Our Rig

Last Updated: May 18, 2021

_______

UPDATE

Our Lance 855s camper was sold in April of 2021. 

A new 'build' page will be written that documents our next camper; a 2021 Northern Lite 8-11 EX LE DB. The new camper will retain the acronym LOAF; this time however, it will stand for ... northern Lite On A Ford.

Here's a 'sneak peak'.

The content documenting our rig build with the Lance 855s cabin below; will be retained as an information source for others. 

___________________________________________________

It's time that we published a post featuring a very important member of Our Team, meet ...

LOAF

We purchased our Lance 855s truck camper in September 2013. We’ve camped with it, at some pretty spectacular locations with the intention of travelling ' The Remote Roads ' ... those places that most folks wouldn’t typically take other types of recreational vehicles to. You can read about all our road trips and overland travel (beginning in 1988) by clicking on LOAFin Around. As of September 2018, we’ve travelled nearly 93,000 kilometres with this current set-up. We purchased this truck camper because we were looking for a modest hard-side that we could take on rough roads that still had the features, capacities, and storage that we considered essential for an overland adventure rig.

The Lance 855s model matches our 2011 FORD F350 pickup truck quite well. The camper has an interior floor length of 8 feet, 11 inches and a width of 9 feet 8 inches with the slide out. Key features include a 60×80 full-size queen bed oriented north-south, a well-appointed kitchen, a full wet bath, a 30 gallon fresh water tank, and an adequate U-shaped dinette. The camper is solar powered with a 95 watt system, two 925 cca AGM deep cycle house batteries and is equipped with a 1500 BTU, 3-way (LP gas/120v/12v) absorption refrigerator. A four-season package is standard with this model; including dual pane windows, a dual stage 15000 / 22000 BTU propane fired furnace, heated water tanks, an insulated bed pad and insulated hatch covers. 

We’ve made several modifications and upgrades to both the truck and camper, to improve the rigs' capabilities for rough road driving, boon-docking and gear transport. These modifications and upgrades are further detailed below and on our Meet LOAF website/blog.

__________________________________________________________

The Details and Outfitting for Our Adventure Truck

______________________________________

Explanations
* 4 Season All Weather Package
* Actual Weight @ Scales 09/2016: GAWR 4519 (fr) + 8113 (rr) = 12262; 2 passengers, black & gray tanks empty, 2/3 fresh tank, 1/2 fuel tank, 2 kayaks, full gear closet, standard provisions
* Maximums
* Safety
* Upgrades from OEM
* Upgrades from OEM - removed due to ineffectiveness

_______________
TRUCK and CAMPER

Driving Range: Maximum - Fuel tank 135l @ 21l/100km, mostly loaded = * 640 kms
                                                     - * Jerry can 20l @ 21l/100km, mostly loaded = * 100 kms
                                 Minimum - Fuel tank 135l @ 31l/100 km, mostly loaded = 435 kms
                                                    -* Jerry can 20l @ 31l/100 km, mostly loaded = 65 kms
Ground Clearance: 8.2 inches
Approach Angle (loaded): 19.3 degrees
Departure Angle (loaded): 20.8 degrees
Total Height: Truck + Camper + Canoe = 12 ft 5 in (* 12' 9" / 3.89 metres)
Total Length: Truck front brush guard to camper bumper step = 23 ft 6 in (* 24' / 7.31 m)
Total Width: Truck mirrors and Camper slide extended = 10 ft 9 in (* 11' 3" / 3.43 m)

_______________________
2011 FORD F350 4x4 CC SB SRW 

Specifications, Dimensions and Packages
Engine: 6.2L gas: 2-valve V8, flex fuel, 385 horsepower, 405 pounds-foot torque
Alternator: 157 amps, 2100 watts
Battery: * DIEHARD 7000, 875 cca
Bed Length: 6.75 feet
Fuel Tank Capacity (midship): 132.5 litres (35 US gal)
Camper Package: higher front coil spring rate, additional rear helper spring, rear sway bar
Trailering Package: tow mirrors, REESE Class V receiver hitch
Trim Package: Lariat
Wheelbase: 156.2 inches

Drivetrain
Gearing: Standard ring and pinion
Hubs: ESOF auto and manual locking
Axle Ratio: 3.73 electronic locker
Transfer Case: NVG271, part time, 2-speed
Transmission: TORKSHIFT 6R140, six speed select shift w. tow/haul

Suspension and Weights
Front End
GAWR from Component Manufacturer - DANA 60 (OEM): * 6500 pounds, monobeam, live spindle
GAWR by Vehicle Builder - FORD (DANA 60): 6000 pounds, monobeam, live spindle, (Note: Ford downgrades the OEM axle capability for licensing and insurance purposes)

Axle Weight Wet: *4519 pounds
Tires Upgraded Load Capability: (2) NITTO Ridge Grappler A/T 295/70R18 129E, Load E, * 2 x 4080 = 8160 pounds
Wheels Ford: 8-stud / 6-spoke aluminium, * 2 x 3525 = 7050 pounds
Suspension Upgraded: Mono beam (narrow front track), higher rate coil springs (4400 pounds / side), 28 mm stabilizer bar,
* BILSTEIN Series 5100 shocks

Rear End
GAWR from Component Manufacturer - STERLING 10.5 inch (OEM): * 9750 pounds, full floating axle
GAWR by Vehicle Builder - FORD (STERLING 10.5 inch): 7280 pounds, full floating axle, (Note: Ford downgrades the OEM axle capability for licensing and insurance purposes)  

Axle Weight Wet: * 8113 pounds 
Tires Upgraded Load Capability: (2) NITTO Ridge Grappler A/T 295/70R18 129E, Load E, * 2 x 4080 = 8160 pounds
Wheels Ford: 8-stud / 6-spoke aluminium, * 2 x 3525 = 7050 pounds
Suspension Upgraded: Solid axle, * SUPERSPRINGS SS13, * 4-pack leaf springs w. lower and upper helpers (6800 pounds / side), * HELLWIG Big Wig anti-sway bar, * BILSTEIN Series 5100 shocks

Upgraded Suspension Capabilities : OEM and Ford Specifications
GVWR: 11000 pounds (registered)
Base Curb Weight: 3997 (fr) + 2973 (rr) = 6970 pounds 
Payload: * 3960 pounds
GAWR Ford: 6000 (fr) + 7280 (rr) = *13280 pounds
GAWR Dana and Sterling: 6500 + 9750 = * 16250 pounds
Suspension: Custom (rr): 4-leaf pack + 2-helper @ 2 x 6800 = 13600 pounds
                           Ford (fr): high rate coil springs @ 2 x 4400 = 8800 pounds
Tires Nitto: 4 x 4080 = * 16320 pounds
Wheels Ford: 8-stud / 6-spoke aluminium, * 4 x 3525 = 14100 pounds
Frame: 36000 psi steel, ladder type

Notes
GVWR: Class 3 Heavy Duty Vehicles (Range: 10,001 - 14,000 lbs). Class 4 licensing and insurance is more expensive.
GAWR (rear): Is, often twice the maximum load rating for the tires on it.
Rims: Torqued to 165 psi
Wheel Clearance (rear): 10 inches (dry)

Tires and Rims
Tire Diameter / Width / Tread Depth: 34.29 x 11.77 x 16.4/32 inches
Tire Weight: 69.4 pounds
Rims: 18 x 8 alloy
Tire Pressure Loaded w. Camper: 65 psi front, 80 psi rear
Tire Pressure Unloaded: 60 psi front, 45 psi rear
Spare: * (1) CONTINENTAL Contitrac M/S 275/70R18, Load Range E, * 3640 pounds max
Fender Flares: BUSHWACKER (max coverage unpainted)
Brakes: 4-wheel ABS vented disk, 14.29 inch rotors front and rear

Support Equipment
Cabin and Gear Closet
* Backup Alarms: FORD original rear bumper alarms relocated to rear camper bumper
* Backup Camera (#1): FORD original tailgate camera relocated to rear camper bumper
* Backup Camera (#2): VOYAGER WVOS511 digital wireless system, monitor & camera
* Battery Booster Pack: MOTOMASTER Eliminator 1400 / 700 amps, w. air compressor #1
* Dash Cam: SPYTEC G1W-C
* Electronics PELICAN Case: COBRA Micro-Talk walkie-talkies, DELORME in Reach 2-way satellite communicator, GPS#1 GARMIN Montana 600 series, RADIO SHACK Marine Radio, VERIZON Mobil Hotspot, ROGERS Mobile Hotspot 
* Fire Extinguisher (#1): ON GUARD
* GPS (#2 & #3): GARMIN RV 760 MLT w. mount FORD My Touch
Inverter (#1): XANTREX Xpower 300 watts (small electronics 12v to 120v)
Tablet: 
* Vehicle Recovery Pack: 

Exterior
* Auxiliary Lighting: PIAA 520 ATP extreme white
Cargo Carrier: CURT
Front Bumper: RANCH HAND gravel and brush guard 
Rear Receiver Hitch: REESE Class V
* Vehicle Recovery Duffel:

_______________________________
2013 LANCE 855S 4-Season Slide-In Camper

Weights and Dimensions
Dry Weight: * 2984 pounds (OEM, standard equipment, water, propane, refrigerator)
Wet Weight: varies, depending on reason for and duration of trip, could be another 1000 lbs
Center of Gravity: 38 inches
Interior Cabover Length: 6 feet 8 inches
Interior Floor Length: 8 feet 11 inches
Interior Heights: Minimum 6 feet 5.5 inches, Maximum 6 feet 7.5 inches
Interior Widths: Minimum 7 feet 11 inches, Maximum, 9 feet 8 inches
Interior Footprint: 135 sq ft
Overall Exterior Length: 17 feet 8 inches

Construction
* Bed Pad: insulated
Garage Locks: entry door keyed, (2) single keyed, (2) * COMBI-CAM cylinder locks
* Hatch Covers: insulated
Pocket Door: JOHNSON Hardware, 2610F series open pocket single door
Roof: BRITETEK by DICOR, Thermal Plastic Olefin
* Roof Vent and Safety Egress: HEKI Skylight, sunscreen, privacy shade, escape vent
Slide-Out Dinette System: SCHWINTEK In-Wall, w. remote
Siding: LAMILUX
* Walls: AZDEL Thermoplastic Composite 
* Windows: dual pane, (1) *escape window

HVAC  
Air Conditioner: AIREXCEL 48000 series (runs on 15 amp 110 volt)
Fans: (2) Bedroom - 120v circulating, 12v circulating
* Furnace: ATWOOD 8500-IV series (hydro flame), dual stage 15000 / 22000 btu
Heater: LIKEWISE ceramic heater, 750 / 1500 watts, model 043-5877-2
Roof Vent: FAN-TASTIC VENT 12v ceiling fan

Solar
Batteries: (2) EXIDE XMC-31C group, model AGM For each battery - 100 amp hours, megacycle 200, 925 cca, 1100 marine crank amps, 200 minute reserve capacity
Battery Separator: replaces battery isolater
Solar Motion Detector Light: SUNFORCE model 82081, 80 led
Solar Panel: (1) 95 watt JIAWEI
Solar Regulator: GOPOWER GP-PWM-30
Inverter (#2): MOTOMASTER Eliminator 500 watts (small electronics, 12v to 120v)
Solar Power System: Including - BLUE SEA SYSTEMS SI series Automatic Relay model PN7610, Power Converter 120v to 12v

Appliances
Barbeque Hookup: exterior
Microwave: HIGHPOINTE model EM925RWW, 900 watts, 1 cuft
Power Range Hood: VENTLINE 120v
Range/Oven: ATWOOD LP gas
Refrigerator: NORCOLD model N145/N150, 3-way absorption refrigerator, 1500 BTU

Plumbing
Black Water Tank: 25 gallons
Black Tank Flush: exterior
Fresh Water Tank: 30 gallons
Gray Water Tank: 20 gallons
Toilet: THETFORD AQUA Majic V
Wash Station: exterior hand held
* Waste Water Tanks: All are insulated & heated
Water Filter: in-line
Water Heater: ATWOOD LP gas, 6 gallon tank, 8800 BTU
Water Pump: SHURFLO 4008 RV bypass pump
* Winterizing Bypass Valve:

Electrical
Battery Disconnect Switch: *
Battery Separator: replaces battery isolator
Docking Lights:
Fuse Panel: 
* GFCI Receptacle: PASS & SEYMOUR
Inverter (#2): MOTOMASTER Eliminator 500 watts (small electronics, 12v to 120v)
Power Distribution Center: PROGESSIVE DYNAMICS PD400
* Power Protection: SURGE GUARD model 44260 by TRC, 30 amp 120 volt
Systems Monitor Panel: water pump, batteries level, water heater, fresh, gray, black tanks

Electronics
Noise Filter: Q POWER, NF 15 amp
TV: JENSEN 1912LED, 19 inch
Radio/DVD/CD/MP3 Player: JENSEN AWM975, interior & exterior speakers
Weather Station: ACURITE model 00606 wireless thermometer

Support Equipment
Awning: CAREFREE manual
Barbeque: COLEMAN
Boat Racks: (2) YAKIMA - bars, towers, rollers and saddles for (two) kayak transport (1) Custom - single aluminium canoe bar at cab-over roof section
Bug Tent: 
Cabover Struts: LANCE
Camper Jacks: ATWOOD ACME and ball electronic screw jacks w. remote
* Carbon Monoxide Alarm (#1): GARRISON model 46-0003-6, battery operated
* Carbon Monoxide Alarm (#2) & Propane Leak Detector: SAFE-T-ALERT permanent installation
* Fire Extinguisher (#2): FIRST ALERT model KFE2S5A-6B
* Gas Detector: STARKO acetylene, butane, methane (natural gas), propane
Propane: (2) 18.3 pound tanks, w. inline gas gauge
Rooftop Cargo Box: Boat accessories
Rooftop Cargo Tube: fishing poles, awning rod, handles
* Smoke Alarm: FAMILY GARD model FG250A
Tiedowns & Turnbuckles: HAPPI JAC and QWIK LOADS w. locks and w. stabilizer bar

Tools
Camper Door Softcase: small tolls, gauges, sensors, cord
Rear Wall Garage: * COMBI-CAM cylinder lock, SUPERFLO model hv-40a2 120 psi air compressor #2, tool box, fasteners, liquids, adhesives, MASTERCRAFT 18v drill
Slideout Garage: * COMBI-CAM cylinder lock, axe, saw, COLEMAN bbq, propane supply, firegrate, hose, mat

__________________________________________________________

Photos 
Trans Labrador Highway NL, Glacier Highway BC, Arctic Circle Crossing NT, Dempster Highway YT, Dalton Highway AK, Tuktoyaktuk NT

Trans-Labrador Highway NL

Glacier Highway BC

Arctic Circle Crossing NT

Dempster Highway YT

   

Tuktoyaktuk NT

More Photos
And, if you really have nothing better to do with your time, there are even more photos at LOAF's very own gallery ... A Chronology of Poses and Parts

__________________________________________________________

Building a bullet-proof Adventure Truck Camper is an on-going process ...

There will be additional mods and upgrades, there will be on-going improvements and enhancements. We are currently preparing to drive the Dempster and Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highways in 2018 ... we've identified a boon-docking requirement for increased solar, a Rotopax fuel cell would be more convenient as an auxiliary fuel container, Load Range 4000 lb + tires would be safer and a front Hellwig anti-sway bar and steering stabilizer would tweak and improve drive-ability and lessen driver fatigue... STAY TUNED!

LOAF ... wishing & hoping!