Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

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Yeller
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

Dec 17, 2018
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#45
Loaded the GMC, wish it was to go somewhere but just a test to have a plan in place knowing the doors wouldn’t open, a 2x6 under the tires takes care of that problem. And pics in the daylight:p

I also added a Hellwig “Big Wig” rear sway bar. With the camper on the truck is now super stable and rides like a 1/2 ton. It and the airbags were the best 2 upgrades done to make it work.
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

Jan 4, 2019
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#47
Made the 1st real road trip with the complete new set up went about 800 miles, about 75 of it on dirt roads. I’m extatic, has way exceeded my expectations;D

Got to spend a few days hanging out with a few familiar faces too. The 14 year old seemed to take a lot of pride in schooling me and his Dad (Inphobic) on the trails at Burris Valley:p
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

May 24, 2019
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#54
Got an offer that I couldn’t refuse. Gypsy Wagon has a new hauler.

Specs: 2019 XLT with every towing and comfort option available for that trim level. 6.7 diesel, 4x4, 3:55 limited slip

I was very happy with how the old truck handled the camper but did need some mods, airbags and sway bar. This truck is amazing, no mods and owns the camper.
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Yeller
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

May 25, 2019
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#57
NGABronco said:
HaHa!!! It's really hard to hide wealth!!! Good looking rig, hope you enjoy it!!!;D;D;D

Thanks Ben! I’m just too mentally poor to wrench on my hauler. If this one treats me as well as the old one I’ll be one happy camper;D

TX SS said:
Nice upgrade, I really like Ford’s ingot silver color on the new trucks.

Thanks! Me too. I got blinded by the shiny silver:p

May 26, 2019
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#61
Thanks Bax

It’s my second 6.7, really like the ability to turn on the exhaust brake to be full on when it kicks in, makes it much more useful for normal driving. Auto mode is still awesome for holding constant speed in the mountains.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

Mar 20, 2022
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#70
50,000 mile update.

Still in love with the truck. It spends most of it time pulling something. 38,000 miles with a trailer hooked up. Life average fuel economy is 12.0. Highest tank full was 18.6, lowest was 7.4, was a tad windy that day…. Average over the last 2 trips, one of South Carolina and one to Moab, 10.1. Truck has been flawless except the hazy cameras, that I assumed were dirty and missed the warranty dead line.

The camper is showing its age and will get some work before it’s next voyage but it’s 20 years old and stored outside so not unexpected.

The single axle trailer has been awesome. It now has approximately 45,000 miles on it. It is due a bearing repack and brake adjustment. Tires are showing some wear, will probably replace them this spring to let them finish their life on a trailer that sees far fewer miles, but on this trailer probably will go another 25-30k.

Yes it was snowing last week when we left for Moab. 🙄 got lucky only drove in it for 30 miles, just long enough to make a big mess, then dry the rest of the trip, so no complaining about that, was looking far worse, I was expecting to drive in snow for 500 miles.
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

Apr 15, 2022
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#71
Well its been a sad day. I opted to sell the camper rather than make some much needed repairs. This will force a new chapter in our travels. For the time being it will be hotels, Airbnb and a tarp over the bed of the truck to make a tent. I'm confident that their will be a replacement in the future, just not sure what or when. Feels odd, 1st time in over 15 years we've not had an RV of one form or another, this one had a great 125,000 mile run over 9 years.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
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1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

Apr 15, 2022
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#73
LUBr LuvR said:
At the rate they’re piling up on the RV lots after everyone tried it and realized they’re not cut out for it - some really good deals on all different types may be in your not-too-distant future...
I hope so, but the stuff I like is uncommon and usually not cheap lol.

If I can find a 16’ TT that has a bed, bath and holding tanks bigger than a Home Depot bucket reasonably priced I’d be in. But most small TT’s are junk when new, somehow small is cheap and entry level at best. Small is our preference, don’t need or want a giant RV that has as much space as my house, it’s a place to sleep, clean up and go again. We go to do something other than we can do at home. Seems most RVers want to go set up home and do what they do at home… I can do that at home LOL. If I was retired and staying for months I might feel different but for now, absolutely not. Give me something convenient to park that is comfortable enough to get a great nights sleep, sheltered from the elements, hot, cold or wet, and a shower I’m one happy camper.

Apr 15, 2022
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#75
This is what I really want for our next one

Northern Lite

May have to sell a kidney….. cost is as much as the truck 😳


Apr 15, 2022
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#76
What does that bad boy cost?


Apr 15, 2022
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#77
$70k ish 😳

8 year old ones are going for $35k

Hence the reason it may not be a reality. Although still significantly less than a custom Super C coach and I have a truck that I can use for a lot more stuff.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

Apr 15, 2022
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#79
Skiddy said:
Dang for 35k no way, nice 5th wheels or a used diesel pusher for that. Might be able to get a 5th like a toy hauler but beefed up for vehicles. Then you probably will have width issues. Everything has its plus and minus. I have had all of them.
Everyone’s need’s are a little different. The reason I got the motor home, didn’t have a big truck anymore and had to be able to tow. I got the DP with the Cummins for only 28 all solid wood and not a lot of fancy electronics. I like to be able to shower. Eat, sleep (without bed bugs) in my own place.
Be interesting to see what you decide,


We actually rented a pusher similar to yours a few years ago from a friend to see how we liked it. It was ok but not what we wanted, did spend 3 weeks and 4500 miles in it and was comfortable the entire time. However, I wouldn’t be comfortable taking it places we take the slide in that we enjoy and we still had the overall size limitations. Like you I spend 1/2 my life in a hotel and like my own bed, my own shower and my own toilet. Did the big 5th wheel thing and hated it. Do keep looking at building my own toy hauler. 32’ enclosed GN with 8’ ceiling would do everything I want but it gets back to the ragged edge on size, If I did this I’d still be in the $60-70k range starting with a new trailer. To me the cats meow would be a 20-24’ Super C on a 4x4 f550 chassis with a 6.7, that’s really out of the zone pushing $200k because no one makes an assembly line model that small. It would be the same approximate length I am now, or was with the comforts of a coach in a very versatile size. I do use 4 wheel drive regularly with the slide in getting to those preferred camping spots. We’ll see, I’m not in a hurry. Part of the decision to sell was no plans for the next year that involved it so it was the right time. Mostly it kept me from spending several weeks making repairs that cost both time and money. My estimate was 30 hours and $2500 in parts and materials in a $5000 camper to me it just didn’t add up.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

April 15, 2022
1sicbronconut said:
I sold off my 05' F350 Dually/Okanagan 11.6 dual slide truck camper back in 2016 we were due for a new truck Camper and truck but when I did the math for us it was better to buy a new 27' class A motorhome for $72K a new Dually/slide in would have been over $100k. As my wife and I were also getting older :) we were also getting tired of climbing up the rear step the dual slides floor was level with the top of the beds fender wells so it was up there a little!!

Apr 16, 2022
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#81
Very nice! Glad that works for you. Part of the hang up for me is I still need a truck, have too many other tasks that require at least an f250 4x4. I have a hard time making making the math work with that requirement. I hear you on climbing in and out.

What I should do is buy this and just pull it with the bronco or Jeep. Haven’t actually seen one but looks good on paper and covers everything we want. Explorer by riverside rv and if I really wanted to I could pull it up on the gooseneck with the bronco but that is such a convoluted mess that makes me crazy, back to long, have to deal with 200# ramps and breaks my 10 minute rule of camp set up. If camp can’t be set or broke down in less than 10 minutes it’s too complicated and something has to go. Doesn’t matter if we are just stopping for the night or setting base camp for a month. Also have to be able to stealth urban camp so slides can be an issue if you need to deploy them for bedroom or bathroom access.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

Apr 17, 2022
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#82
Pa PITT wrote:

i LIKE THAT 10 MINUTE RULE... Man when hunting Buddy & I go hunt in our Red Neck Rig . Yes our ramps are too heavy.. We keep saying we need ALUMINUM ones .. But $. & then strapping down the Bronco .. It's takes 20 minutes just to get it strapped down & we've devised a couple of items to help with that. & We EVEN PUT a double strapping on it due to one time we pulled over for Fuel & one of our strapps had came off.
But ''AS NORMAL'' we had the E=Brake set . & in gear. & we store our ramps behind the front tires as Chocks just for one more safety trick .
But we studied long & hard what made that strap come loose.

Apr 17, 2022
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#83
Pa to speed up tying down I weld points to the axles and only use straps with hooks like these. As for the ramp issue I made some light weight ones that work well for my big trailer, they weight about 20# each. They work great for lighter 4x4’s but are a no go for equipment, cars or other low items, so for those the stupid heavy ones have to be used.
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

Today at 8:35 AM
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#84
Posted this elsewhere but thought it fitting here. This will make its way onto the dually as well for those enroute stays and when we tow and set a base camp either boon docking or a campground, so more yet to come, just be patient😜
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

This brings us up to date, I hope everyone enjoys and maybe learns a little tech too.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

I’ve been asked about the axle. You’ll notice reading above that I said it was a 7000# axle, that’s what I asked my buddy at the trailer place for and assumed what I got. I was doing some maintenance a few months back and noticed the 8000# tag on the axle. I called my buddy and he started laughing that it took me 3 years to figure out he one upped me and gave me an 8k axle for the price of a 7k. Same axle except it has 9/16” wheel studs instead of 1/2” and a thicker tube.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
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1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by rocklaurence »

Thanks for posting up!
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

rocklaurence wrote: Thu Oct 13, 2022 8:10 am Thanks for posting up!
Your welcome! Thank you for reading :D

I put this out there hopefully to create some inspiration for others to get out there, go do and see. If you just can’t do that hopefully at least have some vicarious experience that is enjoyed.

I find I am my usually my biggest roadblock to getting things done, we are limited only by our vision, physical abilities and willingness to persevere.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

Guys, this is a post I made in a thread on another forum that I thought some here would find helpful.

Load it up and go weigh it at the truck stop. Park with the front axle and rear axle if the truck along with the trailer on their own pad on the scale, then reweigh just the truck the same way. You need to know how much weight is on each axle. You can calculate the total weight that way. You’ll also know what the tongue weight is. This way you know exactly what is going on.

I need to get my ass in gear and right an article on this like I’ve been saying I’m going to for the last 10 years.

I tow mine on an 8k rated 14’ single axle. The bronco weight 4700#.

Here’s pics of the trailer on the scale correctly and you can see what the weight report should look like axle 1, 2, and 3 with a grand total.

And for reference that trailer is about to get its 50,000 mile check up and it’s 1st set of new tires. 😜
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

And a little more about trailer balls and draw bars.

NGABronco said:
No one has mentioned the different ratings for the ball and the receiver?? Those puppies can be under rated for the load??? :) :) :)

Funny you should mention this…. My buddy’s 16’, steel decked 7k car hauler uses a 2” ball. IIRC, they’re only rated for 5k. My trailer is the 2 5/16” “as it should be!”
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
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1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

2-5/16 can be under rated too, so never assume. I have a ball that is rated at 6000 pounds. I’ve also had 2” rated at 9000#. My preferred trailer balls are 2-5/16, 30,000# rated ones. They are hardened and do not gall. I’ve found the lighter rated balls begin to gall and erode once the chrome is worn off. When you tow as much as I do it quickly becomes a problem.

Drawbars are the same, know the rating of the equipment that your using. I have a 2” drawbars rated from 5000# to 20,000#. I have a 3” one rated at 30,000#. The right equipment exists for the job, it’s your job to know what is needed and what to use.

Weigh your load, have as much brake ability as you can, and know that your equipment is correct for what your hauling.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

Small update. Time for some maintenance 😜

Bearings packed, brakes adjusted, frame inspected, and a new set of rubber on the single axle hauler. Ready for another 50,000 miles lol.

I picked up a set of Transeagle tires this time. Still rated at 4400#. These are speed rated M, 87mph, instead of L, 75mph, not that I’ll run that fast but makes one feel like your not working the ragged edge running 75.
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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Re: Gypsy Wagon Rehash and More

Post by Yeller »

Got an offer I couldn’t refuse and replaced my F350. Was going to get another Ford, after talking to a few dealers I picked up this Ram 3500. Best part it was 8 miles from the house and folks that I’m very familiar with, this is the 6th vehicle I’ve bought from them over the years. So far really like it.
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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