1992 Caribou 9ES Truck Camper.
Specs:
I had wanted an interesting RV for our young family to make a transition from tent camping to RV-ing, so we bought a '74 Airstream. This summer our truck caught fire and burned itself and our Airstream to the ground.
I had subscribed to Truck Camper Magazine for a number of years and always enjoyed their perspectives on the simplicity - and driveability - of truck campers. Since we had a blank slate of opportunity, we bought a Duramax and I scoured Craigslist for a new camper. I'd wanted a Four Wheel Camper, ATC, or Alaskan (maybe even a Northstar) popup, but found a 1992 hard-side Caribou 9' truck camper for FREE! Of course the roof needs replacing. Of course the bumper needs repair. Of course there is an issue with the title. Of course it is wood framed and a heavy dog. But, it was free and the appliances allegedly all work. Key words - WAS FREE... let the spending and new project begin! Watch this page for our progress. I'll need to pull the skin off and check what plywood and framing members need replacing. Then I may put Herculiner (do-it-yourself Linex) on the whole thing. I did this on my previous truck's rock rails, bumpers, and canopy / camper shell and really liked it. Our Modifications / Updates:
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Wish List / To Do:
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04/01/2015 update: camper now given away to a friend of our neighbors.
03/30/2015 message.
Hi all,
I'd prefer to give this to someone in this community of like-minded individuals rather than just post it on Craigslist. I procured a 1992 Caribou 9ES truck camper last fall for free from an older couple in Lake Tapps, WA. At that time it had "a leaky roof and no title." I now have the title, but do not have it currently registered (tabs are expired).
I knew it would be a project when I found it, was excited that I found it for free, and have started diagnosing and working on the problems.
Why I'm getting rid of it:
1. Too heavy for my 3/4 ton long bed crew cab truck. I should have done better research from the beginning.
2. The framing members in the cabover part of the camper are rotten for sure - maybe other areas as well.
3. I have a 3rd kiddo on the way in May.
4. I'm starting graduate school in June (and then all summer) to become a principal.
What you need if you want it:
1. A truck that can handle a 2600 pound camper.
2. Tie downs and turnbuckles.
3. Ideally a 7-blade plug in the bed of your truck on the driver's side (typically installed for truck campers or fifth wheel campers).
4. Time to come and get it from my house in Tacoma (central neighborhood) within the next week. I'm on spring break and available during days and evenings for the most part.
What I've done to it.
1. Tested and re-wired some of the 12-volt electrical. It needs a new battery, but works OK enough to test circuits.
2. Torn apart parts of the roof. There is basically a 24"x24" hole in the front left corner of the cabover.
3. Kept it always covered with tarps since I've had it.
4. Pulled out all of the vents (4 regular sized RV vents and 1 oversized hatch in the cabover. I mangled them pretty well, but you can have them if you want.
5. Threw away the soaking, stinking mattress from the cabover.
6. Pulled out the dinette cushions, washed the covers, but didn't put the foam back into the covers. I need to get them back from a neighbor who thought he was going to take the camper, but now can't take it.
7. Pulled up part of the floor in the cabover section which is soft / rotten.
What I know works:
> The AC electrical system for the most part (one outlet may not work).
> The dump tank valves.
> Most of the 12-volt/DC lights. New bulbs needed in many fixtures - I threw out the bad bulbs.
> Most of the exterior lights: brake, turn, running lights (except 1-2).
> The manual / hydraulic jacks to raise and lower it. It does take at least 2 people to raise and lower safely (one on each side of the camper operating 2 jacks simultaneously).
What I don't know:
> The status of the propane system. Does have 2, 20-lb horizontal tanks, but I know they are more than expired.
> The status (structural integrity) of the framing members in the main part of the camper.
> How to fix the rear bumper. It is pretty much dangling. The previous owner said he and a buddy didn't hitch up their boat properly and the tongue of the boat was swinging by the safety chains, banging back and forth on the camper bumper. It is rusty too... it may need to be removed and/or rebuilt.
> The status of water pump: previous owner said it needs a new one.
> The structural integrity of the front left tie-down - it appears to have pulled on the frame and downward a bit.
> The status of the fridge, stovetop / oven, sinks / faucets.
Honestly, upon first sight I was pleasantly surprised at how good of condition the interior is in. One could use it as a donor for parts. I will help you load it, but assume no liability thereafter. It is free - you get what you pay for! :-) Reply to this thread and then we'll start a private message conversation about my address, time logistics, and my phone number.
There are many more photos on my website at <a href="http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/caribou" title="Caribou" target="_blank"></a>
<img src="http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/10770719/3402328_orig.jpg" alt="Camper when I picked it up" />
03/30/2015 message.
Hi all,
I'd prefer to give this to someone in this community of like-minded individuals rather than just post it on Craigslist. I procured a 1992 Caribou 9ES truck camper last fall for free from an older couple in Lake Tapps, WA. At that time it had "a leaky roof and no title." I now have the title, but do not have it currently registered (tabs are expired).
I knew it would be a project when I found it, was excited that I found it for free, and have started diagnosing and working on the problems.
Why I'm getting rid of it:
1. Too heavy for my 3/4 ton long bed crew cab truck. I should have done better research from the beginning.
2. The framing members in the cabover part of the camper are rotten for sure - maybe other areas as well.
3. I have a 3rd kiddo on the way in May.
4. I'm starting graduate school in June (and then all summer) to become a principal.
What you need if you want it:
1. A truck that can handle a 2600 pound camper.
2. Tie downs and turnbuckles.
3. Ideally a 7-blade plug in the bed of your truck on the driver's side (typically installed for truck campers or fifth wheel campers).
4. Time to come and get it from my house in Tacoma (central neighborhood) within the next week. I'm on spring break and available during days and evenings for the most part.
What I've done to it.
1. Tested and re-wired some of the 12-volt electrical. It needs a new battery, but works OK enough to test circuits.
2. Torn apart parts of the roof. There is basically a 24"x24" hole in the front left corner of the cabover.
3. Kept it always covered with tarps since I've had it.
4. Pulled out all of the vents (4 regular sized RV vents and 1 oversized hatch in the cabover. I mangled them pretty well, but you can have them if you want.
5. Threw away the soaking, stinking mattress from the cabover.
6. Pulled out the dinette cushions, washed the covers, but didn't put the foam back into the covers. I need to get them back from a neighbor who thought he was going to take the camper, but now can't take it.
7. Pulled up part of the floor in the cabover section which is soft / rotten.
What I know works:
> The AC electrical system for the most part (one outlet may not work).
> The dump tank valves.
> Most of the 12-volt/DC lights. New bulbs needed in many fixtures - I threw out the bad bulbs.
> Most of the exterior lights: brake, turn, running lights (except 1-2).
> The manual / hydraulic jacks to raise and lower it. It does take at least 2 people to raise and lower safely (one on each side of the camper operating 2 jacks simultaneously).
What I don't know:
> The status of the propane system. Does have 2, 20-lb horizontal tanks, but I know they are more than expired.
> The status (structural integrity) of the framing members in the main part of the camper.
> How to fix the rear bumper. It is pretty much dangling. The previous owner said he and a buddy didn't hitch up their boat properly and the tongue of the boat was swinging by the safety chains, banging back and forth on the camper bumper. It is rusty too... it may need to be removed and/or rebuilt.
> The status of water pump: previous owner said it needs a new one.
> The structural integrity of the front left tie-down - it appears to have pulled on the frame and downward a bit.
> The status of the fridge, stovetop / oven, sinks / faucets.
Honestly, upon first sight I was pleasantly surprised at how good of condition the interior is in. One could use it as a donor for parts. I will help you load it, but assume no liability thereafter. It is free - you get what you pay for! :-) Reply to this thread and then we'll start a private message conversation about my address, time logistics, and my phone number.
There are many more photos on my website at <a href="http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/caribou" title="Caribou" target="_blank"></a>
<img src="http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/10770719/3402328_orig.jpg" alt="Camper when I picked it up" />