Frequently Asked Questions
1) I came across your website and thought i would see if you could help me out with a little advice. I recently purchased a WilderNest tent and am in the process of mounting it. I am concerned that this tent is too heavy for my small 1988 Toyota 2wd truck. Do you have any advice. When i have put it on the bed it definitely looked like it was riding low.
Congrats on your WilderNest. FWIW, the WilderNest fits on your truck very well. The dimensions are good, the height is good. But like you know, they are not light. That is the biggest concern and most people find that they need an extra leaf in the rear springs. This is not terribly difficult to do and most major manufacturers offer what is called an Add-A-Leafs to add capacity to your suspension. Also, don't be concerned, this is not unique to 2WD trucks, even 4WD Toyota trucks need an extra spring. By the way, you are not hurting the springs if they are sitting low. Toyota has a very strong overload spring that will take the weight (about 300 lbs) without damage. But it's good to have an Add-A-Leaf put in and any 4WD shop will be able to help you find what you need.
2) I am the lucky new owner of a 95 Nissan 4x4 with a WilderNest of close to the same vintage. I love it! OK, now what's the trick for taking the camper OFF the truck without a team of elephants to do the lifting?
Hi there, thanks for your email. Congratulations on your new WilderNest, they are cool. Tricks for removing it, well, lots of muscle. :-) I can tell you what I do and what I've heard others do, so maybe that will help. I personally use a pair of Yakima cross bars, which I slide under the topper between the bed rails and the bottom edge of the camper. This way it can roll a little. I ask at least one other person who is a true friend and we roll the 'Nest backwards onto a pair of saw horses. Not much to it beyond strong backs. Other people have rigged up hoists in their garages if they take them off a lot. I did that using the cross bars as the lifting points and it worked well. I lowered the camper onto furniture dollies to move it around.
3) I just bought a WilderNest a couple of weeks ago, but it didn't come with the outrigger poles. Any ideas on how I can make my own? I don't know if the original ones are adjustable or what so any advice would help. I love the WilderNest already though!
WilderNests are pretty cool, aren't they? Congrats on finding one! The poles are not terribly specific and really are not absolutely required, although they do cut down significantly on the seasick motion if two people are sleeping in the camper. Please see the Tech Section for photos of the original poles, but suffice to say you can find or make replacements with a little time in the garage or shopping at most surplus or camping stores.
4) Hi, I just got a 92 WilderNest for my F350. It is really sweet. I have wanted one for 18 years! Mine is missing the latches. Do you have a couple of close up photos of yours? I have the lever part of the latch, just not the hook part.
Please see the Tech Section for close up photos of the original latches. The original manufacturer and model are unclear, so flipping through hardware catalogs or trying a local RV and camper shop are the best options. Just find something that fits the molded flats in the topper and lid, redrilling and slight fiberglass repair is typically required. Good luck and enjoy your 'Nest!
5) I have a broken lift spring in mine any idea where I might be able to find or have made a replacement, or if any one has used a differant method to lighten the opening and closing load.
The helper springs are located in the front and rear of the camper along the hinge side. They often break and WilderNest recommended a dry lube on them (non-dry lubes will stain the material if they touch). Many large metro areas have a shop that can custom bend springs for you, I suggest trying the Yellow Pages or asking a local machinist for recommendations.
6) I saw someone on the Web that had your camper. I really like the idea, how much do they cost and do you ship to Canada?
Thanks for contacting me, but unfortunately I am not the manufacturer of the WilderNest due to copyrights and patents that I do not own. The company itself is out of business and has been for about 10 years. I am just a dedicated enthusiast who restores and re-sells them.