Introduction and 2025 Cirrus projects

db_cooper

Hopefully this is the first of many new Cirrus introductions we can get on the forum!

We have had our Cirrus for just about 1 year,  purchased truck and camper combo used from private party,  it was the unicorn setup we were planning on putting together ourselves.  So far we've spent about 4 weeks sleeping in it.  We retired at the end of 2024 and so those numbers will be much greater for 2025 and beyond if we have anything to say about it.

We loved our T@b 320 Outback,  but we use the camper for skiing in the winter, and while it towed in the snow quite well,  I wanted to move to a non-tow situation.  Another bonus, I can stand easily in the truck camper.  We were pretty set on the Sprinter route until the pandemic and Sprinter prices skyrocketed.  Plus none had the Alde, which performs incredibly well when boondocking at ski areas.  Another plus is that it's much easier to get an American truck repaired on the road than a Sprinter that needs specialized service centers, you can't just go to any Mercedes dealer.

My projects for 2025 are pretty modest.  We are replacing the 100 ah lithium battery with a 230 ah that fits in the same space. Based on last years performance that will be more than enough for a week in one spot before moving camp.  The other project is to replace the Alde glycol myself, which if all goes well,  I will post pictures and details of the process.

And here's the most important part, pics!

Sharon_is_SAM

Just looked at some pictures on the NuCamp website and it appears that you actually have more practical seating space then the 320. Like the 400 the bed is always made up. Nice!

db_cooper

Yes,  having a separate dinette from the bed was a big consideration as well.  The only thing we really will miss is the 320's shower.   There is an outside shower, but we've found getting by with clean wipes, sink baths and the occasional campground shower works just fine for us.  It was not worth the extra weight of the 820 to us just to have a shower.  The fact that we can close the tailgate, and park in a "normal" space was more important.  And the Ford has the tailgate step with grab bar, so getting in is pretty easy, and we have the tailgate as a porch!

Bill&Suze

Looks interesting. What's the procedure for getting it on and off the truck bed?

db_cooper

I've only had the camper off a couple times, so I need more practice. They come with electric jacks with a remote, which makes it super easy to raise and lower. Unloading is simple, just drive slowly out, loading is a bit nerve racking, just have to go slow.  Once under the camper you can make micro adjustments by lower one side first and then the other in small increments. 

Here's a quick video. 

https://youtu.be/2HfuWjaM2-Q?si=LHCpUMjA9EHg3PLw