So up top is a 270 awning but we’ve found esp when the base camp lasts a day, that the sun coverage is minimal at times without walls. So now I have two walls that can make a massive room next to the truck when needed.
Downside? They’re bulky. And heavy. A put both in a large duffle and cinched it down. In the last pic I posted they are in the tan duffle on rhs. The idea is that they’re there when needed but will sit in situ when not, and not take up prime real estate.
This 270 is freestanding, but has two drop down poles. I also keep two more in ceiling storage, since the walls need all 4 poles. Haven’t tried it in the wild yet but soon…
I think the awning/room combo is my ideal setup. Two years later, I’m still enamored with Josh’s setup on the Montero back when we did the North Rim trip. He had mini futon couches, a heater, electric panini press, and xmas lights. It was like a little treehouse/fort and it was perfect.
But yeah, that’s a huge pack over there for just in case. Have you considered a basic Thule/Yakima roof box for the less frequently needed things like this?
And just like that–I can’t make it to Moab this year.
My brother’s sister is getting married in Chicago and they’ll be passing through Iowa on their way to the wedding. We’ll be hosting them for most of the week currently planned for the trip. I’m excited, but also sad.
Looks like I’m going to end up doing some Great Lakes exploring with the girls. Not sure what that’s gonna look like, either. All the trails I’m finding are just dirt, farm road, mud bogs. There’s literally nothing of interest within 3 hours of me here in Iowa, so any overlanding efforts are likely going to be Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, New York, and perhaps further up toward the North Woods of Maine.
Remind me, do you still have the trailer, too? Man, you’re setup for adventures.
I’m still quite interested. However, we are in the midst of a massive change in our world… again. A good change, mind you. But… the next few months have us doing the final bits of remodel in our California place, and getting it on the market, and moving the whole party full-time to upstate New York. Add in that my wife is taking an early retirement from her job at Cal State University (she’s been there for almost 29 years), and it all adds up to schedules meaning very little in my world right now.
So… We are leaving Calgary on the 10th of May. First night is projected to be Helena, Montana. The next day should see us south of SLC, maybe Provo? Then we move into the wild… North again the following weekend to arrive back in Calgary on the following Monday (20th I think?).
Wolfpacks will be going in here along with Frosty’s wire kennel for when we need it. I also want to leave some space for what-ifs. 60L water tank now resides in rear foot well instead of behind rear seats. It actually sits in there really nicely and will still reach the water pump and ultimately the faucet on the back door.
As an aside, I’ve had a few very cold starts lately. Last week there were several -20 something Celsius days, parked all day outside at work, not plugged in…
No drama. No smoke. No grumbling. A single glow and she started on the first half turn like usual. A little noisier until warmup but otherwise unaffected. 24 volt diesels are so winter ready!
