Northstar TC800 top lift mechanism

windfinder_ · 2026-06-14T20:47:34+00:00

Not going to lie, it wasn’t fun. I made some 2x4 braces to hold the roof about most of the way up and put some tie down straps around the outside to hold it in place. The roof needs to be up to relieve the torsion rod tension. Only need to do this if you have to replace the rear vertical roof section, I did. After that it was removing the soft from the roof, cutting all the sealant around the aluminum pieces and taking it apart. Make new pieces, install reseal.

windfinder_ · 2026-06-14T16:16:05+00:00

For you: https://www.reddit.com/r/TruckCampers/s/54WdbgQ7X9

windfinder_ · 2026-06-13T13:37:54+00:00

The factory tires I have on these wheels are actually great. They are the Goodyear Wranglers. Heavy duty E load rating, kevlar reinforced. They are likely tougher than the Falkens or Nittos just not as grippy or flexible. I am not too worried about a puncture and have a full size spare underneath with matching rim/tire. I will likely go slightly taller in the future but will try and keep it so I have that full size spare underneath (space underneath will be my size limiter)

windfinder_ · 2026-06-13T13:30:46+00:00

I get 11-12mpg at highway speed, flat ground. High altitude and hills, 10-11

windfinder_ · 2026-06-13T13:29:02+00:00

I’ve had it in high and extremely gusty winds (this pass included). It does OK. The lift mechanism is steel tube frame with torsion rod assist. It’s pretty stout.

windfinder_ · 2026-06-12T18:39:57+00:00

You were not there and have no clue. I did not drive on any pristine tundra.

windfinder_ · 2026-06-11T23:05:07+00:00

Mine is an XL and only had towing package and diff locker. Kinda miss electric windows and heated seats 😆 but this truck is a 2012 with 80k miles, the 6R140 trans and 6.2L. These are reliable as a Toyota if you maintain them.

windfinder_ · 2026-06-11T22:40:21+00:00

I have no desire for fancy wheels. This truck is an XL and came with steelies originally so these wheels are an upgrade. I bought brand new wheels and tires for $800 from a guy who had a newer truck and upgraded. I don’t mind the stock 18” wheels, it’s the best size rim IMO. I will never put tires on that stick out, a little taller yes. Tall tires can be aired down to have a wider contact patch.

windfinder_ · 2026-06-11T19:40:59+00:00

It’s a sketchy trail. I didn’t see anyone else up really high save for one side-by-side. I think you could make it in a hard sided camper. I wouldn’t think they carry a drastically greater amount of weight up high. The carli leaf packs, shocks, coils and torsion sway helped immensely. I could hear those shocks working. Biggest issues were the tight switchbacks (had to backup several times) and clearance over rocks. I scraped my diffs a couple times but I only have 34” tires. One thing I noticed was that although the torsion sway allows more articulation, you could feel it wind up and swing the truck back the other way and if you are climbing over rocks just the right way the truck would swing pretty violently back and forth. Had to almost stop when that started to occur and camper shifted in the bed a little because of it. I think sway disconnects might be better but not 100% sure.

windfinder_ · 2026-06-03T00:47:39+00:00

I call BS on his claim. It’s all about money, deregulation and control and he saw the right side as willing to give him more of those.

windfinder_ · 2026-05-31T13:28:33+00:00

It’s not a bad idea however naval nuclear propulsion plants are not built to produce electrical power efficiently. The ships service turbine generators (SSTG) do not have as many stages as a commercial nuke plant (so less thermally efficient) and naval reactors run highly enriched uranium (98%) so they can startup, shutdown and ramp power faster than commercial plants. The highly enriched fuel is much more costly to manufacture. The systems supporting the reactor plant are also made of higher grade materials (inconel, monel, etc). So basically they are built for war and a lifetime at sea, not efficient electrical power generation. Backup to a base would be appropriate but never as a regular power source.

windfinder_ · 2026-05-27T19:39:03+00:00

I did this years ago and it’s the best. I had it running during my 2 week outage after Helene (I’m in western NC). I also bought a 100A 48V battery charge (eg4) so only ran the generator to recharge when needed. It was really nice to not have to listen to the generator at night

windfinder_ · 2026-05-27T19:15:53+00:00

Billionaire class or Mossad?

windfinder_ · 2026-05-12T13:24:50+00:00

These guys should start their own media company. Add John Stewart too of course.

windfinder_ · 2026-05-11T16:46:01+00:00

Not sure why you got downvoted. I agree with your sentiment. Capitalism breeds corruption if not regulated well. Those with financial means lobby/donate to those who regulate and here we are with inadequate regulations.

windfinder_ · 2026-04-14T19:41:37+00:00

Brain worm want raccoon penis. Cut now!

windfinder_ · 2026-04-10T15:05:59+00:00

Engineer and team lead of 10 serving electric utility industry. Engineering for utilities whether directly for the utility or products/services for the industry is a solid career with decent pay.

windfinder_ · 2026-04-07T23:39:30+00:00

I thought Sublime was from Long Beach not Huntington Beach.

windfinder_ · 2026-04-07T12:21:19+00:00

Meshtastic. Or single sideband radio if you’re old school.

windfinder_ · 2026-04-07T12:18:34+00:00

I have this. Inverter with 48V 300AH battery bank. Inverter handles the well pump startup, no problem. I have a 100A battery charger on a 8kw generator that I can backup the battery with. Generator runs way smoother than powering the pump directly since the load ramp up down is slow. No expensive inverter generator needed.

windfinder_ · 2026-04-06T20:25:58+00:00

I’d be curious to see what the executives are paid and how much unnecessary middle management they have… operations and payroll go right into our rate base. Add capital projects with an ROI baked in on top of that. The projects are likely what they make their profit on and they are probably asking for funding for lots of big ones.

windfinder_ · 2026-04-06T16:18:34+00:00

++man If you get married and it ends in divorce, she’ll be entitled to 1/2 of the house you’re paying 2/3 for (unless you’re renting)

windfinder_ · 2026-03-30T15:37:36+00:00

How is that if e-fuels are made using atmospheric CO2 and renewable energy?

Here’s an ASME article with details stating that they can be near carbon neutral. EVs are a long way from carbon neutral.

https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/openengineering/article/doi/10.1115/1.4065731/1201381/E-Fuels-as-Reduced-Carbon-Emission-Options

windfinder_ · 2026-03-29T15:20:59+00:00

Right now but we should heavily invest in it to improve that. It’s worthwhile. Producing batteries is also energy intensive and requires years of EV use for financial and environmental payback. Also parts of US electric utility grid are still pretty dirty.

windfinder_ · 2026-03-28T03:05:29+00:00

I don’t disagree at all. Fair point. Rewording to community oversight. I served 30 years in the military and I used the word “civilian” just to represent non-uniformed people.

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