2020 Northstar Liberty - Expedition Truck Camper Build!

[montypower]

Here's the video of us taking delivery:


Over the years there have been many off road travel type vehicles. In the early days it was a 1992 Mitsubishi Montero with a cheap tent. There were a number of 4WD trucks after that 1983 Toyota Hilux (rock crawler), Isuzu Trooper, Isuzu Rodeo... I started getting the overland bug around 2009 and built a 1992 Isuzu Pup "little gray" on 33s ARB lockers, low gears, exo and ARB roof tent. Next came a new 2013 Toyota Tacoma DC with lots of modifications and hard shell Autohome Air Top tent on custom canopy with ARB fridge and all the goodies. Then came a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero (most modified in the US) on King 2.5" Coilovers, ARB Lockers, Gears, Full Skids, Bumpers, Winch and on and on. I decided that tents SUCK and created a sleeping platform inside (game changer). This rig started into some longer range multi-state trips.

Seeking greater comfort for extended travel... it was replaced with a new 2016 Toyota Tundra DC with 2016 FWC Hawk. The camper was incredible (coming from a tent); I never removed it from the truck and accumulated 160 nights in the first 9 months! I was hooked. But the Four Wheel Camper isn't great... it's basically a tin can. Terrible insulation. Noisy in the rain or wind. Ongoing condensation issues. No bathroom. Bad for stealth camping. Drove it all over from Baja to BC. Put on around 50k miles in just over 1 year! Then sold it.

Next up was the 2010 Winnebago View (24ft RV) on Mercedes Sprinter Chassis. I absolutely LOVE the Sprinter vans. They drive so good. Incredible view (huge windshield), ideal seating position (comfy), fantastic MPG (averaged 17 loaded)... It's basically like being at home. Added a HUGE marine Fridge/Freezer, 60+ Gallons of water, 920W Solar, 400AH Batteries and more. It was easy to be off grid for 4 weeks solo. Or 2-3 weeks with my wife. We built a high clearance moto rack and hauled a Z125 moto for exploring areas and doing self shuttle for MTB rides. Even with the 4.5" Suspension Lift, Off Road Tires, ARB Compressors and more. Still longed for more off road capability.

Return to Truck Camper!!! We purchased a 2019 Ford F250 Crew and 2013 Northstar Laredo SC camper. And took it on a trial trip. It was too BIG. Nearly the same size as the Winnebago with worse turning radius and minimal capability increase with bad MPG. SOLD IT.

Explored all the camper offerings both hard side and popup style. Decided the best fit was the Northstar Liberty. So we custom ordered one!

 

[montypower]

Here's the full walk through tour and review of the camper. Great chance to see it before the modifications and build.

The Northstar Liberty camper is made for remote off grid or expedition overland type travel. It weighs in around 1,800lbs dry. It is narrow in the camper world at only 84” wide. Center of gravity is at only 24”. This all helps with having a nimble camper that is capable of traveling on rough roads with ease. Yet it has all the comforts of home: wet bath with cassette toilet, compressor fridge, furnace, water heater and more…

It has no slide outs. The floor length is 7ft so it fits inside short bed trucks without hanging over the rear bumper. It is wood framed construction with block foam insulation and foil wrap. Windows are dual pane acrylic which help to significantly reduce heat transfer and condensation issues. It is setup to be a 4 season capable camper. Plus, it can be used while off loaded on the jack stands.

We are excited to build this camper and take it to some incredible destinations.

Specs:
Dry Weight: 1,775lbs
Interior Height: 6’4”
Exterior Width: 84”
Floor Length: 7ft
Bed Size: 60x80
Dinette Seating Area: 55”
Long Fresh Water Tank: 20 Gallons
Gray Water Tank: 13 Gallons (not installed in ours)
Cassette Tank: 5 Gallons

 

[montypower]

We begin the demo and prep for our camper build.

The goal with this camper is to be able to remain off grid for up to 2 weeks at a time while traveling / exploring remote areas. In order to accomplish this we need to address the electrical, water and storage systems.

This video is an overview of our plans and start of the demo to make it happen. 2020 Northstar Liberty Truck Camper

 

[montypower]

Making a truck camper functional off grid requires POWER! We love SOLAR as it is renewable and silent. But getting a functional solar setup means you need A LOT of solar.

Here’s the parts we used:

Renogy 160W Flexible Solar Panels (check out their newest 175W panels). Best warranty available 25 years. We used their MC4 solar panel extension cables in 10 AWG to connect the panels to the junction block. Stainless #10 screws in all 4 corners with Butyl tape under and above the panel to create a gasket seal. Dicor 501 to add additional adhesion (small sections). This method is great for TPO or EPDM roofs (rubber roofs). For metal or fiberglass the 3M VHB tape with Dicor would work for no holes in the roof.

Blue Sea DualBus Plus 150A – junction block to connect solar panel wiring. Using marine ¼” ring terminals 10 gauge heat shrink connectors. Buy a good crimper compatible for heat shrink fittings. TEMCo 6 gauge welding wire to connect junction block to the 70 AMP Bussmann breaker and Victron 50/100 solar charge controller. You’ll also need 6 AWG marine wire lugs (1/4”) – I used SELTERM tinned copper studs. And TEMCO lug crimber tool.

Victron MPPT Control (remote screen for monitoring) and Victron VE direct cable to connect monitor to charge controller.

Solar charge controller connected to 70 AMP Bussmann breaker via 6 AWG TEMCo wire. Then connected to bus bar. Which was connected to Blue Sea battery switch. Which was connect to the battery via 4/0 gauge TEMCo wiring.

Victron Battery Monitor kit for monitoring battery charge.

Battle Born 100amp Lithium Batteries.

That’s the solar wiring overview of parts needed. You’ll also need lots of small things like screws, zip ties, cable management, sleeving… You’ll want to draw out your entire solar layout. This will help you determine wiring lengths, then you can figure out proper wiring gauges depending on your loads. Lots to learn!

Parts Sources: Amazon & Powerwerx (for breakers, ring terminals)

Hope that helps get you started!

 

[montypower]

Just finished the electrical! Long day yesterday/today. Exciting to wrap up the other projects and get out traveling.

 

[zb39]

Looking great, what do you have planned for water storage?

 

[montypower]

Looking great, what do you have planned for water storage?

Thanks! Further water system changes will be after summer travels...
Will be replacing the 20 gallon water tank with a 30+ gallon tank. We are using a 2 stage filter for filling (Sediment + .5 micron carbon); will be installing 2 stage ceramic filter + UV filter before the faucet.

 

[zb39]

Are you planning on filling your tank from streams and lakes?

 

[montypower]

Possibly. It would need to be clean... Otherwise, will clog filters quick! Mostly the ability to fill from collapsible containers from various sources. Especially when we are in Baja.

 

[montypower]

Plugging in to shore power is the absolute WORSE THING!!! Seriously, if you enjoy being off grid and escaping to remote areas... Generators suck! They are noisy, heavy and take fuel. So... How do you do it??

Simple. Turn your truck into a GENERATOR!

There are several methods to do this. One is to run wiring from your truck battery to the camper with an Isolator. This essentially connects the camper to the truck when the alternator is charging. Issues?? There is no way to control the power flow. It can (especially with Lithium batteries) overwork/overheat your alternator.

Best Solution?? DC to DC Charger. Install a fuse at the truck battery and run wiring to the camper DC charger then connect the charger to your camper batteries. The DC Charger will turn on when the alternator is running. But it will limit the current flow and provide the proper charge for your battery (different settings to match types of batteries).

So... No more generator. Plus, you charger your camper while driving! Awesome!

Parts we used:

Renogy 50AMP DC Charger w/ MPPT Solar Controller - DCC50S
1AWG Wiring (truck battery to camper)
Blue Sea 5191 Fuse Block Terminal
Battery Terminal Fuse 100AMP
Anderson SB175 Red Connectors (1AWG + 4AWG)
Eaton Bussman Circuit Breaker 80AMP

Lots of tie wraps, cable shielding, cable lugs, heat shrink and misc install parts.

Any questions?

 

[montypower]

The Gray Tank holds the water from the sink and shower. This is typically not that dirty especially if you screen what goes down the drain and use biodegradable soaps.

There are a couple issues with carrying around your gray tank water. The first is the weight and second is disposing of it. Small quantities of gray water are easy to dispose of…. However an entire tank full requires the use of a proper RV dump station. It’s always good to capture your gray water. This can easily be done with a collapsible container and easily carried to be dumped out.

Our previous popup Four Wheel Camper HAWK didn’t have a gray tank and we really enjoyed the simplicity it offered. So we converted our new Northstar Liberty camper to not have a gray tank and removed the drain plumbing.

Parts Used:
JR Products 95195 – Exterior Drain Trap (one for each drain)
/4" ID Clear Flexible PVC Holes
Stainless Steel Hose Clamps
Various Connection Fittings – T Fitting, 90 degree

 

[Regcabguy]

I love our grey tank. I have the garden hose fitting and water plants with the soapy stuff. One less container to haul.

 

[montypower]

After 1 week of traveling in the Truck Camper we talk about the things we like and dislike about it. There is nothing perfect. Everything has some compromise and trade off. Most of the challenge is finding what works for you! So far, we are enjoying the change to the truck camper. There are plenty of things that take some adjusting to. Keep posted for our next modifications and improvements!

 

[montypower]

One of the big issues with downsizing our Ford F250 SuperDuty from a Crew Cab to Extended Cab was the loss of interior storage. We removed the back seat from the truck and use it to haul our recreational gear. The biggest loss was space for the inflatable paddle boards… There was no good solution for storing them. They are just big and awkward enough to be a challenge.

So we rebuilt the basement of the camper into a storage area with pull out drawer and room for the camper jacks to be stored while traveling. This allows us the ability to remove and drop the camper while not dealing with the jacks hindering remote travel.

Marine Plywood - Local Lumber Yard (box stores do not carry this) - $85.49
2x4 and 1/2" plywood (local box store) - $80
T25 Star Drive Screws for base 2.5" + 3" - $15
Construction adhesive - Gorilla Glue (local box store) - $15
Misc Screws hings locks etc - $5
Olympus Keyed Deadbolt Model # 26D78-101 - Craftmaster Hardward (online) - $55.56
Deck sealant waterproof (black) - $40
UHMW .125"x72" cut in 2" strips - ePlastics (online) - $193.74
Muzata HD 304 SS Piano Hing 2"x24" .06" thick (amazon) - $53.14
TCH Hardware SS HD Barrel Lock (amazon) - $29.71
Richelieu Hardware 9/10in White Caster Wheels (HomeDepot) - $6.90

Do you like this?? Love to hear your thoughts!

 

[svinyard]

Man, this is such a nice run down of stuff, you guys are great. So, we have very little experience here but have a similar-ish Scout Kenai coming would like to do some similar things. The proper battery charging from the truck is great, sounds like a typical charging line wouldn't work with our Yeti Lithuim 1500X. Cool to hear how you are handling grey water as we aren't storing that either (nice).

Questions:
1- What are you doing for a step into the camper?
2- Are you leveraging the storage area between the lower camper sidewall and the truck wheel well? If so, how are you securing it being that you don't have a tailgate on?
3- What are you using for a bike rack? (we were thinking of getting a vertical MTB rack, LoLo, that swings out to the side)