New pop-up truck camper owner

[CanadianVikingYYC]

Hello!

New member here at Expedition Portal! 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 Guanella 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. So, sold the Aliner and now looking forward to joining the pop-up truck camper world. I will be asking plenty of questions in the appropriate forums as there are many upgrades I would like to make to both the truck and Guanella LX. For the truck I’m looking at things like an e-locker, Warn “hidden” front winch, and Wilco Offroad hitchgate. For the Guanella 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]

The 2003 Guanella LX has the original (for the year) rubber roof that has been regularly maintained and has a factory installed solar.

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 6V batteries (if needed, they still seem strong)

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

 

[coastal]

The 2003 Guanella LX has the original (for the year) rubber roof that has been regularly maintained and has a factory installed solar.

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 6V batteries (if needed, they still seem strong)

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

Good luck with your new Hallmark. I just purchased a new used one as well and am looking to do similar, keep in touch in progress

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

Congrats on the camper. No help on the older Hallmark, but do love our 2015. Bill and Matt are great, just don't expect them to respond to email, which frustrates a lot of people.

We got the rear awning (Fiama F35), and to date rarely use it. For us it's just such a pain to deploy it's not usually worth the hassle so just be aware. What roof lift do you have on it?

 

[CanadianVikingYYC]

Coastal - congrats of your purchase and I look forward to hearing about your Hallmark upgrade/refresh.

Hopeless Diamond - thanks for the feedback, this is exactly the type of ‘real world” intelligence that I’m hoping for.