Tucker Adventures / Nikson Snow Adventures

[Nikson]

I've looked through previous threads, thought I would bring back an older one alive, but seems like past ones are all separated and are of Argo's time in the past.
In any case, sharing is caring they say - so grab a beer and some chips (or popcorn) - I'll do my best making this a pleasant read and informative.
I'll start with a link to my Youtube & online album - for those who are short fused on patience - and just want to binge.
Youtube - BudNixon - search Tucker Budnixon keywords, and you'll find what you want

https://www.youtube.com/@budnixon

Online album from snow camp

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DpGgyHbjR17Pu81SA

To give some background -
I love snow, as many of us do (I'd assume), always entertained the idea of getting a property w/a cabin where it would be snowy in the winter to run the cat, etc., but with time realized that Oregon isnt the place for that sorta thing, as weather here is very unpredictable and changes 10x per day.
thus came idea of making a cabin on a go, i.e. camper trailer, that will fit my need and be just right to tow behind a cat.
So here we go - introducing off-road capable & overland proven camper - BudStream
Been about a 10yr old brain child of mine, R&D, inspiration from MaltecTrucks in Germany, as well as NorthAmerican trailer makers, past couple of years been gathering all the intel of what "customers" were complaining about and wanted to make sure those mistakes werent part of the build, considering I'm a "dry" camper rather than a campground w/hook-ups style.
It tows straight as an arrow behind the 1544, loaded @3000lbs (+/- how much booze and steaks we pack) - skis work great by the way

 

[Nikson]

2023 marked 14th Annual Winter Man Camp that I host (sorta) - basically, I show up and many who know the time / place, show up as well. Its an open invite crowd - usually friends of friends - no drama crowd - everyone is welcome.
Conditions are simple - pack in & pack out - bringing something to the groups benefit, weather its a unique brew, culinary skill or some sort of entertainment. Main deal - dont be of drag, needing babysitting - otherwise - you'll be sent on your way home, as simple as that.
Conditions always varies, being winter, very unpredictable, so everyone preps on their own (heaters/4 season tents/canopy kitchen, etc).
This year was unique - with the storms in the valley, Cascades got nice dumping of snow, and temps ranged from 34F to -3F (winds up to 50mph I heard, so windchill was pretty rough).
Having a capable cat and a warm trailer to sleep in - was a game changer for sure.
I'll leave the rest to your imagination - pictures do say 1000 words

Olallie Meadows Cabin (decommissioned ranger cabin on former wagon trail from Government Camp to town of Detroit, OR)

My camp out was 10 days (including the 4 of the Annual camp), so I got to see variety of weather patterns
Must say SnoRunner along with Tucker are a great combo

Weekend before the camp out - Cascade Jeepers (one of my local clubs from Salem) - we hosted a winter potluck. It was nice to be able to break trail for these guys, as even 40in tall tires dont do much when snow is dry

Sunsets were a treat couple of days... In background - Mt. Jefferson (15 miles south of the location)

Drone Shot

 

[Nikson]

Didnt take much, just couple of days of sunny clear weather, and woke to this view...
Just the beginning of what was to come...

Probably my favorite drone shot of the Tucker so far

One of the first visitors arrived for the campout, my good friend Dmitri from StellarBuilt in Sacramento. This year, he put together a tracked Tacoma, and was excited to find out what it can and cant do

Faster one goes, faster things break and faster they get stuck... Boy, were they glad to see clicking tracks return to get them

it was just Wednesday night, cold temps were settling in, but snow kept coming down heavy.
Word of advice, keep everything in boxes/storage bins, etc. - wind carries everything away, and snow just covers it up, dont matter if its your sippy cup, or an empty fuel can - all get lost in the winter conditions, especially trash.

 

[Nikson]

morning view of the lake - "snow waves" were definitely a sight to see that morning

played in the deep while the storm was brewing before it got dark

and so the party started - gusts I was told were close to 50mph (almost ripped out my doors couple of times during recoveries)

..

 

[Nikson]

This is part 1 of 4, adventure 2 weeks prior to the Annual Camp
Gives you an idea of how things went as far as camping /towing, etc.

This is a short version of what it was last weekend - annual camp

 

[PJL]

Thanks Bud, good to see you here again.

 

[Nikson]

Thanks Bud, good to see you here again.

Thanks... I'm usually just a mouse click away
Seems like cats are running good - not much to post about, almost everything is already here.
Many from here are either via Instagram/Youtube or FBook staying in touch.
Might be going into the engine update over the summer (possibility) - as I have another donor truck sitting with a newer version of the diesel motor 4BD2t (current is 4BD1t), so possibly will be putting that in once I get the crankshaft redone (previous owner ran it low on oil and ruined the rod bearings ( i think I'm naming the right part) - so hopefully the newer engine with its intercooler and a bit more HPs will do good... Also looking to see if I can match it up to a manual tranny if I can find one.

Take care,