizing an outdated Six Pac U850 truck camper meant taking note of the surface too.
Crucial 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 injury 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 night time. The jacks have been inspected and lubricated, and the mounting system was checked for security and stability.
Classes Discovered and Suggestions: Sharing the Information
The method of modernizing an outdated Six Pac U850 truck camper was a difficult however rewarding expertise. I realized an ideal deal alongside the best way, and I am comfortable to share my insights with others.
One factor that went nicely was the planning and preparation. Taking the time to totally assess the camper, outline objectives, and analysis options saved plenty of money and time in the long term.
I encountered a number of challenges in the course of the challenge. One of many largest was coping with sudden water injury. This required further repairs and added to the general value.
If I have been to do it once more, I’d most likely put money into a extra highly effective photo voltaic panel system. I discovered that 2 hundred watts wasn’t fairly sufficient to fulfill all my energy calls for, particularly throughout cloudy climate.
The entire value of the modernization challenge was roughly seven thousand {dollars}. This included the price of supplies, elements, and home equipment. Whereas this may occasionally look like 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 corresponding 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 outdated Six Pac U850 truck camper was a labor of affection. The enhancements I made to {the electrical} system, plumbing, inside, and exterior remodeled it into a snug, practical, and trendy journey rig. It is prepared for a lot of extra years of exploring and creating reminiscences. 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 ability and sources I would like. The up to date inside is a pleasure to dwell in, and the outside enhancements have given the camper a recent, trendy look.
General, I’m extraordinarily pleased with the outcomes of the modernization challenge. It was a difficult however rewarding expertise, and I am happy with what I completed. In case you’re contemplating modernizing your individual classic truck camper, I encourage you to make the leap. It is a good way to breathe new life right into a basic and create your individual distinctive journey rig.
What are your favourite classic camper upgrades? Share your experiences and questions within the feedback under!
