TJ received major upgrades 04/2023
Desolate stage 1.5 double Bilstein
Desolate stage 1.5 double Bilstein
Desolate stage 1.5 double Bilstein
This entry level Desolate MotorSports performance kit is a great way to improve the handling of TJ.
Rear leaf springs 3100lb load
Desolate stage 1.5 double Bilstein
Desolate stage 1.5 double Bilstein
F250 spec 3100lb leaf springs to carry the extra load of the camper.
Firestone ride-rite 2071 air bags.
Desolate stage 1.5 double Bilstein
Firestone ride-rite 2071 air bags.
Bags to adjust the ride based on the terrain and leveling out the rig as we are towing or parking to camp.
AirLift 74000EZ
Powerstop front and rear brake kit
Firestone ride-rite 2071 air bags.
The AirLift system allows us to control each bag individually by means of remote control or phone app.
Powerstop front and rear brake kit
Powerstop front and rear brake kit
Powerstop front and rear brake kit
PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Upgrade Kit as TJ likes to work and play hard and needs all the stopping power it can get.
Desolate rear upper shock mount
Powerstop front and rear brake kit
Powerstop front and rear brake kit
To complete the suspension upgrade the rear got the Desolate rear upper shock mount kit with Bilstein shocks.
How did we get this pop up truck camper?
2017
Traci wanted to go camping in my '96 Ford Bronco. I thought, "she's got to be kidding". I have had the Bronco in my possession since 1997. It has stood the test of time and proved to be strong. There have been times I was tempted to sell it. But after a good cleaning, I just could not bring myself to get rid of it.
Therefore, I made her wish come true! We fabricated a platform to sleep on, strapped a motorcycle to the back, gathered up supplies and headed to Colorado for an early Spring vacation. That was all it took! We were hooked and there was no turning back. Camping was in our blood.
Well, we did eventually return to Texas. We brought along our aching backs from sleeping on the too short platform bed. Not to mention, being frozen halfway to death from the cold nights. Us "Texans" are not use to cold weather. But the seed was planted. RV shopping was on our to-do list, for sure!
Ok, now came shopping time for the perfect one! We started looking for a small class B. Soon were blown away by the Class C motorhomes. We totally lost it when we stepped in a 42ft Class A with 1 1/2 baths. What luxury that was! At, first we thought now this is what its about. Evidentially, we realized that was just not us. It was not our type of camping. So, the search continued looking at many campers along the way. It was only a few months later an RV Trader ad caught my attention. NO WAY, a 1996 Ford Bronco with a Camper on it??!! And it only had 36K miles on it and looked like new. Surely, it was too good to be true. It was a must see and must have. Just like that we took a flight to Boulder, Colorado and made it ours. We had found our TJ Shack. For the not so romantic details about picking up the camper click this link to our Blog.
About TJ
TJ Shack
Meet TJ, our 1996 Ford Bronco with a 96 Lite Craft Popup camper. Imagine small and think even smaller. When popped up, the camper gives me plenty head room. I am 6’1”. The bed sleeps two east to west. It has a fridge, furnace, 3 burner stove, sink, freshwater tank, and a dinette that folds down to another small bed. The camper is open to the truck cab. Camper finish and truck interior was and is super clean. Vinyl on the popup is insulated and in very good condition. It has 7 windows giving us 360 degree views. There is a cleverly designed hitch mount step that gets you inside the camper in two steps. The camper received the Colorado Housing Authority stamp of approval.
Travels
TJ does not have A/C onboard. So, the mountains and cooler climates make it ideal weather for TJ. Though, some places still call for A/C. We have done our best to be equipped with just about everything else, we could think of. There is considerable weight on this truck. Therefore, some modifications were made to improve the driving experience and weight.
Mods
We have done many modifications to our little home away from home. Our very first mod was featured in Truck Camper Magazine. We are doing our best in making our own overland vehicle. Allowing it to go place most cannot and stay for as long as available or however long we could. Our camper is currently furnished with solar, 2 lithium batteries, compressor fridge, new electric/electronics, new upholstery, many clever storage solutions, a small trailer, suspension mods and wind deflector. The list continues to grow.
Not all Broncos are treated equally. On the left the Texas sun baked and neglected twin brother. On the right TJ the golden child.
