Abnmarine
Junior Member
Three months ago we purchased a 2004 Northstar TC800. I spent a few weeks making it better. I had to replace the countertop so I removed the stove/oven combo and installed a two burner stovetop and made a cabinet below for storage. I also installed a 240 watt solar system, two golf cart batteries, 300 watt Morningstar inverter and swapped LEDs for all lights. Last, I built a porch for easy entry.
The wife and I just returned from a five day trip through the Rockies with stops at Mesa Verda, Four Corners, Grand Canyon and back to the mountains. The 2014 Dodge did great through several 11,000+ mountain passes. I would put the tranny into second or third and she held a safe speed for those downhill grades. Rarely needing the brakes. The Hemi and eight speed transmission had plenty of power while the factory air suspension kept the ride smooth and level. I did upgrade to E rated tires when I bought it. We travelled 1,456 miles driving through the mountains, a few highways at 65 mph and averaged 16 mpg. I'm impressed!
It's been five years since our last outing due to moving to Hawaii in 2011. I really enjoy the flexibility of a TC too. We watched movies for hours, used several lights, charged our phones and ran the heated bed only using less than ten amps all day. The system was fully charged within an hour upon sunrise. I think my solar was a bit more than I needed but I'll also use the camper in the winter when hunting and wanted to be safe.
Just wanted to share some pictures of the adventure.
The wife and I just returned from a five day trip through the Rockies with stops at Mesa Verda, Four Corners, Grand Canyon and back to the mountains. The 2014 Dodge did great through several 11,000+ mountain passes. I would put the tranny into second or third and she held a safe speed for those downhill grades. Rarely needing the brakes. The Hemi and eight speed transmission had plenty of power while the factory air suspension kept the ride smooth and level. I did upgrade to E rated tires when I bought it. We travelled 1,456 miles driving through the mountains, a few highways at 65 mph and averaged 16 mpg. I'm impressed!
It's been five years since our last outing due to moving to Hawaii in 2011. I really enjoy the flexibility of a TC too. We watched movies for hours, used several lights, charged our phones and ran the heated bed only using less than ten amps all day. The system was fully charged within an hour upon sunrise. I think my solar was a bit more than I needed but I'll also use the camper in the winter when hunting and wanted to be safe.
Just wanted to share some pictures of the adventure.
