Northern Lite 8-11Q SE Camper Shakedown Cruise

[@windowsvistasuxalot]

That fantastic fan was awesome. Then again I’m high AF.

[@bob_frazier]

A lot of nice features. That porch is one that I envy. I'm in a pre-porch era Bigfoot.

[@DanChanPiano]

The porch is great. Of course it's not deep enough to use conventionally as a sit down porch, but has value as a shelf or table to set things down off the ground for use around the back of the camper. We use it mainly as a temporary holding spot for things going back up into the camper to be gathered up minimizing trips up the stairs.

[@Bob-uw1zn]

WOW I paused the video and took a snap shot of the truck and camper setup in the woods. It's now my pc wall paper background. Love the camper, love the truck. Added it to my Bucket list for retirement :)

[@DanChanPiano]

Wow! My rig is your wallpaper. Too cool! Hopefully retirement isn't too far off for you.

[@joehelm5072]

Took our maiden voyage in Oct of 2017 up & down the Oregon coast. 2016 F250 diesel paired with a 2018 8-11 QCSE. Upon returning, Immediately set out on an extended trip through Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, & Nevada. Great combination of truck & camper. Glad to have graduated from sleeping on the ground.

[@DanChanPiano]

You and me both. You really put the equipment to the test right out of the box. I'm sure you have a much better idea now of what to do and what not to do. What works and what doesn't in the way of camping with the new rig.

[@spudbono5747]

Joe helm -i know this is an old post, but curious how you like your f250 with this camper. I have a '12 diesel 250 and was concerned this might be too big. My truck alone is 8000lbs. Plus I have a small lift.

[@freetoroam7769]

This is very interesting for me since I did nearly the same thing, although with different brands. Bought a 2017 GMC dually in white to match the 2018 Bigfoot camper I ordered in December, which should be completed in March. The Bigfoot and Northern Lite are nearly identical in construction methods, and both Canadian brands are top tier for quality and durability. I also chose the gas engine since it would have taken 25 years to recover the cost of a diesel, and is not needed for the weight of the camper. The gas has more than enough power. This is the kind of camping I prefer - boondocking away from the crowded and noisy public campgrounds. Congratulations on your purchase!

[@DanChanPiano]

Hey, how 'bout that. You'll be camping in style come March. I'm not quite sure which came first, Northern Lite or Bigfoot, but one is the offshoot of the other when employees of one started their own company maintaining the same methods and quality. I'm happy with my gas truck too, and have no regrets.

[@larryware1]

Nice presentation. I came from a family that camped regularly. We started with a used 15 foot, 1962 Phoenix trailer that my dad took us all over the US in. Loved it. That equipment was a far cry from the Northern Lite truck camper you highlight here. I'm amazed at how high tech camping gear has become. You even have a monitoring system for the storage tanks! They've made maximum use of the limited space for the trunk bed design. You wife is a real trooper to help drive and park that unit on the rugged roads you were exploring. My wife and I made many tent camping trips in our early years of marriage - to places like Yellowstone National Park, Grand Tetons, and several trips to Colorado - all in a 1987 Chevette. Fun memories and great years. Hopefully after I retire we can return to some of these simple pleasures. Love your set-up - and your cute dogs too!

[@DanChanPiano]

Thanks Larry. I consider myself a lucky man to be living the good life where my time is my own and having wonderful family to share it with. Go out there and make new memories to go along with those you have from your upbringing and young years with your wife. Don't wait too long....life is fleeting.

[@larryware1]

@@DanChanPiano - Yes, indeed. So much of life is what we make of it. So glad you have a wonderful family to spend it with. We are planning a trip this year with the entire family to the Smokys with all the family (4 boys). We won't be camping, but it still should be very fun. You take care, and keep those wonderful videos coming.

[@TruckCamperBooBoo]

I’m now a new Northern Lite 8-11 Limited truck camper owner. No truck camper is perfect but I’m very pleased with the quality and its performance.

[@DanChanPiano]

Thanks for writing and I'm happy for you. I see that you and your wife are already touring and enjoying the camper and the places it's taking you. Good job on your videos and I see that we both enjoy sharing our knowledge and experiences for others to enjoy and benefit. 행운을 빕니다

[@MrThiefHater]

My first truck camper was a Lance. Very nice unit but hated the slide. Then went with an Arctic Fox non-slide but the kids didnt like it because it was too small for 4 people. Once the wife and I are free, we are buying a Northern Lite. Very nice setup and congrats.

[@rvlee8577]

Love the locations. I just sealed my truck camper and am ready for my own maiden voyage. You have a wonderful setup. Hard to believe that the shelter only takes a minute to setup. Thanks for the tour and Happy Trails

[@elizabethalipio2444]

Loved the way you've shown and explained everything.

[@DanChanPiano]

Thanks Elizabeth. This is my most popular video and yet it was one that didn't require anywhere near the work I put into videos I do nowadays. I think its the subject matter but also sometimes simple is better.

[@caballo2154]

Wow! This is the same setup I want and I am ready for it.

[@vividhaiku]

I'm laying in my 10-2 EXCDSE now. I've had it for a year and have spent a LOT of time here. I absolutely LOVE the higher ceiling. It makes a big difference in the bed area. I am 6'3" and have no problem in the bed, shower, etc. In that time I have had the heater replaced twice. The propane lines worked on. A leak under the sink. The fridge currently turns itself off 10 times a day. You MUST have a generator because the solar panel is a joke. Doesn't do shit. The two 100amp hour AGM batteries won't even power the heater all night. Every day I have to run the generator for 4 hours. I don't even use any plugs/low voltage. I have a Yeti Goal Zero 1000 watt inverter that I plug stuff into. The insulation is nothing impressive. I live in Los Gatos, CA and the heater has to run at least 4 times per night to keep it at 65-70 right now. Can't imagine what snow would be like. I actually use a small electric heater in the bed area which is only on when the generator is running. The main heater is near the door and doesn't cool the sleep area well. My buddy said to just get thicker blankets, etc. But I have a Pitbull and he gets cold too. The black out Windows are awesome. However the window to the cab doesn't have the same black outs? Just curtains. You can see light through them. So the blackout is ruined. The bathroom counter top. Collects water when level. So you have to push it around or towel it up. Door is great but I never close it so I velcroed it open. Pantry is great. This camper has a lot of storage. Gas props work great. Cabinets are quality. Although I do miss my access to the truck bed. The windows suck! Acrylic? It scratches so easily. I am afraid to do any real camping where I have to push through trees. And if you leave the shade open, you do lose a lot of heat. I never have all the shades open at night. My windows don't work properly and only stay open at maximum height. Stove/Oven is great. But you have to light the oven manually. The led lights are nice, but quite bright no matter what. I never use the stereo. The Bluetooth was a pain in the ass to pair. Unusually hard. So I use a JBL portable speaker. The dinette is nice. I have the same one. The table adjuster seems awesome. But the pin does not stay locked. It's always going up and down as you drive. It isn't very strong. If you fall in the table or some kid sits on it, it will break. The table slides left and right and the stopper doesn't stop well. Even in California, I have had issues w the propane tanks getting cold. I have the same Generator and it's loud! You can hear it 40ft away. The propane slide out is a pain in the ass! On the truck, accessing the one in the rear requires a tall person. The mount in the middle just gets in the way and replacing it is a pain too. The slide and all galvanized items have started to corrode. The two bottles will last you about a week. I replaced the stair upto the bed w a solid wood tread. Putting carpet there was stupid. It got dirty so fast. The bed that comes w the camper is very nice. I still added 3" of memory foam on top for a hotel like bed. Making the bed is a pain in the ass. There is a plastic moisture mat under the bed. Very good idea. The wardrobe in the bed area is weird. Because of the direction of the hangers, you have to remove everything to get to the back of it. I love the skylight, but it loses a lot of heat there. Gotta keep the shade closed at night. I tossed the carpet. Was just a dirt collector. Pulling a trailer w the deck? You have to get a special hitch. I got the Torklift Super Hitch $2000 and 48" Super Truss $600. I can tow upto 7000 lbs with it. The fast guns (tie downs) are another $600. Locks are $100. So over $3500 invested total in Hitch and Tie Downs (I installed myself. Very easy) The deck is white and beautiful, but scratches easily. Especially where the little removable step is. Why did they make the square tube in the patio too small for a sewer hose? Wth? It's very hard to get on the roof because of the awning. No handles up top. I'm in good shape. And have no issue climbing generally. Anyone old or overweight should avoid it. Not sure of how long 10lbs of propane will run the generator. But I already have 100hrs on it and I use everything daily. It lasts pretty well. I have a 2006 F250 Diesal Crew Cab w Air Bags that I pull it with, no problem. Always in Tow mode. 8-10mpg. I have a two inch lift and 35" MT tires on 20" wheels. So, is it worth the coin? I paid 41k last August 2018 for a 2019 model. Another 4k for generator. Although I have 50k in it so far and still need another 2k for batteries. To me, no. I have a 70k Lexus and it works perfectly all the time. This is like the most expensive camper (without slides) on the market. It isn't even Lexus quality. Happy Jack's all work at different speed. So you have to keep adjusting them. Although it's absolutely amazing to have a remote control for the legs. I do think the structure will last a long time. It's shell, cabinets, etc will last. I already have scratches on the acrylic windows from trees and I do mostly city/urban camping/living. My truck was 55k new and look at what I get for 55k. Today that would be 80k. Even a 55k truck today is amazing and has a lot of technology. The batteries that come are bullshit! They should be MUCH better for this price tag. The heater should be better than the same one I had in my 18k 20ft Micro Minnie. You get a lot of looks. This camper looks fantastic. It looks expensive. And when city camping. You're not bothered unless some weirdo neighbors call. I had that happen tonight. The black outs really are black outs. You can't see any light except for a little in the door windows, which aren't eh same tech and the cab window which is just tiny, shitty curtains. Advice for buyers: Expect some mechanical failures. Have a back up plan for heat. Like a propane Buddy Heater. Get money back for the batteries from the dealer and go buy your own immediately. I am planning to replace mine asap. Probably lithium ion 100amp hour ($1000ea) Have a generator. The auto start is great. But you could use two Honda 1000 and they would be more quiet. Happy hunting...

[@outcast1189]

May i suggest the wave propane heater it uses lss propane than those factory heaters and dose not pull any juice from your batteries i own a capri truck camper i have the wave 3 and it works great

[@grayeagleswolves]

Love your truck camper its awesome

[@DanChanPiano]

Thanks! I feature the camper in a few other videos on my channel. You might like those too.

[@squeedum4893]

"This is my heaven." Amen to that!

[@MrLoadedweapon]

very informative video thank you ! after 5 years is the camper holding up ? I am deciding on this camper vs Lance , Artic Fox , Kingstar , cirrus , Adventure

[@DanChanPiano]

No issues with the camper other than a battery draining problem we solved by changing the battery out with two 6 volts. We've never had experience with the other camper makes so can't compare, but NL is of high build quality. No structural or cosmetic delaminations, parts falling off etc. and no mechanical issues with the components. NL has improved this camper with better solar and other changes since this model. We believe it will hold its value well if we decide to sell. Two piece construction is a plus.

[@LaDayna04]

You have my favorite camper. I like your outdoor kitchen. Have a great trip.

[@redoubt2766]

I've just come across your site. Nice setup and love your border collies. Had a collie before unfortunately no longer with me, they are the most loyal and biddable dogs in my opinion and are just "built to please you" if they are treated well. I now have a greyhound totaly different in character but just as faithful. Liked your video and will subscribe. All the very best from Scotland. Take care and safe travels wherever you may roam. Best wishes Rab

[@DanChanPiano]

Glad to hear from a Scotsman. Slainte to you Rab and thanks for the well wishes. I just uploaded a video of my dogs running in slow motion and since you have an affinity for the bread, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[@brentvanderham5349]

The perfect set-up. Looking someday to make switchover from travel trailer to truck camper. This is a serious cash investment. Very nice!

[@MikeL-vu7jo]

love both those rigs i work at ford and make alot of what that F350 has thanks for the vid!

[@DanChanPiano]

Glad you liked it Mike. Ford F350s are good products. Good work.

[@edyoung6573]

I must say Mike, I have a 2017 F350 Diesel DRW. Bought it brand new 2 years ago, not 1 problem (well leaky valve stems on the wheels) Loving it!! It's a Beast!! Tows my heavy Excel 5th wheel like it's not even back there!

[@bobcat5412]

Beautiful Setup! Well done on every level!

[@DanChanPiano]

Nice of you to say so Bob. I have a few other videos on this subject on my channel that you might like as well.

[@bobcat5412]

@@DanChanPiano Thank you Dan. I'm looking into getting something similar. May I ask how the F350 drives with the camper? Would you do anything differently? I'll look for your other videos. Bob

[@DanChanPiano]

@@bobcat5412 The F350(Gas) handles the camper well. Even with camper mounted and towing our flatbed trailer loaded with two quads. We added a rear sway bar to the truck to help with the top heavy camper. A dually would handle camper sway better but then you have the downsides to a dually ( more weight, more tires, other negatives etc). All in all the truck does fine for our needs. Don't expect good gas mileage though. All part of doing business.

[@garyausher]

You're going to love it! Safe travels!

[@DanChanPiano]

Thanks Gary! Love it we do and I like your Danes too.

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

Nice set up . I go to Jackson Meadows every summer in late June early July .

[@victoriaheatherly2656]

That was wonderful and I’m glad you are happy.

[@DanChanPiano]

Thanks Victoria. Best wishes.

[@chrishorst6993]

That is a beautiful truck

[@therealtashiro]

Great video Dan! Thanks for sharing!

[@rickjobs638]

Dan I watch the video again. I think a small 5th wheel might be a tad easier. Like you we will have something to tow behind it. The Northern light looks like a great camper. Thanks again

[@patricksparks6468]

I am thinking of getting a truck camper to travel around and work as a travel nurse. some times I will have to stay in rv parks because of the location of the hospitals I work at. My question is do you know if rv parks restrict truck campers, and do they allow you to take the camper off. I realize you don't stay in these parks but may have heard or stayed before.

[@usmcshepherdE9]

Do you still love this as much as you did when you filmed this? Looking to get a NL 811.

[@DanChanPiano]

It's a fine camper and still glad we went with it. Just know that the living space is a camper and not a trailer. Bathroom door is a squeeze even for a not too fat guy. Hallway is a squeeze for two people to pass each other. We stay out of each others way by one sitting at the table or laying in bed while the other works. There are stairs to climb up and down lots of times. You have to crawl in and out of bed and make the bed up while laying on it. Don't know your age or dimensions but elderly might not tolerate these things well. These issues are not specific to NL campers, but all cabovers in general.

[@nightfall22]

Very nice. Loved what I saw! Subbed. Although I kept shouting close your trailer door lol. Looking forward to more great videos. Enjoy!

[@DanChanPiano]

Thanks nightfall22! This is one of my most popular videos, but I have many more done in the same style and camper related. The channel also features videos on a variety of subject matter that follow my interests. Please check them out. All the best, Dan

[@neuroleptika]

Oh wow that pop up outdoor kitchen, thats huge!

[@rogerstrand4903]

Good video looking forward to more

[@oldcrow6990]

It was a great tour! I was breaking at the seams wondering what it will feel like to make that maiden voyage! You'll have to do a video on the clam! Love truck campers! Will be interested to see how you like the Ford. Thanks!

[@DanChanPiano]

Thanks Old Crow. Stay tuned for more camper/truck videos in the future. I never realized how much interest there is out there for these types of videos. I'm getting lots of feedback on this one. Glad you liked it.

[@BUSAMASTER08]

Thanks for getting er polished up for me Dude!😁

[@jusgibs]

I like it. Nice set-up. How do you level it when it's attached to the truck, or do you need to? I would like to see you do a demonstration setting up that pavilion in about a minute. This I gotta see! How long to take it down and get it re-packed?

[@DanChanPiano]

If It's just and overnight-er in a parking lot we don't bother trying to stabilize the camper and just live with the the sway when moving around inside. For an extended camp, we look for ground as level as possible for starters, then unhook the Fastgun tie downs and lower the happy jacks down individually. A torpedo level on the camper floor tells us how to set the jacks to get side to side and fore and aft leveling. We usually are able to still maintain contact with the bed of the truck to aid in the stability. The pavilion really can be erected and collapsed very quickly especially with two people. I'll have to add a demo video on the to-do list.

[@tmise50]

Nice setup! Getting ready to retire in another 22 months. Want to travel the United States during the summers and this looks like the way to do it. I currently have a 1999 Chevrolet 3500 Dually 2WD that has a 4100 lb payload that should work nicely with this.

[@DanChanPiano]

If you can handle the smaller confines, I think a truck camper is the most versatile RV choice. Less cumbersome than a trailer and you can drop the camper and use the truck to tour the vicinity. As for motor homes, they need to tow a separate support vehicle. The latest Northern Lights have rotated the bathroom 90 degrees so that the toilet faces the hallway. This should be a plus as it adds more sitting leg room with the door open. I'm sure you've thought about this , but be sure your 20 year old truck is in tip top if you're going to travel the US.

[@tmise50]

Dan Chan Truck only has 128,000 original miles. Probably will do some suspension work but other than that it runs flawlessly.

[@jcf6597]

Your outdoor shelter looks interesting, where do you pack it considering your lack of storage? How long does it take to set up?

[@DanChanPiano]

The Clam Pavilion folds into a long narrow bag which we transport in the hallway of the camper. With two people, the shelter springs into shape and deploys in only a minute or so. Then it takes the time to drive in 6 stakes.

[@MR-cj8uw]

Very nice video please show what you are trailing behind that pop-up tent.

[@joesilva4479]

Thanks for the response back to me .Im a fan of rv-truck campers and quad riding .we take our toy hauler with quads and ride and Samoa dunes in eureka calif or at six rivers forest....U.s.f.s...You have a great truck and camper.Joe Silva Eureka,ca

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

Great video👍 love the camp set up.

[@pjcady3454]

Its beautiful. Do you have to have the jacks down on the ground to get in it? Is it wobbly in there, say at a rest area to get in, nap, cook or make a pot of coffee?

[@DanChanPiano]

With the jacks up, it is a bit more wobbly, but not so much that it prevents the activities you describe. The truck's suspension is stiff enough to make that ok. Of course when you bring the jacks down making fairly light contact with the ground, thing get completely solid.

[@rickpilkenton5315]

Just saw the video and I have to say that's a great set up and props for the St pauli girl German beer

[@DanChanPiano]

Germany still makes some great BIER.

[@rickpilkenton5315]

@@DanChanPiano that they do my friend that they do

[@skynet000001]

A small spot in the woods like that by a lake...That's heaven to me...

[@MichaelWellman1955]

Very nice. Like you I'm getting started trying to decide on truck and camper top. Curious why a Ford 350. Do you know what your finished weight is? According to Northern Lite web site this camper weight is 2250 lbs. I'm guessing loaded with fuel, water, and extra's you are 3500-4000 lbs. Couldn't a 250 have worked?

[@DanChanPiano]

Michael, I've pasted in some comments from my other videos that address your questions. Yes, an F250 would work with this camper, but we also pull an ATV trailer on many of our trips. Memories of our old lifted 2001 F250 with the big 35" tires and stock gears struggling with the load on the hills, steered us to a truck that was sure to be able to handle what we threw at it. This, although now, with 17 years of truck development, modern F250s would be much more capable. Heavier suspension and brakes on 350s are a plus. It definitely has a stiff truck ride though and gas mileage is not good, but then again, the F350 is our occasional trip and go get lumber and concrete vehicle, not our commuter. B Hager 6 days ago Our truck and camper are exactly the same. We installed a Hellwig several months ago on our f350 and think it did help. We have also installed upper stabil loads on our rear spings, and now have firestone air bags too. We have several trips and about 5 thousand miles on the road since installing the helpers. In addition we are running 295-70-18 general x3 tires which have 4060lb load capacity per tire, and fox 2.0 shocks. It seems we improved our handling but realize after weighing the camper and truck we will need to travel slow and forget going on some of the steeper forest service dirt roads in the North West. The weight of our 2018 8-11 ex-sc shocked us. With full water and clothes/groceries the camper weighed 4200 lbs. That weight was 1300 lbs more that the data tag wet weight. We do love the rig and have used it the snow, rain and cold. Thanks for the video. Dan Chan 6 days ago Hi B Hager. I remember you from comments on the other video. Great that you upgraded your camper from the pop up to the Northern Lite. It sounds as if you've made many good modifications to the truck to get maximum ride and stability improvements. 4200 lbs loaded...WOW! With the camper dry weight being 2525 lbs we have not done a fully loaded weigh in but now I have an idea. All the more reason to have gone with a one ton truck. Thanks for your comments

[@user-cl2es9iu1j]

Super nice. I'm proud for you.

[@rickjobs638]

Hey Dan, nice vehicle a lot of camper for a short bed. Why not a dully, and how dose it handle on rougher roads with the camper on. Thanks for the video.

[@DanChanPiano]

Thanks Rick. We are new to this game and make no claims of vast experience and knowledge regarding truck campers. From what I've read, a dually would add stability and perform better and if we used the truck exclusively for the camper we might have gone that way. We did do a little research ahead of time and found that four wheels would work fine for this camper and we wouldn't be locked in to the downsides of a dually, which would be a heavier truck, poorer gas mileage, more tires to buy, harder to park, need for swing out camper jacks etc. I'm sure Dually fans will most likely disagree, but we're happy with our decision. Although truck camper rigs can go many places a trailer can't, we use common sense when it comes to what we're willing to risk taking it down. Bouncing and sway are factors when the roads get too rough. The rear jacks will ground out if a dip is too deep. The dip seen in the video only cleared the left rear jack by an inch. It does pretty well on what we've taken it down thus far, but we won't be doing any rock crawling with it any time soon.

[@MrTurkishIceCream]

Did you do any suspension work to the f350? Looks like it supports the camper well and level.

[@DanChanPiano]

After market rear anti sway bar and tembren bump stops . Despite how looks, fully loaded and towing quads it does squat down. Enough so the headlights aim upwards and drivers flash us thinking high beams are on. Air bags would solve that.

[@flpirate45]

Great video, well done. Love the Pups.

[@DanChanPiano]

Thanks. Panda and Luna have us wrapped around their little paws.

[@Rplush8]

I was able to speak with a gentleman and his wife with a northern lite in the UP of Michigan . Very impressive unit

[@DanChanPiano]

We're enjoying ours and are happy with our purchase. Also glad that we went with a camper instead of a trailer as we've already gone to spots where a towed trailer could not and parked in single vehicle spots in towns not possible with a trailer in tow.

[@Cla55clown]

Great vid! I really like these northern lite truck campers. Something about the simplicity of not having a slide and fiberglass construction appeals to me. do you think I could haul one of these around in a 3/4 ton truck?

[@DanChanPiano]

Thanks. I'm not sure. Before I got the camper I had a 2001 3/4 ton F-250 and I think it would have struggled. Modern trucks now days are a different story with more torque and horsepower, so you'd have to look into it.

[@jamesgross6466]

Love Saint Pauli Girl!

[@mikewoodward2219]

Hi. Thanks for posting this. I am looking at putting the same camper (2016 8-11 QSE) on a 2018 F350 gasser like yours. Did you have to put any spacers underneath to clear the cab roof? How much sag did you see after install? Thanks!

[@DanChanPiano]

Hi Mike, Yes, we put a 3/4" horse stall mat plus OEM mat in the bed under the camper as detailed in my Spring Update video here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqepdZKModdqhrc With the OEM bed mat only, the cab/camper clearance is very small and the two might have collided on bumps. By "sag" do you mean how far the truck squats to the ground under the camper load? We're using tembren bump stops in lieu of air bags.

[@notme5909]

Nice setup.....

[@FakePersonna]

This is my dream rig! Looks so awesome. The clearance above the truck cab looks a bit tight.... did you have to elevate the camper?

[@DanChanPiano]

Yes, the camper was raised 3/4". Have a look at this video to see how. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqepdZKModdqhrc

[@carl6085]

Wow. I know that exact spot! I stayed in my RV at Boca many times. Just to your right (at the dirt crossroads) there’s several great off grid campsites... which I think is where you camped?

[@DanChanPiano]

Yes, you have IDd the locale. The whole area is nice for riding and camping and since the lakes are topographically in an area that sees less snow and faster snow melt than most of the sierra, you can get in there pretty early in the year.

[@martinuhl2884]

Nice camper and truck! You just need to get some solar panels and ditch that generator lest you get dirty looks from your neighbours.

[@ericdrews5050]

Where do you store your clam, chairs and kitchen gear when traveling?

[@DanChanPiano]

Clam goes in the hallway for transport. Folding camp chairs go under the cantilever table. Most kitchen gear goes in the cabinets. If it's going to be an extended trip we bring along an Ice chest dedicated to drinks transported in hallway also. If we're hauling the flatbed trailer and quads, we have additional room to take along firewood etc. Atop the bed is also good for fragile gear. Just be sure to not go too far over weight limit. It's easy to do.

[@BarryDuttonSellsHomes]

Nice video and set up, not sure if you are still responding to comments but it is about 2.5 yrs later, any issues with this camper or setup? How do you like it all things considered? Anything you have modified or would do / buy differently??

[@DanChanPiano]

All things considered, we're still happy with the Northern Lite. Arguably the best designed and built 4 season campers out there. We did have a problem with the batteries draining overnight and had a hard time figuring out a solution. Was it parasitic draw, or a short, or a bad circuit board in the refer? We solved the problem by buying new batteries and went with two 6 volt batteries in series. No other problems electrical or otherwise to date. Are you a normal sized person? You will find the wet bath very tight sitting on the toilet. A larger than normal person would find it unworkable. Consider all aspects of a camper when you're shopping and physically go through the motions you would do in real use. Lay on the bed. Sit at and slide around on the dinette. Sit on the toilet and slide the door closed. I usually leave the door open when using so I can hang my right foot out for comfort. Climb up and down the stairs multiple times. You'll be doing this move many, many times while camping. If you're camping with a wife or another person, occupy the camper together to get a feel for staying out of each others way in the narrow hallway. We take turns sitting at the dinette while the other is in the hallway etc. to make things work. In other words, especially if this is your first camper or you're coming from camping in a trailer, physically feel out if the smaller living space is going to work for you.

[@heithdokken1116]

How is the ford 6.2l gas treating you for MPG empty and loaded? What gears are you using 3.73 or 4.30? Does it feel tippy? Do you wish you had a dually? Do you wish you had an 8 foot box? Thanks for sharing?

[@DanChanPiano]

Gas mileage is not good any way you slice it. 12 or 13 mpg unloaded. 9 or 10 with fully loaded camper on and 7 or 8 with camper on and towing the quads. We really only use the truck for trips, so we just look at it as the price of doing business. No sense getting depressed about it. Gears are 3.73. With anti sway bars fore and aft we don't feel tippy on the road. Off road in deep ruts and bumps, yeah, the top of the camper is swaying back and forth pretty good. We just crawl along in that situation. I can't say about wanting a dually because I have no basis of comparison. I don't think I would want the extra weight, more tire expense and worse gas mileage etc. We're already long enough with the trailer behind and wouldn't want any more length with a long box, or a bigger camper that an 8' bed would facilitate.

[@heithdokken1116]

Thank you for your time and information. I am still trying to decide if $47k for a gas engine is better than 4-5 mpg better with the diesel. I have a feeling I am going gas and 4.30. The 3.73 vs 4.30 gears forums 85-90% agree the 1-2 mpg is worth the power and performance of the 4.30. AND...as long as your not going over 65 anyway, it should be only a little difference in mpg. Thanks again.

[@duathlete827]

Very nice setup. Way out of my price range but it's the way I'd go for sure if I could. It looks like the camper is not all the way forward in the bed. I'm curious if that's the case and if so why.

[@DanChanPiano]

It's probably just the camera angle. There are two bump stops on the front of the camper that butt up to, or more correctly, almost butt up to the front truck bed wall with a tiny gap between. The camper was positioned correctly. I hope you eventually get what you need to get out there and have some fun in the woods.

[@edyoung6573]

Awesome!!! Time to get rid of my 5th wheel and get a truck camper for my 17 F350 Diesel dually!!!! Can't get to your beautiful spots with the giant 5th wheel! grrr

[@maartena6283]

Hi. Do you still have your camper? Still enjoy it? It also looks like you have torklift tie downs. Do you like them? Do you know the part numbers? I have the same truck and looking at a Northern Lite camper. Thanks, Maarten.

[@DanChanPiano]

Still have the camper and yes still enjoying it. The torklift tiedown anchors were installed by the seller company and the torklift fastgun turnbuckes have no markings on them, but other than a choice of finishes, I believe there are only two types, long for normal application and and short for bed mount tiedown. Securing the camper to truck is quick and easy and we've noticed only marginal shifting of the camper with these spring loaded devices.

[@maartena6283]

@@DanChanPiano Awesome, thank you!

[@blueriver133]

Nice set up. I’m guessing you did a lot of research before your purchase. In all the 4 season truck campers out there, what was a few reasons why you picked Yours?

[@DanChanPiano]

We did some research but not exhaustively so. It was the two piece construction of the Bigfoots and Northern Lites that helped make the decision, but of course there were other Northern Lite pluses. Reading forum posts about leaking older campers helped convince us. Went to an RV show and had a look at Lance and some others. Knowledgeable but not pushy Northern Lite sales guy gave a very convincing pitch and although we didn't think we were going to spend that much we ultimately did. There is a guy here on KZbin named Taylor Dzaman who loves his Arctic Fox camper and he talks about something I find true regarding any type of purchase. Research to the point where you can narrow the field down to two or three superior models and then go for the one you love. Always go for the one you love. Not the one because it's a better deal, not the one because it has some wiz bang feature, but the one you love, on an emotional level. Because it's an emotion that you're going to feel later on. This is the one that you'll never have any regrets buying as time goes by and the better deal has little meaning.

[@blueriver133]

I like everything about them thanks

[@stinger4583]

@@DanChanPiano I really like Taylor's videos.

[@therealtashiro]

@@DanChanPiano Wish Taylor would get back on KZbin!

[@DanChanPiano]

​@@therealtashiro Taylor sang his swan song pretty loudly in his final video and it sounded like his break from KZbin was permanent. I have nowhere near his following but I can identify with the feeling of real or imagined pressure to produce the next video to keep your subscribers satisfied. If you're making income or even a living through your videos, that feeling is more intense. Even if not, you want your channel to survive and there is some pressure. You have to put things into perspective. If you're not making money at it, the motivation for working hard to produce videos is your own creative fulfillment, fun and enjoyment and you're entertaining others too. When that becomes no longer true, it's time to reconsider why you're still doing it. Subscribers have an insatiable appetite to be entertained. The enlightened ones appreciate your labors and have an idea what it takes to produce a video but many just want you to entertain them for free.

[@bobbywilliams666]

What an awesome rig! Exactly what I'm aspiring to acquire... hopefully by the end of this year. Are you totally satisfied with with both units after five years? I'm debating on the F250 vs 350, but after seeing this video, I think the F--350 4x4 is the ticket. Happy travels!

[@DanChanPiano]

We're still happy with the truck and camper and with today's diesel prices, really glad that we chose a gas burning truck. Be prepared for low fuel economy with either. All part of doing business. It has enough torque to meet all our demands and a 1 ton truck can handle any utility hauling need you throw at it with the camper off. A dually would handle the camper better but, glad we went for 4 wheels for a lot of reasons. Northern Lite has made some improvements on their campers since we got ours so you should benefit from a newer model.

[@jnmaher1967]

Great setup.

[@evgenitv2679]

I do not have my own home, it's my dream, I see it every day

[@LovesGreatness]

Great song. Mud on the tires

[@staxter6]

"Your stuff"..I like her.

[@neuroleptika]

Beautiful setup, so much money though it must be the cost of a few houses in some parts of the world haha. Enjoy it!

[@patrickeh696]

Well neuroleptiks why should we care about prices of houses in other parts of the world?

[@lorijennings8628]

do you typically keep the camper on the truck while camping?

[@DanChanPiano]

For a stay of only a few days, we'll leave it mounted but lower the legs to the ground for stability. It also depends on weather or not the truck is needed to transport us to a different day trip location. For longer stays, we'll dismount in order to get it lower to the ground as we'll be going up and down the stairs many times.

[@karenhicks7816]

where do you store the clam pavilion? I don't see any storage since the camper is on the truck bed.

[@DanChanPiano]

The Clam packs long and narrow in its carrying bag and transports in the hallway of the camper.

[@tndeere]

do you know how tall your camper is when its on your truck.Thanks

[@DanChanPiano]

Pretty sure it's just under 11'.

[@tracygriffin6205]

Loved your video. The extra footage at the end was really nice. We are thinking of unloading our travel trailer and going back to a slide in camper. Been looking at the Northern Lite or maybe a Lance.

[@DanChanPiano]

I'm glad you liked this video Tracy. It's my most popular. Sometimes less is more and I guess that could go for RVs as well. Good luck!

[@cliffhall6763]

this wood be the make or break the few that might try this way of life....I have been researching all the shft ............. what does that mean???????

[@stevewoods8116]

"I don't like taking your stuff down the back road" That could be such an x rated comment!!!

[@DanChanPiano]

We all know where your mind is Steve. The comment was "I don't like taking new stuff down bad roads". But you go ahead and fantasize all you want.

[@HomesteadingAlaskatoMaine]

Wow, How much for that rig, $150,000? Must be like having another mortgage payment.

[@DanChanPiano]

No not quite. You're around 50K too high. Fortunately we saved up for it.

[@planb2222]

Nice rig! enjoy.

[@gmiller9097]

Nice rig! Where does all the outdoor kitchen stuff, camp chairs, generator, etc. go while you are traveling? Is there enough storage in the camper for everything, or do you pack it somewhere else?

[@DanChanPiano]

The generator has it's own dedicated compartment with a little extra room for gear. With the dining table in it's lowered position, there is quite a bit of space for cargo on top of it and some space below. The floor of the entryway stores many long items like the pavilion etc. while in transit. I even bring a digital piano along on most trips, which travels atop the queen size bed. With the seats raised, the back passenger area of the truck's crew cab holds a lot of cargo. With efficient loading, we find that we can take along everything we need. When towing the flat bed quad trailer, firewood, gas cans and any other bulky items can be loaded on that.

[@o.c.bobbie5538]

Do you still love your truck camper? And how’s it holding up?

[@DanChanPiano]

Yes, still loving the camper and as we store it covered and out of the sun, its still looking new. You might like my latest truck camper video, "Alabama Hills ATV Adventure".

[@scottspiker77]

Did u buy your camper first or your truck first? How did u find the right truck for the camper? I know truck payload is important for a camper.

[@DanChanPiano]

Camper came first, but only by a few weeks. Originally the camper was going on my old 2001 F-250 but decided to go for broke with a new more capable 1 ton because the old truck would have struggled with all we wanted to tow. The 17 year old truck was ailing from one thing after another , and it made sense to spend the money now instead of constantly repairing the old one. We knew the 1 ton would handle what we wanted. Always good to keep in mind not only the camper weight, but the additional hundreds of lbs of gear that it'll be loaded with in total.

[@gerardhaubert8210]

Hope we get to hear the accordion!

[@DanChanPiano]

I play accordion in several of my channel's music videos. Also accordion playing in "Northern Lite Alabama Hills ATV Adventure". Here's the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKWumKyIi5mZmpY

[@user-cl2es9iu1j]

Very nice. Well done.

[@DanChanPiano]

Thanks J, I'm glad you liked it.

[@4coolking]

Are you Dwight Schrute from the office?

[@DanChanPiano]

How'd you guess?

[@robertruggles6067]

That looks like Arizona???

[@DanChanPiano]

California

[@bhager1945]

We have the same truck and are currently running a FWC Popup Hawk Model, but are considering a NL 8-11 like you have. Could you tell me what upgrades you did to the stock suspension (airbags, sway bars, etc)? Also interested on wether you put a platform in the bed under the camper? What gear ratio (373 or 430) does your Ford have. Any info on hwy speeds and handling in wind, plus gas mileage. What brand tie-downs did you go with. Thanks for posting, great info and really nice rig..

[@DanChanPiano]

Our truck is the 6.2 gas model with the added Tembren suspension kit. We added a 3/4" stall mat (Tractor Supply) along with the standard bed mat under the camper. With the thin mat alone, there was only a fraction of an inch between the cab roof and the camper and I would bet the two would collide on bouncy rough roads. Much better clearance now. Gear ratio is stock 3.73 and we are happy with the power, highway speeds, uphill speeds etc. We havent driven in high winds, but you certainly know that the truck has 2500 lbs plus everythng else in the camper on its back. You do feel some side to side rocking, but not excessively so. When the camper is on, we use Tow/Haul Mode. Gas mileage is not good at 10gpm, but we just look at it as part of the deal with hauling a big camper with a truck. Fastgun tie-downs.

[@bhager1945]

Our truck came with fx4 package, but still upgraded to fox 2.0 shocks and fox steering stabilizer. also plan to upgrade both sway bars to hell wig. The shocks are night and day difference. OUr drive line is the same as you have, and have been seeing 10-12 mpg with the camper on. Also upgraded tires to 295 70 18 general grabber x3 as we travel rocky log roads up in North Idaho and Western Montana. We are winter ski camping, so an upgrade to a NL from the FWC is needed. Waking up with several feet of snow on the roof is a little dicy in the popup.

[@DanChanPiano]

Ha Ha! Yes the NL ought to handle snow loads much better than the material sides of the pop up. Our son has a Four Wheel Hawk Pop up camper and likes it well. Ease of loading it and dropping it is the big plus for him. Thanks for the info on your upgrades. I'm sure there are many mods that can be done to improve all aspects of the truck/camper experience. I make no claim to be a truck or automotive/mechanic type of guy, so you eclipse me there. However, I've rebuilt car engines in my youth, so I'm not a total loss mechanically. Just a matter of where my interests lie. You seem to be enjoying life as we do. We do ride ATVs, kayak, hunt waterfowl and hike trails but music, photograpy, cooking, woodworking, writing and art are more my channels of knowledge and expression. But, I've alway been a learner and my motto through life has been "know a little about a lot of things as opposed to a lot about a few things and you'll be a more well rounded person."

[@robertruggles6067]

Damn, that thing is wide!

[@logangregory7105]

Could you tow with an extension hitch

[@DanChanPiano]

Yes, you can. See my video here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5bXlY2Zp9CCqbs

[@Mx199D]

14:00 seeing the truck swivel around like that really made me uncomfortable

[@ridingwiththeoldies477]

Do these truck campers scratch the top of your truck?

[@DanChanPiano]

There is about an inch of clearance between the cab top and the camper. The camper sits in the bed of the truck on pads, so no, no scratches. See my comments to B Hager on this video for more details.

[@howardmanley3388]

Awesome video thanks :0)

[@bgarcia856]

are you regretting not getting the AC unit?

[@DanChanPiano]

No, but then again we have never camped in locations that are hot and humid, only hot and dry. The camper is well insulated and after a day in full sun we’ve never said “boy we need air-conditioning.” However it’s nice to know that the camper is all wired for AC, the hole in the roof is already cut and now occupied by a vent and it would only be a matter of buying an AC unit and a fairly easy install.

[@IntellectualTerritory]

How much?

[@marianfrances4959]

very nice but i don't see the need for 2 kitchens!

[@DanChanPiano]

marian frances We do lots of cooking in a big way in the outdoor kitchen. Frying, multiple pots and pans etc, all things that would be less than desirable in the camper. Inside, The camper’s oven sees the most use.

[@CharlesinGA]

You have the torklift slide in inserts for the front and rear anchor points reversed. The "bullet" should always point to the front on the front ones, and to the rear on the back ones. He tells you this in the Torklift video at the 6:20 point in the video.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqfHkJ2ahMx_n6s You need to swap the inserts left to right, keeping the front ones on the front and rear ones on the rear, and install the labels that come with them so they are marked at to position, driver side front, driver side rear, passenger side, etc.

[@DanChanPiano]

Many thanks Charles for noticing this and providing me the link. My torklifts came from the installer oriented in this direction, so I didn't question or know to question the install. According to this official video, I have both front and rear inserts 180 degrees out. I've flipped them around now for maximum angle of pull. The fronts now have a potential clearance problem with the happy jacks. They clear, but just barely and might get some rubbing. I'll see how things work out after driving a bit and getting a little bounce. Again thanks for the observation.

[@fit4ya1975]

Your supposed to have your license plate on your camper buddy!! It goes under the left taillight on that one I believe! Awesome set up, I'm thinnkon about the same thing but with a Diesel truck. Happy camping!!

[@jtnoodle]

Nope. Not in CA. Plate must remain affixed to the vehicle. Vehicle code is very clear about that.

[@jamesallen9929]

fit4ya1975 i

[@anthonypratt4292]

You didn't get this unit with AC.! YDK It gets hot in California even up in the woods

[@DanChanPiano]

The camper was a showroom model that came as is. We didn't order it to our specifications. Its all wired for AC which would fit in a skylight opening. So far we've had it in high desert and other hot situations and haven't experienced any unbearable heat inside. So far we haven't felt the need.

[@anthonypratt4292]

@@DanChanPiano thanks for responding appreciate that. And by the way that truck F350 and camper looks awesome together Can't wait to see the 2020 Heavy duties with that mild redesign Good luck out there

[@saadsami1475]

Hi I think you mybe need to take corce how to use the camera to make video thanks

[@williamthawley9251]

WHAT REALLY CAUGHT MY EYE WAS THE ACCORDIAN.

[@DanChanPiano]

And boy can I make the Coyotes howl.

[@williamthawley9251]

no doubt about it, used to play back when I was much younger, took lessons for about 5 years in Camden, nj. enjoy camping

[@DanChanPiano]

@@williamthawley9251 That's cool William. You should pull it back out of the closet. I've been playing accordion 40 years. I'm sure you know what a wonderfully expressive instrument the accordion is. This is a midi accordion which has many different voices. Attack can be controlled with the intonation of the bellows pressure giving notes beautifully subtle nuance. The many samples really open up possibilities. For instance I play a tenor saxophone voice, complete with realistic growl and audible intakes of breath on the treble side and accompany it on the bass side with string bass and piano. It's a band in a box.

[@williamthawley9251]

Dan, my accordian when many years ago, holes in the bellows.

[@DanChanPiano]

@@williamthawley9251 Oh well, what's gone is gone. Have a look at my new video "Northern Lite Alabama Hills ATV Adventure". There's a scene where I play accordion a little while on that camping trip.

[@rozzpoe1684]

Could this fit on a 2010 ford ranger

[@DanChanPiano]

I would think the Ranger would be too small. You need a full 4' between the wheel wells in the truck bed.

[@rozzpoe1684]

@@DanChanPiano Thanks. Do you know any good truck campers that would fit a single cab ford ranger? Fairly inexpensive

[@DanChanPiano]

@@rozzpoe1684 Sorry Ox, I only have experience with this one camper. You're going to have to do some research.

[@rozzpoe1684]

@@DanChanPiano Appreciate the quick responses. Thanks👍

[@robertmarion4457]

Very nice

[@wolfhawg]

Overhang looks a little close to the top.

[@DanChanPiano]

Hi Bob. Yes it was way too close to the cab roof. See how I addressed the issue in the Spring update video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqepdZKModdqhrc