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Harry Situations
United States
Приєднався 30 вер 2013
After shooting photos and writing for 4x4 magazines for over a decade, I am bringing my experience to UA-cam in conjunction with Mike Henderson from All-Terrain Family. Looking for awesome 4x4 vehicles, honest tech information, and firsthand secrets to all the trails you want to run? You will find that all and more at Harry Situations.
Four Wheel Camper vs Northstar Pop Up Camper- Which Is Better?
After years of camping, overlanding, and exploring with a Northstar 650SC on the back of my American Expedition Vehicles-equipped Ram 3500 it was time for a change. The Northstar had a wet bath, which takes up a lot of real estate in a shortbed truck. The 650SC was also heavy (1,600 pounds), which was not a huge concern on the one ton truck but still made for slow going when the going got rough. The solution? A Four Wheel Camper (fourwheelcampers.com/) Hawk model that weighs 25% less and has an optimized layout with a king sized bed and front dinette that folds into a second bed.
Four Wheel Camper (FWC) puts the “custom” is customer, allowing you to choose options to fit your needs and budget. For us that included a furnace and hot water heater for winter camping, a large 130 liter refrigerator for extended trips, and a 160 watt solar panel on the roof. We passed on a lithium battery, awning, and even jacks to save money, knowing we could add these items down the road as funds allowed.
The hardest part was waiting the three months after submitting our order for the camper to be built to our specifications. After the Hawk was installed at Four Wheel Campers’ facility in Woodland, California, we brought it home and started customizing it to our needs. This included things like Brightroom crates from Target to organize our gear (www.target.com/p/small-decorative-light-wood-crate-natural-brightroom-8482/), a 200 ah Renogy lithium battery (www.renogy.com/12v-24v-48v-200ah-core-series-deep-cycle-lithium-iron-phosphate-battery/), spice racks (www.ebay.com/itm/334659680223), and Bezia nesting cookware with removable handles (www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805973308324.html). On the rear of the camper we added a DMOS Delta shovel (dmosproshoveltools.com/collections/spades/products/delta-pro-powder-coat-aluminum) and Maxtrax recovery boards (adventure-imports.com/products/maxtrax-mkii-signature-orange) like we had on the back of the Northstar.
The Four Wheel Camper has already proven to be comfortable for long weekend trips with our young son and Texas Heeler, and we look forward to bigger adventures in the years to come.
Four Wheel Camper (FWC) puts the “custom” is customer, allowing you to choose options to fit your needs and budget. For us that included a furnace and hot water heater for winter camping, a large 130 liter refrigerator for extended trips, and a 160 watt solar panel on the roof. We passed on a lithium battery, awning, and even jacks to save money, knowing we could add these items down the road as funds allowed.
The hardest part was waiting the three months after submitting our order for the camper to be built to our specifications. After the Hawk was installed at Four Wheel Campers’ facility in Woodland, California, we brought it home and started customizing it to our needs. This included things like Brightroom crates from Target to organize our gear (www.target.com/p/small-decorative-light-wood-crate-natural-brightroom-8482/), a 200 ah Renogy lithium battery (www.renogy.com/12v-24v-48v-200ah-core-series-deep-cycle-lithium-iron-phosphate-battery/), spice racks (www.ebay.com/itm/334659680223), and Bezia nesting cookware with removable handles (www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805973308324.html). On the rear of the camper we added a DMOS Delta shovel (dmosproshoveltools.com/collections/spades/products/delta-pro-powder-coat-aluminum) and Maxtrax recovery boards (adventure-imports.com/products/maxtrax-mkii-signature-orange) like we had on the back of the Northstar.
The Four Wheel Camper has already proven to be comfortable for long weekend trips with our young son and Texas Heeler, and we look forward to bigger adventures in the years to come.
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Відео
From Shocks to Phlox - Testing OME’s New MT-64 Shock Absorbers In Search Of Wildflowers
Переглядів 12 тис.Рік тому
The Lake Tahoe region experienced the biggest winter in 50 years in 2023, resulting in snowpack that lasted all through the summer in some areas. The heavy precipitation wiped out roads, but it also generated spectacular wildflowers throughout the summer. What better conditions could you ask for when testing Old Man Emu’s new MT-64 shocks? We loaded up ARB’s 2022 Toyota Tacoma, outfitted not on...
Every Trailer Issue And How To Fix Them
Переглядів 763Рік тому
Even people who are meticulous about maintenance on their vehicles often slack on trailer maintenance. Why? Trailers tend to just sit in the back corner until they are called into service periodically. These long stretches of sitting followed by being used non-stop for thousands of miles are torture for mechanical components. Then you add in dragging your trailer down dirt roads, or loaning it ...
One Owner Land Cruiser- This FJ40 Is No Barn Find, It Is A Family Heirloom
Переглядів 15 тис.2 роки тому
Harry Wagner’s love for off-roading was passed down to him from his father, who was an early pioneer in the sport. Rusty Wagner bought this 1967 FJ-40 Land Cruiser new off the showroom floor, but it didn’t stay stock for long. The manual steering, low revving six cylinder, and drum brakes didn’t work for Rusty, so he upgraded them before you could order axles from Dynatrac or search the interne...
American Expedition Vehicles Ram HD Rear Bumper Install
Переглядів 8 тис.2 роки тому
American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) has a reputation for building OE-level quality aftermarket components. They started in the Jeep market, but have since expanded to the Ram truck line and the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison. You can buy an AEV-equipped Jeep, Ram, or Bison right off the showroom floor. AEV also offers many of their excellent components individually though as well, including the HD rea...
Baker Power Products 2021 Baja 1000 Recap- Pro UTV Turbo 2909
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When it comes to desert racing it doesn’t get any bigger than the SCORE International Baja 1000. And in 2021 it didn’t get any bigger than the Pro Turbo UTV class, with 29 entries. This is 10% of the total field and the same number of entries as the Trophy Truck class. While some would shy away from such a competitive class, Alex Baker of Baker Power Products welcomed the challenge. Returning w...
Watch This Before You Buy A Skottle
Переглядів 92 тис.3 роки тому
Beanie babies. Pogs. And now, skottles. These are fads that we definitely did not see coming, and honestly, looking back they have not aged well. While a skottle is more functional than a pog, it comes with some significant drawbacks relative to alternatives on the market. For starters, there is the price. A skottle retails for $375. The origin of the skottle comes from South Africa, where they...
What Tools To Carry On The Trail (And How To Carry Them)
Переглядів 8 тис.3 роки тому
If you go off-road, and honestly even if you don’t , it is important to carry tools with you in your vehicle. I don’t carry a torque wrench or a set of drill bits with me on the trail, but I do bring enough to ensure that I can get home safely. That looks different for each of my vehicles, and I will go over the specifics and reasoning behind each one. There are more options on the market than ...
Is The LJ The Best Jeep Ever Built?
Переглядів 51 тис.3 роки тому
Some people mistakenly think that I don’t like Jeeps because I am a Toyota guy, but I don’t see the two as mutually exclusive. In fact, my first vehicle was a CJ-7. The good thing about a Jeep is that it is easy to find parts for them. The bad thing about a Jeep is that they become cookie cutter, and a lot of modifications actually make them worse (I am looking at you, angry eyes grille). In th...
1977 Ford F150 Cheap Truck Challenge Turned Ultra4 Ford
Переглядів 168 тис.3 роки тому
This 1977 For F-150 has come a long way since it won Cheap Truck Challenge back in 2013! It had lived its entire life in the Carson Valley, although since then I have driven it as far as Cabo San Lucas and Anchorage. It still has the vintage sheetmetal and patina, nearly every aspect of the dentside F-150 has been upgraded over the years to stand up to the 40-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers. The ori...
10 Must Have Trail Items For Under $100
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0:01 Intro 0:35 Sunblock 1:01 Hide a key 1:28 Zip Ties 2:00 Toilet Paper and Wipes 2:27 Bug Spray 2:48 Gloves 3:23 Multi Tool 4:10 Ratchet Straps 4:41 Head Lamp 5:19 Tire Deflators 6:07 Rad 4x4 Montage 6:15 Bonus Round: Fire Extinguisher 6:33 Outro Have you ever been driving down the road in your Jeep and feel the irresistible urge to leave the pavement? Maybe you have wondered where a dirt roa...
Friends of Moon Rocks Cleanup Day
Переглядів 8623 роки тому
Friends of Moon Rocks is a coalition of different enthusiast groups in Northern Nevada representing motorcycles, UTVs, rockcrawlers, and others who recreate at Moon Rocks OHV Area. Despite frigid temperatures, on Saturday, November 7th over 75 volunteers showed up to pickup trash, filling multiple stake bed trucks and trailers. The Bureau of Land Management was also present at the clean-up, pic...
Harry Situation's Exclusive First Drive of Ram TRX- Is It A Raptor Killer?
Переглядів 20 тис.3 роки тому
We recently had the exclusive opportunity to test drive Ram’s new TRX truck around Lake Tahoe and at Reno’s Wild West Motorsports Park, where we took the truck around the same short course track used for LOORRS and Ultra4 racing. First introduced as a concept vehicle at the Texas State Fair four years ago, Ram called the TRX (think “T-Rex”) the “apex predator” in a claim squarely aimed at the F...
Harry Situations' Custom Tracker Rockcrawler
Переглядів 102 тис.4 роки тому
A Chevy Tracker isn't the first vehicle you think of when you picture a rockcrawler, but this one regularly embarrasses Jeeps and Toyotas that cost far more than this Tracker. Crafted by rockcrawling legend Jesse Haines, the goal of the Tracker was to be lightweight and ultra-capable; it is essentially a buggy with a Tracker body at this point. Samco Fabrication did all of the wiring and plumbi...
Samco Fabrication Moves To The 6100 Class
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Sam Cothrun of Samco Fabrication converted his truck from a six cylinder engine to a sealed LS3 to join the 6100 class, which is deep with talent. Watch to learn Sam and co-driver Cody Bullock's secrets to success in this highly competitive class.
Ben Swain 2017 King of the Hammers Recap
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Ben Swain 2017 King of the Hammers Recap
Ben Swain King of the Hammers Preview
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Ben Swain King of the Hammers Preview
100 the best 👌 LJ Jeeps
always makes me laugh how americans say emu
Nice vid. What size fridge did you get please? (there are 3 options as of this comment)
I got the biggest (130L) fridge. I find that food is often the limiting factor for how long we can be out in the back country.
@@HarrySituations Thanks for the reply. I'm new to your channel, is there a video where you describe the list of mods currently on your RAM 3500? I've been in a few Hawk, most recently at Overland Expo West 2024, and I think that's the camper for me, but I'm still not sure what truck I should buy. Originally I had a Toyota Tundra in mind, but even with mods, I feel like being only 200 or 300 lbs away from max payload might not be the best decision? What community/forum would you recommend to educate myself on this topic? Thanks again.
@@sebastienbarre I don’t have a video specific about the truck but go into more detail in this video that I originally made about the Northstar. ua-cam.com/video/6sWgM8gHZJk/v-deo.htmlsi=k5KmvUWYPhwqyOir
@@sebastienbarre I am a fan of having too much truck rather than not enough. My Ram is a 3509 diesel, but if you aren’t towing something the gas engine would be fine. From an aesthetics standpoint I think the lines of the FWC best match the Ford Super Duty and their 7.3L Godzilla gas engine is a great option (if it is in the budget).
Young Michael Clark Cynthia Martinez Ronald
Two things You didn’t mention. 1) you can get the northstar at any dealer, so I can trade in my current Abd pick one up. 2) pretty big difference in price. Avg Northstar is around 30k. Avg 4wheel is around 50k
@@TheSavanto great points. I do like the FWC better, but when you factor in the price difference the decision gets harder.
@@HarrySituations I agree. I wish I could get into a FWC but I do have to trade a big trailer in and since they don’t use other dealers then they are completely out of reach. This economy isn’t the greatest. I do like all the options FWC offers and being able to design it to your personal style.
Hey there Harry. Just picked up a 78 f250 and would like to go the general direction you went with this 77. I’d love some guidance on order of operations as far as the build if you have a minute. Would like to be efficient as possible and not have to backtrack doing unnecessary work. Thanks!
@@rottscobert sure thing! You can email me through my website or message me on Instagram.
@@HarrySituations you are the man! This is my dream truck and I want an adventure machine like yours! I’ll shoot you an email and IG now
I really like my 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Sahara Unlimited one of one thousand....Except I have had very expensive electronic repairs and the transmission either drops down a gear at 45 MPH or out of gear. and sometimes won't shift into high gear and cruises at 3,000 RPM at 45 MPH....It has less than 98,000 miles still has the original spare and never been off road....Other than that....Lol....
I started carrying a spare ECU from Wrangler Fix because I was worried about electrical issues on the trail.
I don't much pizza, but I do like the pineapple.
Ome UCA’s also?
That is correct. They add caster and use tubular construction with greasable bushings and high angle ball joints.
Sweet old Ford!
My so called Scottle setup can boil water, use a cast iron skillet or disc. Bake bread no limit.
There are much lower cost Scottle Types out there. I built mine for almost nothing. Love my disc cooking.
Skottle shmottle rip off. Best is the traditional 2 burner coleman.
Also dana 44 is well balanced just throw some chromoly axles and the trust kit
It has RCVs, but I wish it had fixed spindles and locking hubs like the Dana 44 in my last rig.
Shut your mouth! The 4.0 is amazing!!! Lol
Maybe mine is a dud? I’ve got 5.38s and recently added a supercharger and this thing still can’t maintain speed up a grade.
Enjoyed your rig look-around. I'm also in Reno area. I'm building an Overlander (S10 ZR2), & need some fab work (mostly welding). Got tips?
Nate’s Precision and Silver State Off Road are my two go-to shops in Reno. 👍
So the mt64 is good out of the box for a “heavier” bumper? Or does it need a different spring.
Old Man Emu is only offering once spring rate now with height adjustments on the shock body. This results in less part numbers for vendors to stock but I do think if you have a winch and steel bumper a higher spring rate is valuable.
Hey, Harry. Your old Albuquerque neighbor here. Good to see you and I'm thrilled to see your wife and son! Congratulations! (Love the camper too!)
Thanks Ethan! I would love to hear your thoughts on the pros and cons of truck campers versus vans.
@@HarrySituations You know I've only had vans, but I'm more and more interested in truck campers. Trucks have better off-road abilities. Campers like the 4 Wheel Campers and the SuperTramp campers give you everything a van camper can but with better camping spots. You can also keep your camper and just change the truck. The vans have better gas mileage (usually), but the reason we have our Recon is it fits in our garage in L.A.! We keep going to Overland Expos and looking for our next rig in retirement.
Thanks for this! I have Stanley cooking set for two and has loved using it. When you have more than two… it becomes an issue… and was looking into skottle and came across your channel. Windbis always an issue during overlandings. I would look into something else!
Wanted to ask the million dollar question: do you remember the wheel/ tire size it was running?
They are 285/70R17 (non-LT) Nitto Ridge Grapplers on 17x8.5 SCS wheels. I think that the softer sidewall of the non-LT tires really helps with the ride compliance on things like washboard roads and embedded rocks.
nicest lj on the web. that AEV front fender kit is killer
Does this door emblem say RAM? Personally, I wouldn't ever buy a RAM or Jeep or anything made by Stellantos. Pure GARBAGE!
Thanks for the walkthrough and comparison! I am wondering how you tie the camper down to the truck? Frame mount or something else? Thanks in advance.
FWC does offer a bolt-in option but mine has turnbuckles to the four corners on the camper that allow you to easily remove it from the truck bed with jacks. I don't like to leave the jacks on because they have the potential to get ripped off on the trail.
@@HarrySituations gotcha! Thanks!
Outstanding!
Dana 44 axles used to be the king of offroad builds. I had a 78 Bronco making about 325 hp, a C6 and 44's front and rear with 31 spline axles. Never had any problems. So what has changed?
It didn’t have a 9” in the rear?
is that the 400AH battery renogy sells?
This one is only 200 aH but it has served me well.
I’m not entirely sure why he keeps dinging the Dana 44. It is like a juggernaut of overall reliability, ground clearance at general stability of the platform …. It makes no sense.
HW-- just picked up a JL and excited to make it better. Good info here. 6 speed manual. Any issues with the OPDA?
I haven’t had any issues with my oil pump, or any engine issues at all. I do wish I had a six speed manual like you got though!
That’s a Sick truck! I’m wanting to build my 87 F150 like that
Great video! Where did you find that great bungee pillow holder. I just bought a Project M and need something like that.
This is the one that I found was the right width for the camper. www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08X4NWJS8?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
@@HarrySituations Thanks for the info
The cargo netting is a great idea for bedding storage! Do you have a link to this? Thank you!
Sure thing, here is the link. www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08X4NWJS8?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Friends who get a "good deal" and think, "Just to turn around and flip it," there's a special place in Hell for you.
Do I have to cut my rear fender wells when I add this kit to my LJ?
You do not need to, but I did some trimming to fit the 37s with only two inches of lift.
Ball park guess at what kind of money it takes to have a rig like this?
It really depends on if you are doing the labor yourself. Figure $25k in parts but that number could double if you are paying shop rates for labor.
I miss my TJ. Now drives a school bus JLU.
Great video. We have a Hawk front dinette with the Ford f250
Great video! I thought the music is great too! We loved our FWC and wouldnt be surprised if we end up in another!
I see a Grandby in our future as our son gets bigger but this is working out great for us now.
Better? ATC in my opinion.
Beautiful beast!!!!! Love the color. 🥵😍🇺🇸
Just think, if he would have put the huge amount of money this thing cost to buy and build, into an IRA, by the time retirement struck he would have a small fortune. What is this thing going to be worth when he retires?
You will be relieved to know that I have a healthy retirement account.
OK, Hoss. Just checking so you won't be eating cat food and Top Ramen when you are 70!@@HarrySituations
Sometimes it's about the journey and not the destination. Life is all too short for many that never make it to retirement. Enjoy the journey if you can afford it. BTW, IMO, cat food would taste better in this rig than most others.😊
I just bought a 78 ford f150 recently, I’m gonna go ahead and copy this
460 big block or 460 small block?
It is a Big Block (385 series engine)
Huh! I can't help but wonder if you are going to miss the inside bathroom/shower of the Northstar with a baby and your plans to winter camp.
The issue was with the inside bath the table was so small that only one of us could fit there. Now all three of us can sit together, but we can’t s*it together.
How many pounds can it withstand?
They offer different rear leaf springs for different weight but only one front coil spring rate. You can adjust the height in the front though to account for added weight.
@harry what’s the front spring rate?
Sweet build
Congrats on the baby, Harry!
Where's the toilet and shower? Isn't that what you were talking about at the beginning?
The old camper (Northstar) had a wet bath but the new Four Wheel Camper has an outside shower and no toilet. This really frees up a lot of useable space inside the camper.
Lose the music. It interferes with the speaking and is totally unnecessary. Why? Keep it simple.
All you need and nothing more, perfect.🤙