From time to time, we like to shine the spotlight on restored truck campers. This time we spotlight a 1973 no-frills model made by a little-known company called Custom Covers and Campers. To tell us about this restoration of this classic, Kevin Rausch, was kind enough to answer several questions.
Thanks, Kevin, for taking the time to talk with us about your truck camper restoration. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Kevin Rausch: My family and I reside in Stanchfield Minnesota. I am a father of two boys. My wife and I both have jobs in the automotive field and in our spare time we enjoy camping, hunting and fishing as well as riding ATV trails throughout Minnesota. I’m a jack-of-all-trades and fixer of all things. I have many hobbies and work on home improvement projects and tinker with small engines in my spare time. I particularly like working on older vehicles.
Can you tell us about your truck camper and why you chose that particular make and model?
Kevin Rausch: The camper is my first and only truck camper. It is a 1973 that was made by Custom Covers and Campers in Chanute Kansas. I haven’t seen another with the same manufacture tag or branding as mine yet so I’m not sure how many or if there are any more like it left. I suspect it could have been manufactured by Nu Wa but cannot confirm.
How did you find this camper?
Kevin Rausch: I found the camper listed in Iowa on Craigslist in spring of 2015 and was attracted to it because of its condition. It had no water damage and appeared to never had been stored outdoors for any extended period of time. I was looking for a budget friendly project and being very cautious searching for the right one not wanting a major project repairing rot.
Does the camper have anything unique or custom about it?
Kevin Rausch: or the most part it’s a pretty standard truck camper for its time with no frills or added woodworking. Not a lot of extra options beyond the basics.
What are some things you like about it most?
Kevin Rausch: I would have to say my favorite feature of the camper would be the crank out windows and vents and how much air flows through it on hot sunny days. It really helps when you don’t have an air conditioner.
Was the camper in good condition?
Kevin Rausch: The camper was in pretty solid shape when I bought it with the exception of the lower particle board side and under sheathing which had some chipping and swelling and a few bumps on the outer skin above the front windows but nothing major.
Tell us about the restoration? What exactly did you do?
Kevin Rausch: I wanted to preserve the camper and make sure it would be solid for years to come with outdoor storage so I first repaired, sealed and reinforced the particle board lower areas and added a layer of plywood then painted it to match the camper.
After that I moved onto sealing roof seams and areas that would be prone to water intrusion that would potentially cause damage with the freeze and thaw cycles. I know it’s not the right way and it’s a debatable fix but it has worked very well for the last 10 years. I applied Dicor over some of the existing original butyl seal seams before they failed and replaced the plastic screw covers with new.
I also replaced one of the front windows due to a crack, replaced the kitchen hand pump faucet and installed a three-jack system instead of the two-jack system it came with. I’m also in the process of locating and installing new crank out window top weatherstripping due to a recent hail storm which damaged the original which is now very brittle.
What were some of the challenges and obstacles in the restoration?
Kevin Rausch: The biggest issue with the truck camper for me is storage. I don’t have the means to store it indoors and where I do have it stored out of my way when it’s not in use is only accessible when the ground isn’t saturated. So it makes quick use or access not as appealing.
Did you modify or update the camper in any way to make it more modern?
Kevin Rausch: The camper has modifications that did not come from the factory added over the years but remains mostly original. The previous owners removed the oven and replaced it with a small microwave then patched the cabinetry around it to fit it. As well as removing the original ice box which is now used as shelving but we don’t mind and just use a three-day cooler when we camp.
My modifications include adding a 12 volt outlet with USB chargers and a small shelf in the bed area. I also converted the non functioning capillary bulb thermostat and gas valve on the original Hydroflame radiant heater to a millivolt style which allows me to have a remotely mounted thermostat in the bed area and use the heater without a need for electricity. Now I don’t have to get out of bed to adjust the temperature if I get too cold or too hot at night.
I purchased and installed a small TV with a PAW International low profile wall mount which lifts on and off easily for transport and have an externally mounted antenna which I mount only when set up at a site I intend on using the TV for over the air channels. But usually the Bluray player is enough.
We also had a friend make curtains for us with blackout material and camouflage for all of the windows which really blocks out the light. I added carpet custom cut to cover the original sheet flooring.
Can you tell us about more about your truck?
Kevin Rausch: I bought the truck before I bought the camper and spent some time searching for a 3/4 ton that would fit my needs. The Truck is a mostly original pretty solid 1972 Chevy K20 3/4-ton 4×4 originally from Oregon. I wanted 4×4 so I could go off road with the camper and a trailer and not have to worry about getting stuck or hanging up due to sitting too low. It already had camper tie downs on the rear bumper and bed sides along with an auxiliary camper battery tray when I purchased it so knew it would be the right truck for my future vintage camper.
The truck has had a previous restoration and paint job in the late 80’s or early 90’s which is starting to show its age. I plan on restoring the truck with my sons in the future but for now I’m happy with it as it is because I’m not afraid to use it for what it was meant to do. If it was in immaculate shape I probably wouldn’t want to take it on dirt roads or haul gravel with it.
The drivetrain consists of a 350 V8 engine and automatic TH350 transmission with manually engaged 4WD. Top highway speed is comfortable around 60-65 due to engine RPM and handling but can do 70 mph if conditions permit.
It is also equipped with three functional fuel tanks. The two additional saddle tanks are traveler tanks controlled by a valve near the drivers seat that can be manually switched. You can also read any of the tanks fuel level on the instrument panel by using a toggle switch to select the desired tank. This was a dealer installed option when the truck was new and gives about 60 gallons of total fuel capacity. It really increases the range due to the truck only getting around 10 MPG.
Did you upgrade the camper’s electrical system in any way?
Kevin Rausch: Besides adding the 12v charger and USB outlet I upgraded 2 of the 3 interior lights to LED bulbs but that’s it.
Can you tell us about your camper’s electrical system including your solar power and DC-to-DC charger system?
Kevin Rausch: The camper doesn’t have much as far as electrical accessories go. It has 3 interior lights that run on 12V and one that uses 120 or 12V. There are 3, 120V receptacles and a breaker box in the closet. We do not have electrical water pump or heat. For 120 volt needs, we can plug in to our 1,000 watt small two-cycle generator for watching TRV or using the microwave and Keurig if we need to. The 12 volt power comes from an auxiliary deep cycle battery under the hood of the truck.
How do you keep your camper’s batteries charged?
Kevin Rausch: It’s a pretty basic setup that may be as old as the truck is and I have yet to modify because it works well. When the trucks engine is running and the alternator puts out a charge a solenoid connects the trucks battery positive cable to the auxiliary battery positive and charges both batteries via the trucks alternator. With the minimal amount of 12 volt power we typically use the battery can last two to three days before needing charge.
Have you made any modifications to your truck to carry your truck camper or improve its ride?
Kevin Rausch: The leaf springs on the truck were tired when I bought it and was very noticeable the first time I put the camper in it combined with the lack of sway bars and other worn front end parts which made it scary to drive. I replaced all 4 leaf spring packs, ball joints and the steering box which made a big difference. It also has leaf type overload springs on the rear which engage if I’m hauling heavier loads.
Unfortunately the truck didn’t come with factory sway bars but I do plan on adding at least a front sway bar and upgrading shocks in the future to further improve the handling and safety. I may even convert to a crossover steering system to improve handling, better feeling of control and steering response.
Does your rig feature any other accessories or features worthy of note?
Kevin Rausch: When I bought it there were no rear steps or even a mounting bracket where one use to be. So I built my own set of folding steps which work great and flip up for transport.
Do you have any regrets in your choices? Anything you wished that you had done differently?
Kevin Rausch: I often find myself and dreaming browsing classifieds for larger vintage truck campers like the 60’s and 70’s Holiday Ramblers. And maybe even a newer model heavy duty truck. All in all I don’t have any regrets with this camper and truck for it being my first. But knowing what I know now and having a family to bring with me most of the time when I do go camping I believe more modern trucks or DRW trucks are suited to handle these larger campers better and more safely. And if I do decide to upgrade to a different truck or camper with more amenities I know what to look for.
Where have you taken your restored rig thus far?
Kevin Rausch: Mostly camping in Minnesota state forests with our ATV’s, hunting and going to mud bogs sometimes with our off road truck or anywhere else I’d want to sleep in my own bed where I can park my rig. Sure beats a tent or a couch. I have also camped in sub zero weather in northern Minnesota during hunting season with the help of a small buddy heater in addition to the campers heater.
Where are you planning to take your rig in the future?
Kevin Rausch: Unfortunately this camper gets little use as of late. But I do offer it to my father so can join us on our camping trips occasionally. Family camping with this vintage rig isn’t very practical due the lack of safety features, space, car seats, and other amenities such as a bath/shower and hot water. So if we use this camper my wife drives separately and it’s not very efficient. For now I have acquired a smaller motorhome from a family member that better suits our families needs with more amenities such as AC, a full bathroom, hot water, refrigerator and more. But I’m not giving up on truck campers. And don’t have any plans to sell my truck camper unless I upgrade to a larger one.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your truck camper rig that would interest our readers?
Kevin Rausch: I enjoy that this truck and camper are mostly period correct and basic. Something right out of the past. So many people have memories of these old trucks and campers and like to share them with me when they see my setup. Being basic as it is makes it easier to enjoy nature with less distractions. Simple maintenance and less things to go wrong. I really enjoy that I can remove the truck to use for other needs and store the camper almost maintenance free.
This has been great talking to you. Thanks again for taking the time to talk with us. Do you have any final advicefor our readers?
Kevin Rausch: Thanks, Mike. It’s been great reminiscing on the last 10 years of working on and camping with this setup. Thanks for reaching out about my truck and camper. My advice would be that you camp to enjoy a certain place, event, nature or spend your time with other people and that the camper is just your shelter not the main event. Don’t overthink it or make it so nice you never want to leave it. just get out there and use it don’t over complicate things.
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