On the road in a 1970 Alaskan Camper

[@Mikefestiva]

Nice Video 👍 this makes me want to load up my Alaskan and go camping! Thanks for posting.

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks! We need to get an Alaskan Camper coastal camp out soon with McCabe, “Circle the wagons!” 🏕 🔥

[@allanperryman388]

That looks like it was a fun trip. 😄

[@OlympicOverland]

I definitely miss the Alaskan, lots of great memories!

[@robertgregory8936]

Nice. I really enjoyed the video. Ever since I went down Baja California in 1971 I’ve admired the Alaskan Campers because that’s where I first saw one - down a dirt road, camped near a quiet bay.

[@miltonnewman5742]

Always enjoy watching your videos

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks Milton! I’ve been off work so trying to get caught up on editing. I am hoping to have another one ready next week 👍

[@MrTopgun21]

Hi! I've enjoyed your videos. It's good to see you, your brother told me about your channel. Much love from Michigan, Uncle Steve

[@redeyecafegarage7484]

Love the old 6.9 ford!!

[@OlympicOverland]

It’s been such a great truck! I’ve had it for 9 or 10 years now, manual everything and really basic. The Alaskan fits it really well. I think we are going to sell it this spring, lots of memories and great trips so it’s going to be tuff to put it up for sale but the Dodge is going to be our main setup when it’s finished.

[@BrianFowlie]

awesome video ! thankyou for sharing! i just picked up an Alaskan camper...love to know more aboot that diesel heater!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks and congratulations on your new Alaskan! I have a bunch of editing to catch up on so hopefully finishing a new video soon. I also have a diesel heater video in the works so keep an eye out for that as well 👌

[@BrianFowlie]

@@OlympicOverland awesome! Looking forward. Thanks for the reply!!

[@DasSchädelhaus]

Question: Where did you find that cab-over rack for your pickup? I have a '63 F250 that's just begging for a similar rack... Assuming you're checking these comments, plmk.

[@OlympicOverland]

Hi, I welded that rack from the metal framework of my kids old bunk bed. It was really sturdy and had wood slats across the center. It was a great setup that worked awesome 👍

[@DasSchädelhaus]

@@OlympicOverland Just grabbed tombstone and will follow your lead. 💪

[@silasbaird]

I know Hurricane Ridge when I see it! My dads got an Alaskan as well and frequents that area.

[@OlympicOverland]

Good eye! We spend a lot of time in the mountains here because it’s so close to home. Tell your Dad to keep that Alaskan, we sold ours and although our new camper works great I still miss the Alaskan from time to time. Great campers 👌

[@foghornstation4118]

Love this!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks!

[@9252LIFE]

Is the diesel heater plumbed directly into your truck fuel tank?

[@OlympicOverland]

It will be on the Dodge because the box won’t be removed but on the Alaskan I installed the slim 2.5 gallon fuel tank on the left rear of the camper under the overhang so it stays connected when we remove the camper. The battery is mounted in the camper with a box that is vented to the outside as well that way everything still works when the Alaskan is removed so it’s almost like a self contained cabin. Our solar panel keeps the battery topped off and we can easily get 3-4 days of snow camping out of the 2.5 gallon tank of diesel.

[@9252LIFE]

@@OlympicOverland oh nice! Have you had any issues with the heater?

[@OlympicOverland]

No issues yet other than the LCD screen gets dim over time but it’s cheap to replace or buy the Custom Afterburner controller with way more features.

[@mmcalifornia8600]

When you fold down the dinette into a bed what's the lenght and width of the bed 🛌?

[@OlympicOverland]

Hi, we sold the Alaskan and I still miss it! I can’t remember what the exact bed dimensions were but it was close to 6.2’ x 4’. Definitely a great camper that we used for over 10 years. If I get a chance to measure the bunk in my brothers Alaskan I will let you know.

[@Holly-lg1dv]

How did you lower it without jacks? I have one would love to figure out your system 😎

[@OlympicOverland]

Hi Holly, we used to fold the Titan style telescoping side jacks sideways when not in use and connect between them with a piece of pvc pipe. This was convenient and made a bar for drying towels and wetsuits. I decided to just unbolt the racks eventually when not in use because we bent one on a tree that we scraped past on a tight dirt road. Alaskans are awesome! Cheers 👍

[@OlympicOverland]

& if you mean just lowering the top remotely without anyone turning the switch, that’s pure magic! 😂 👍

[@noahhale3304]

If you have ever want to sell the Alaskan you have who want immediately. Seriously my dream camper know that you!!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks Noah, I will let you know if we sell it 👌

[@alexinnewwest1860]

How do you like the diesel heater in your Alaskan? Is it noisy when sleeping. ? Thanks

[@OlympicOverland]

Hi, the diesel heater is pretty quiet and by far the best heater that I’ve used in a camper. At its lowest setting you can hear the electric fuel pump click but that isn’t noticeable when it is running medium to high heat. Cheers!

[@alexinnewwest1860]

Thanks for that, I’ll look into getting one. Is it heavy on battery usage? Thanks for the info. I been working on diesels for a long time. IMHO you have the best retro setup. Reliable as hell IH 6.9 manual transmission and a 8’ Alaskan! It won’t be fast but I’ll get you there, and get decent mileage too!!

[@OlympicOverland]

The 6.9 has been super reliable and cheap to maintain, it’s pretty much manual everything and even has hand crank windows! Less stuff to break is always a good thing. The heater amp draw is really low when it’s warmed up and the glow plug is off. It draws a bit at start up when the glow plug is heating but that only cycles for a couple of minutes. Before we installed our solar panel we could camp for a few days on a standard deep cycle battery running the heater all night and a bit in the mornings. With a simple 100w solar panel you won’t have to worry about putting it on a charger. I was impressed with how efficient these heaters are!

[@alexinnewwest1860]

Awesome! Thanks so much for the info. I’m just starting to fix up an old Alaskan and definitely think I’ll be doing these mods Thanks again

[@OlympicOverland]

Have fun fixing up your Alaskan! I will be posting another camper video soon and may do a quick video showing the heater and solar setup in more detail.

[@dylansmith3628]

What is your roof rack

[@OlympicOverland]

Hi Dylan, I made that roof rack for the truck. It was welded out of metal tubing that I salvaged from my kids old bunk bed and the wood slats on top are from a pallet. Super sturdy, 2 people can stand on it without any flex. 👍

[@dylansmith3628]

@@OlympicOverland how you mount it ?

[@OlympicOverland]

@@dylansmith3628 I used gutter mounts from an old Yakima rack

[@vintagecardcurator]

1980 F-250

[@OlympicOverland]

This one is a 1985 with the 6.9 and 4 speed. Manual everything, ha ha! I still have it but our Dodge handles all of the camper chores now 👍

[@YogiTheWeim]

Too cool, AA! You know a video is great when it encourages you to go somewhere common sense says is a bad idea. Listen to your uncommon sense!

[@OlympicOverland]

Ha ha yes indeed!