New to truck camping

[CanadianVikingYYC]

Hello!

New member here but definitely not new to camping (having done everything from tenting to class A to travel trailer to toy hauler back to tenting and then most recently an Aliner A-Frame trailer). We were very happy with our highly modified Aliner and had no ideas of changing when a opportunity came along for a 2003 Hallmark Guenalla LX w/2003 GMC Sierra 2500 HD duramax. Both are in new condition having had very little usage and been garage stored when not in use. The truck is a regular cab long box 2WD – not ideal as I would have preferred 4WD, but again it’s in amazing condition with new E rated tires, air compressor/bags and only 90,000km (55,000 mi) on the odometer. Sold the Aliner and now looking forward to joining the pop-up truck camper world. I will be asking plenty of questions as there are many upgrades I would like to make to both the truck and Guenalla LX. For the truck I’m looking at things like an e-locker, Warn “hidden” front winch, and Wilco Offroad hitchgate. For the Guenalla I’m planning a trip to the Hallmark factory to have some accessories added including a rear ladder, roof rack, maxtrax, and shovel/axe kit. I look forward to talking to you all and getting feedback from others who have done similar things.

Cheers,
Thomas

CanadianVikingYYC
2003 Hallmark Guenalla LX
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD

[CanadianVikingYYC]

The 2003 Guanella LX was garage kept since new and in amazing condition. It has the original (for the year) rubber roof that has been regularly maintained and has a factory installed solar.

My use will be a little different than the original owners so I’m looking at doing some upgrades. I spoke with Bill at Hallmark and he indicated that everything I want to do can be done at the factory. So I’m thinking of heading there in September to have this work done, but before doing so I thought I would solicit feedback from other Hallmark owners of similar vintage (pre 2008) units.

This is a list of items I am thinking about, and comments or feedback is appreciated.

Done at Hallmark Factory
– add rear ladder
– add roof rack (Bill said this would be done with used racks canibalized from rubber roofs that are being replaced at the factory)
– add shovel/axe kit
– add maxtrax (sand ladders)
– add rear awning

The ladder and roof rack is done in hopes of adding a Thule or Yakima (or other brand) of roof cargo box. Bill is not sure the box will be possible, might need to settle for a basket

Items I will do:
– recertify horizontal propane tank
– upgrade all lighting to LED
– replace original CD player/ stereo with something Bluetooth enabled
– replace dual batteries

I’m sure there will be other things that come up but just looking for feedback/insight into any of the above items (and of course anything else I should be doing).

Thanks!

Thomas

CanadianVikingYYC
2003 Hallmark Guenalla LX
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD

[Coly Hope]

Don’t own a Hallmark but have visited their factory and they are very helpful there.

[Author]

Posts