Hallmark Nevada Flatbed Camper Interior

Spacious interior of the Hallmark Nevada flatbed camper. What amenities does it have? Essentially everything, including a toilet, shower, large Nova Kool refrigerator with separate freezer, and 50+ gallons of water.

James Langan

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Resource:

Hallmark Truck Campers

 

Hallmark Truck Campers’ Pull-In Cab-Over Bed

 

James Langan

Copyright James Langan/RoadTraveler. All Rights Reserved

Resource:

Hallmark Truck Campers

 

Rancho RS9000XL shock absorber testimonial

Rancho 9000 shocks have been on several of my trucks over the past 20+ years and I still like them. They are much better than the factory dampers, and adjustable, which can be pretty fantastic for trucks that are often lightly loaded, and/or heavily loaded.

Want to go fast, then maybe a race-inspired shock is your solution? Got a heavy load, a less sexy (and less expensive) heavy-duty damper might work.

James Langan

Copyright James Langan/RoadTraveler. All Rights Reserved

Resource:

Rancho Performance Suspension and Shocks

Hallmark Campers’ Super Manual roof lift. Nevada model flatbed.

Raising the roof on a Hallmark Nevada 8.5-foot flatbed model camper. This unit has an air conditioner and 320 Watts of Zamp solar panels on the roof. The Makita XPH07 drill offers 1,090 in.-lb. of torque. 

Tell ‘em you saw it on RoadTraveler.net.

James Langan

Copyright James Langan/RoadTraveler. All Rights Reserved

Resource:

Hallmark Campers

Hellwig Big Wig Rear Sway Bar

Big Wig bar diameter is noticeably larger than the OE anti-roll bar.

Hellwig Big Wig Anti-Roll Bar

Both my Fourth Generation Ram/Cummins 2500s have been frequently or constantly loaded to their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and the stock suspensions and chassis have impressed me with their ability to handle maximum loads, including the factory rear stabilizer bar’s ability to tame body-roll. However, when pushing the limits of ratings, sometimes a little help from the aftermarket can increase handling performance, safety, and improve our driving experience. My choice was a heavy-duty, adjustable, rear stabilizer bar from Hellwig Products; they call it the Big Wig (part #7306, $570). Hellwig makes another rear bar for late-model Rams; however, I wanted the stoutest one for my loads.

All parts and fasteners were included with the Big Wig bar.

Hellwig knows more than a little about suspension products, they’ve been doing it since 1946, remain a family-owned-and-operated company, and still manufacture their products in Visalia, California, with American-made steel. They make steel helper springs, anti-roll (sway) bars, and air springs. Back in the early 1980s I purchased my first sway-bar product from Hellwig, for a VW Bug, which also lowered the front of the car. (I’ve not lowered a vehicle since.)

Mounting the Big Wig was easy, similar to changing shocks on a Fourth Generation Ram. After assembling a few bits, and properly adjusting the end links, it’s simply a matter of removing the factory bar and mounting the Big Wig in its place. All the parts and fasteners needed are included, and the written instructions are clear. Hellwig gets extra points for above average photos that are bright, and separately securing both the heavy bar and small box of parts inside the large shipping box, avoiding common strewn bits, box failures, or parts damage.

Using the factory bar to measure and adjust the length of the much beefier Hellwig bar ends.
Bar end bushings were pressed-in with a bench vise using the lube provided.

The Big Wig bar is substantially larger than the factory piece, and its shape provides plenty of clearance for my Mag-Hytec rear differential cover. Hellwig recommends starting at the outer, rear-most bar-end mounting hole, which is the softest setting, and moving to the two more firm holes, if desired after adjusting to the vehicle’s new handling characteristics. Because of my maximum load, I went straight to the firmest position.

Installation completed and ready for a road test.
Using the firmest, most forward hole. Zero clearance concerns near the tailpipe on the passenger side.

Does It Work?

From the beginning of my first test, there was a noticeable reduction in body roll, and overall improved stability and control. It does not turn a heavy truck into a sports car, but it was a great improvement. I made detailed notes during my initial drives which included the following Big Wig attributes:

-Limits how much roll occurs; the performance is somewhat similar to a better shock absorber. With the factory bar, after the initial body roll, there would be added oscillation and wiggle before the chassis returned to neutral after the disturbing force ended. The Big Wig stops the roll sooner and then holds the chassis more firmly until centering occurs.

– Very noticeable difference on 75-mph freeway sweepers; much less body roll.

– In high winds, control was much improved; this should reduce driver fatigue.

– Slow speed roll was also limited, including when entering and exiting driveways.

These were substantial improvements, but it is even more impressive when one remembers my custom Hallmark cabover camper, several hundred pounds of tools and recovery gear, bumper, winch, and 35-inch-tall tires. The Big Wig works, is worth the money, and I’m considering adding Hellwig’s front bar also.

Glad I finally added the Big Wig. Fits and works well.

Tell ‘em you read it on RoadTraveler.net.

James Langan

Copyright James Langan/RoadTraveler. All Rights Reserved

Resource:

Hellwig Products

Hillsboro Series 2000 aluminum flatbed installation videos

Before there could be a Hallmark flatbed model camper, there needed to be a flatbed on my truck. I wanted a readily available and less expensive commercial product, not a custom or semi-custom bed for two or three times as much (out-the-door). After months of research, study, and planning, I decided on the 7′ x 8.5′ Hillsboro Series 2000, and to purchase it and have it installed at Idaho Trailer Sales in Buhl, Idaho.

All of these videos are short.

It took a full day to mount this Hillsboro 2000 Series flatbed and accessories on this 2017 Ram 2500.

Copyright James Langan/RoadTraveler.net

All Rights Reserved.

Resources:

Hallmark Truck Campers

Hillsboro

Idaho Trailer Sales

 

 

Hallmark flatbed camper interior part 1 and 2

Video tour overviews of the first Hallmark flatbed camper, this is the 8.5-foot Nevada model. The development of this flatbed camper was a collaboration between Hallmark and myself, part of a larger editorial vehicle project, so I was able to help design the layout and features, and choose the amenities. Priorities included additional water, propane, and a large refrigerator with a separate freezer for extended, unsupported travels in remote country.

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All Rights Reserved.