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jefe here. This is a roundabout review of the power and depth of this site: TCA. I’ve written a couple pieces for Mike about semi-hard-core TC subjects (that’s kind of like semi-tough), and have read through many of his right-on summaries of certain aspects of TC-ing. Not until I began in earnest to research for another camper to replace my aging Lance 165-s did i see how far reaching Mike’s TCA Site really is. Every single time I did a Google search of one brand or another; or a comparison of certain features, a well written TCA article or Youtube clip would appear; not just another unrehearsed, meandering, amateur attempt at a Youtube clip on your cell phone. Not one of the truck camper forums on the Web have anywhere near the depth of this very site. A lot of opinion, some without merit, yes, but not comprehensive research. IMO, only Truck Camper Magazine has a larger purvey of things truck camper. But they cover a wider scope in an entirely different format. Then again, Mike has a much better in-the-trenches grasp of things-TC than the editor of TCM.
My only concern about TCA, and the reason I don’t do more articles on here is the limitation on photo size. I’m used to telling a story with a lot of pix imbedded with the text to keep the storyline focused and transfer some flavor to the reader. I can’t do that with 512KB’s. It’s just a little bling that is difficult to convey with text only. In the current millennium we are so used to shiny objects that get our attention that we get bored quickly when those objects cease to shine.
Nonetheless, Mike does a remarkable job with the deadline of getting out a piece every week… by himself…
As a published author and composer, I can relate to the untold hours of editing and set up time to bring any piece to fruition.
jefe2020 Ford F-350 XLT FX4 4WD SRW SB SC 7.3L Godzilla Gas TorqShift 10R140 397 amps dual Alt dual batts Frnt Dana 60; Rr Dana M275 E-locker 4.30's 4580/4320/4066# payload 7243# curb wt. 11,300# GVWR 5-er prepped. 2020 Northstar Laredo SC, 12v compressor fridge, cassette, 320w Solar sub zero insulation.
My problem here is simply navigating and trying to figure out the ambiguous toolbar and getting it to work correctly. I’ve spent an hour creating an in depth post with multiple photos only to click Submit and find it just disappear completely. I’ve tried for some time to change my signature and photo and just keep having difficulty. I’ve posted comments that didn’t show up and contacted Mike who then somehow finds them and gets them to show and explains that he doesn’t know why this is happening. I have been an active member of at least 6 forums over the last 12 years and have never had any of the difficulties I find simply using this site. I don’t know how many times I’ve simply just “given up”. I love the concept and content but am just frustrated with the user interface.
Neil & Yoly
2016 Ram 2500HD Tradesman, 2WD Crew Cab, 6.4L Hemi
2018 Travel Lite 840 SBRX
Honda EU2000iJeff,
Thanks for the kind words. This site does take a lot of work, but for me, its a labor of love. For me, this is an ideal “retirement.”Neil,
Those “issues” with the forum have long been corrected. The one issue you mentioned with the “missing” posts was due to inserting links in your posts. When links are included in posts, I have to approve them before they go live. This is due to the amount of spam that we get.
Mike ….. I had posted a lengthy post in the “Show us a picture of your rig” thread. I included standard links from an off site photo hosting site. None of the photos showed up in the post yet one of those photos was used by you in your article listing all the truck camper manufacturers. I guess I’ve always had troubles trying to do normal things that I do every day on other forums (like post photos using the same web hosting site and links). I hope you understand the nature of my frustration 🙂
Neil & Yoly
2016 Ram 2500HD Tradesman, 2WD Crew Cab, 6.4L Hemi
2018 Travel Lite 840 SBRX
Honda EU2000iI well understand how ‘posting difficulties’ on any forum can be aggravating at times (it’s just a modern-era test of one’s own patience, but not get too consumed), and I’m quite sure that Admin often gets nearly as frustrated too – But from my perspective (in the interest of a positive decorum) it’s better (where possible) to air and attempt resolution of individual-specific concerns via a PM or email to Admin…
Not to dismiss in any way your sincere frustration, but a worthy old adage I learned in the military was “to praise in public, but admonish in private”…Now retired, trust that I’ve been on BOTH sides of this one!! (Ugg…lol!!)
Best Regards,
Phil
With all due respect Phil, I am a bit bemused by the irony of your post 🙂
My favorite adage from my military experience in the 1960s was “if you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over ?” …. this is the primary source of my frustration as the main source of my frustration lies in my inability to understand the formatting requirements after many private conversations with the admin.
Best regards,
NeilNeil & Yoly
2016 Ram 2500HD Tradesman, 2WD Crew Cab, 6.4L Hemi
2018 Travel Lite 840 SBRX
Honda EU2000iNeil,
You are not the only one with a ‘user interface’ woe. I was a long time poster and reader of RV.net’s Truck Camper forum along with some of my hardcore XTC buddies (Extreme Truck Camping) who posted a lot and most importantly posted simply outstanding pictorial trip reports. It finally ran its course and I switched over to a site that I thought would be more focused on what i do: namely off-road truck camping. I just went through trying to upload a long article about our latest XTC-ing in and around Canyonlands in their ‘trip reports lasting more than a week’ section and, like you spent a lot of time editing and getting the 20 Faux-bucket pics to appear at just the right time in the text to flow and amplify the story line. Up popped a note reading, “You have exceeded the 10K character limit. Please try again.” No back button. No edit button. My Mac only has a word count; no character count. Do the links count as part of the limit? The whole thing went into ether.
I contacted the moderator listed for that section and he said he has not done any moderating for years.
So, I’m between a rock and a hard place on where to put my Trip Reports. I’m not going back to RV.net. Expedition Portal seems to be all show and no go. This site still seems to be the most flexible once you jump all the hurdles and finally get with the system,even with the small pics.
The Great Whazoo, a buddie also formerly on RV.net finally solved his same dilemma by creating his own website where he can format his fabulous and entertaining trip reports any way he wants. His are the best trip reports ever on any format.
jefe2020 Ford F-350 XLT FX4 4WD SRW SB SC 7.3L Godzilla Gas TorqShift 10R140 397 amps dual Alt dual batts Frnt Dana 60; Rr Dana M275 E-locker 4.30's 4580/4320/4066# payload 7243# curb wt. 11,300# GVWR 5-er prepped. 2020 Northstar Laredo SC, 12v compressor fridge, cassette, 320w Solar sub zero insulation.
Had a website, had a blog, wrote for consumer hard copy for coin, wrote for the RV industry for fame, but no longer anywhere or way. Seemed to me that ultimately what we write is far more important to us than others. Sometimes a hard pill to swallow. And a great deal of what is on forum boards, my posts included, is opinion with very little in the way of validation.
Still fun and I enjoy everyone’s posts. I continue to read and post in a number of forums when a topic interests me, but never lose sight of the fact than the only ones who really have their genitalia in the cross hairs are the moderators. The rest of us, not so much. 🙂
Steve and Andra
2012 F350 6.2 gasser SRW LB
Fab Fours front and rear in case we run into a rhino
2019 Northstar Laredo SCI very much like this site but I don’t like how it requires me to re-log on every week or so and it doesn’t allow me to log on with my handle and password: I have to use my email addy and password. I know, first world probs. Since I don’t have a TC yet the pic size issue is a prob I hope to have soon!
Those are very minor probs in exchange for such excellent info and such a congenial community. Thank you all!
Now, a serious question: any advice on how to get the Scottish wife to loosen the purse strings so we can get a TC with running water and lights? All those jokes about close Scots aren’t jokes! ?
Jefe, please translate those abbreviations in your byline, unless you feel that my clearance isn’t high enough. ?
It’s good to be a n00b - so I can aspire to be just stoopid.
Monrovia, CA
Jefe4x4 …. thank you for your understanding and compassion. I’ve been on RV.net for many years and have followed your escapades (with envy). I’ve never had a problem navigating or posting anything on the site. I am put off occasionally by the contrary and (seemingly) contentious responses I see now and then. I find this site to take after the headmaster relative to his moniker as “Mellow”. People here do seem nicely tempered and open to opinion.
I wish I could go back and edit my post (Post Pics of Your Rig) and see if I could get my photos to display. It might help me learn how to do it properly in the first place but there’s no option to do so. I used the “img” button on the toolbar, posted the URL link from the photo hosting site and clicked “OK”. The post displays the link but not the photo. I wish I knew what I did wrong.
Neil & Yoly
2016 Ram 2500HD Tradesman, 2WD Crew Cab, 6.4L Hemi
2018 Travel Lite 840 SBRX
Honda EU2000iAll this recent discussion has prompted me to find a way to resolve my issues. After considerable time I have finally succeeded in posting a modified version of my original failed post in the “Post Pics of Your Rig” thread. Thank you Jefe4x4 for the inspiration.
Neil & Yoly
2016 Ram 2500HD Tradesman, 2WD Crew Cab, 6.4L Hemi
2018 Travel Lite 840 SBRX
Honda EU2000iNeil, the quote you referenced is truly one of my favorites, and another you might recall, “Improvise, Adapt and Overcome!!” has spared me personally more times than I dare count!!
I’m Glad to know that you found a way forward, and very much respect your Veteran Status Sir!
Best Regards,
Phil
Neil, the quote you referenced is truly one of my favorites, and another you might recall, “Improvise, Adapt and Overcome!!” has spared me personally more times than I dare count!!
I’m Glad to know that you found a way forward, and very much respect your Veteran Status Sir!
Best Regards,
PhilThis second adage is certainly relevant to my efforts to find a way to overcome my posting issue. Thank you for including it and for your service also. Much respect.
Best regards,
NeilNeil & Yoly
2016 Ram 2500HD Tradesman, 2WD Crew Cab, 6.4L Hemi
2018 Travel Lite 840 SBRX
Honda EU2000imick wrote, “Jefe, please translate those abbreviations in your byline, unless you feel that my clearance isn’t high enough.”
jefe responds; do you mean my signature line?
‘01.5 Dodge 2500 4×4, CTD, Qcab, SB, NV5600, NV241HD, 4.10’s, Dana 70/TruTrac; Dana 80/ TruTrac, Spintec hub conversion, H.D. susp, 315/75R16′ AT3’s on 7.5″ and 10″ wide steel wheels, Vulcan big line, Warn M15K winch ’98 Lance Lite 165s, 8’ 6″ X-cab, 200w Solar2001.5 ( the “.5” is when they added disc brakes also to the rear axle) Dodge RAM 2500 4WD, High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel, Quad Cab, short bed, New venture 5600 -6 speed manual trans, New Venture 241 HD transfer case (the HD designates a much wider chain to handle the shock loading while snow plowing)front Dana Super 60 with mostly Dana 70 parts including 35 spline outer (Mosier) and inner axle shafts, unit bearing delete, 2-piece axle shaft delete, a Spyntec selectable hub conversion, a 3 inch lift all around including 8 leaves on the rear axle with 3 upper overloads, 5 leaves in the main pack, Stable Loads, and Rancho 9K shocks, Cooper 35 inch AT3’s 315/75R16 on steel wheels (front: 7.5 inch wide. rear: 10 inch wide so called super singles custom made by Stockton wheel, Vulcan Big Line kit which moves the lift pump from the engine to the frame in front of the fuel tank making it a pusher instead of a sucker, Warn 15000 pound winch with winch bumper and radiator saver, and last but not least my 1998 Lance Lite model 165-s extended cab which means a North-South bed (s=short bed) with most of the systems worked on or replaced including a Progressive Dynamics 4645 converter, and added 200 watts of solar. It is being replaced by a new Northstar Laredo SC in September.
2020 Ford F-350 XLT FX4 4WD SRW SB SC 7.3L Godzilla Gas TorqShift 10R140 397 amps dual Alt dual batts Frnt Dana 60; Rr Dana M275 E-locker 4.30's 4580/4320/4066# payload 7243# curb wt. 11,300# GVWR 5-er prepped. 2020 Northstar Laredo SC, 12v compressor fridge, cassette, 320w Solar sub zero insulation.
This morning I finally had a little time to surf the site and ran across this post. I have always believed information is power so for me scrolling past this title was impossible.
They say the happiest workers are those who do what they love. Mike, your interest, passion and knowledge are among the top reasons why the site has become so popular. Attracting intelligent knowledgeable participants is the the big pay back for a well managed informative web site.
For me, ” ignorance is bliss”. I decided way back in the early 80’s that computers were not going to be my thing, sure I browse, post and dabble around the edges with my limited skills but that’s about it. I am more than happy to let the heavy hitters supply the interesting content. With my 7 day a week schedule there is no time to be too involved. I guess this is a blessing because since I don’t provide to much content I don’t have to deal with the few issue’s that apparently exist within the site, it’s all just fun and games for me.
When the time comes to buy buy my next camper and provide your site with a picture and fact filled laden post I will simply enlist my wife and daughter to help with the heavy lifting. Having an IQ of about 330 combined I am sure they can solve any woe’s that may come up during the writing of my over due post. Until then I am content to simply read and enjoy the information provided.
Here is a thought I want to add. For me, one of the things that keeps me coming back to a site are comments on the forum on all varieties of subjects from an active group of contributors. Sometimes I see what looks like a large number of folks “ghosting” the site in comparison to a fairly small number of comments. I would encourage folks not to be hesitant to post for fear of possibly getting “flamed”. It strikes me this site is pretty darn congenial so the more the merrier. 🙂
My two cents.
Steve and Andra
2012 F350 6.2 gasser SRW LB
Fab Fours front and rear in case we run into a rhino
2019 Northstar Laredo SCI would agree with that Steve. There is more than enough product related to truck campers out there to keep this site busy and interesting. I previously have spent some time on a different site where most participants were friendly and helpful but there was one A-HOLE who just had too much time on his hands and way too many opinions on everything. I no longer visit the site because of this one guy. Thankfully Mikes site too date has not suffered from an over bearing know it all. Lets hope that trend continues.
Freespool,
For 15 years I contributed to and took away from a site, which shall go nameless, where a loud troll showed up one day and rained on everyone’s parade. It may be the same one of whom you speak. With that, the exodus began.
This site does seem to have a larger percentage of adults with bona fide experience and no axe to grind. Those without experience seem to be amenable to suggestion, instead of being argumentative. I appreciate that.
Back during my University days, I developed this cautionary triptych:
1. We know what we know.
2. We don’t know what we don’t know.
3. However, we don’t know that we don’t know what we don’t know.
It does keep me humble.
jefe2020 Ford F-350 XLT FX4 4WD SRW SB SC 7.3L Godzilla Gas TorqShift 10R140 397 amps dual Alt dual batts Frnt Dana 60; Rr Dana M275 E-locker 4.30's 4580/4320/4066# payload 7243# curb wt. 11,300# GVWR 5-er prepped. 2020 Northstar Laredo SC, 12v compressor fridge, cassette, 320w Solar sub zero insulation.
“It does keep me humble.”
In a couple of my former lives not knowing that you didn’t know jack would get you kilt.
At least in this game, while there is some morbidity potential, it will mainly cost you money and embarrassment. ?This is the most civil forum I’ve seen yet. ???
It’s good to be a n00b - so I can aspire to be just stoopid.
Monrovia, CA
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