Carlisle Truck Nationals Aug 7-9, 2026

[Rick W]

Well, I’m riding high having just come back from the Ford Nationals, and I just registered for the Carlisle Truck Nationals August 7-9. Come join me!

You can register here:

Carlisle Events - Event Details

Carlisle Events - Event Details Learn more about the automotive events taking place in Carlisle, Pennsylvania!

www.carlisleevents.com

It’s up to @Jim Oaks if he wants to make this an official TRS event, but I will welcome anyone who comes, and I’m happy to host (health permitting). A few thoughts:

It’s $15/day or $25/weekend pass (plus at least $10/day parking) to come as a visitor without parking your truck inside

Judged Showfield is $80 for the weekend. Non-judged Showfield is $65 for the weekend. The only two ways to get your truck inside.

There is a 10% discount that ends on June 15, a week from now

I will be in the judged Showfield in category 910 which is “miscellaneous 2WD and low riders” officially, also known as “F’d up 2WD crazy crap that nobody else has and won’t fit in a normal category” category. 915 is the same thing for 4WD. It’s a great location for just seeing what’s going on and seeing all the vehicles: it’s just inside Gate #3 across from the wash station, I think one row back in the red show field.

So I had this idea if other folks want to come. The difference between the judged field and the non-judged field is $15. So you can park right in the middle of the action for $15 more than being buried out by the fence a mile away. I’m thinking everybody in the group would fit into one or the other category, so if you can spring for the extra $15, we can all sort of be together anyway. I’ll bet the two miscellaneous categories are side-by-side.

I’m staying in a hotel because of my crappy body, but I know most of you guys usually camp. I have one of those 10 x 10 canopy things, but mine is ancient and you have to assemble all the rods and such, but I’ll bring it. If somebody else has one, between the two we’ll have plenty of room in the shade for a whole bunch of people.

If you’re thinking about it, PM me and I’ll give you my phone number, and we can chat

My plan is to drive up Thursday, be there early on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday at least until they announce awards. If I win or anybody else wins, I’ll hang around for the presentation and then head home.

And hey, if I can come from Atlanta, it’s a short hop for most of you guys. And it is a testosterone pumping TRUCK show, you won’t be bothered by all the wimpy vehicles…

And Jim, if we get a few more takers, maybe you could ship me a banner and I’ll ship it back to you when we’re done. Either way, I’ll make sure there’s a TRS info sign with the QR code.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Well, I’m riding high having just come back from the Ford Nationals, and I just registered for the Carlisle Truck Nationals August 7-9. Come join me!

You can register here:

Carlisle Events - Event Details

Carlisle Events - Event Details Learn more about the automotive events taking place in Carlisle, Pennsylvania!

www.carlisleevents.com

It’s up to @Jim Oaks if he wants to make this an official TRS event, but I will welcome anyone who comes, and I’m happy to host (health permitting). A few thoughts:

It’s $15/day or $25/weekend pass (plus at least $10/day parking) to come as a visitor without parking your truck inside

Judged Showfield is $80 for the weekend. Non-judged Showfield is $65 for the weekend. The only two ways to get your truck inside.

There is a 10% discount that ends on June 15, a week from now

I will be in the judged Showfield in category 910 which is “miscellaneous 2WD and low riders” officially, also known as “F’d up 2WD crazy crap that nobody else has and won’t fit in a normal category” category. 915 is the same thing for 4WD. It’s a great location for just seeing what’s going on and seeing all the vehicles: it’s just inside Gate #3 across from the wash station, I think one row back in the red show field.

So I had this idea if other folks want to come. The difference between the judged field and the non-judged field is $15. So you can park right in the middle of the action for $15 more than being buried out by the fence a mile away. I’m thinking everybody in the group would fit into one or the other category, so if you can spring for the extra $15, we can all sort of be together anyway. I’ll bet the two miscellaneous categories are side-by-side.

View attachment 144260

I’m staying in a hotel because of my crappy body, but I know most of you guys usually camp. I have one of those 10 x 10 canopy things, but mine is ancient and you have to assemble all the rods and such, but I’ll bring it. If somebody else has one, between the two we’ll have plenty of room in the shade for a whole bunch of people.

If you’re thinking about it, PM me and I’ll give you my phone number, and we can chat

My plan is to drive up Thursday, be there early on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday at least until they announce awards. If I win or anybody else wins, I’ll hang around for the presentation and then head home.

And hey, if I can come from Atlanta, it’s a short hop for most of you guys. And it is a testosterone pumping TRUCK show, you won’t be bothered by all the wimpy vehicles…

And Jim, if we get a few more takers, maybe you could ship me a banner and I’ll ship it back to you when we’re done. Either way, I’ll make sure there’s a TRS info sign with the QR code.

>electric trucks







Cringe.

 

[Rick W]

>electric trucks







Cringe.

Yeah, but you don’t see many at the show because they can’t make it that far

 

[sgtsandman]

With the new job and me being the FNG, I could only pick one or the other. With the others getting to pick vacation days before I could, I chose Ford Nationals.

 

[Rick W]

>electric trucks







Cringe.

I know, I agree. Did you notice how I subtly circled the two categories I was talking about while at the same time accidentally crossing out the electric trucks? I didn’t want to do it directly and annoy any of the save the planet truck enthusiasts. They’ll do anything to save a blade of grass, and probably you to do the same thing, but if you don’t agree 10,000%, they’ll put you to death to save life on the planet, just not your life, huh?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I know, I agree. Did you notice how I subtly circled the two categories I was talking about while at the same time accidentally crossing out the electric trucks? I didn’t want to do it directly and annoy any of the save the planet truck enthusiasts. They’ll do anything to save a blade of grass, and probably you to do the same thing, but if you don’t agree 10,000%, they’ll put you to death to save life on the planet, just not your life, huh?

I wonder how all those guys that bought cybertrucks are doing...

 

[JohnnyO]

There is a big car cruise where I live the same weekend. There is no camping at the fairgrounds at Truck but we have stayed at the Deer Run Campground in the past, it is very nice and about 9 miles down the road.

 

[Rick W]

Thanks.

I actually bought a tent and an air mattress so I could join you guys camping, but when it came right down to it, with my health issues, I stayed in a fleabag hotel. I’m doing the same thing this time. All I need is a clean bed and a clean shower.

 

[Rick W]

CARLISLE TRUCK NATIONALS 2026

SPECIAL REPORT:

Woo hoo!

August 6, 2026

The Road Ranger, Lincoln and I left Atlanta at 10:00PM. I told the cute little brunette I would leave by 10, and silly girl, she thought I meant AM! Well, I actually did, but ran long on getting the truck ready…

August 7, 2026

684 miles later, with a couple very short cat naps, at 10:30 AM, we pulled into the Carlisle Fairgrounds to great fan fare, and established the illustrious and glorious TRS base camp. All near and far were humbled.

Woo hoo again!

Stop by!! Section 415, about 1000 feet inside Gate 3, first ally to the right. It’s right by the wash station.

That’s my show spot. And remember my category. I’m in the 2WD bizarre crap that doesn’t fit into any normal category category.

That’s the sign I stole when @JohnnyO hosted us at the June Ford Nationals. I brought my 10 x 10 canopy, that I bought 20 years ago, to hold the sign up like that in all its glory. It’s one of the old-fashioned ones that has like 50 pieces you have to assemble. I left it overnight to mark our spot. I think if somebody steals the never-used canopy, they’ll be doing me a favor.

I have to digress, and mention that our last stop before entering the fairgrounds, like 15 miles away, we pulled off the road in a special place to drain Lincoln one last time. He was so excited, he shit! (too).

Woo hoo!

My buddy Paul, who has been my friend since we were in grammar school like 65 years ago, drove 3 hours from Delaware, and spent a few hours, as he has done each Carlisle trip (since I was in his neighborhood). He missed you guys, and says hello!

He arrived when I was washing the Road Ranger. He helped me get it positioned, and then we went under the grand stands and grabbed some grub. A descent sausage sandwich, and a minuscule barbecue sandwich, both with fries (as many as 12 or 15!) and a drink, for only $41.00 !! And a couple of small ice cream cups for another $12 !! if you come, get a half dozen happy meals before you come in.

Ouch!, and woo hoo!

I’m guessing that was noon time. About 2 o’clock, the skies opened up, with some serious lightning and thunder, and a good downpour. Around 4 PM, between raindrops, Paul made a dash for his car, and I returned to host at the crowd at the TRS tent.

View from the crowd clamoring for @Jim Oaks, looking towards the grandstands, where all the TRS prize winners will be honored!

Woo hoo! I just wish the photo could let you hear the crowd cheering!

Several seconds later, no minutes actually, the crowd dissipated (both people), the downpour having put a damper on socializing. I was very seriously dragging ass, so I set up the tent (well, the bag) to hold the sign secured with two (yes - no expense spared - TWO Harbor Freight bungee cords), to mark our spot, so people would know what the commotion will be about tomorrow, where we will be.

Then, Lincoln and I took off for the hotel.

If you look really close, you can see the TRS sticker on the lower left side of the headache rack. We almost had a Pied Piper parade behind us, but again, the rain put a damper on things.


On a different note, I was very happy that the Road Ranger cruised at 70 mph, uphill, downhill, etc., with cold air. Nothing broke, no four hours on the side of the road, no fixing something silly. And I stayed awake chatting with the truckers, alternating between the Cobra LTD 29 overhead, and the Radio Shack single side band below (no, not at the same time), that actually both would broadcast and receive!! it was like being in a Star Trek movie, but it was really happening!

Unfortunately, the trip was not without calamity. The panel covering the electrical connections on the trailer vibrated loose (again), and blew off somewhere between Atlanta and North Carolina. That’s 4 for 4 for that panel cover on my trips to Carlisle. Yes, each time bolted more securely. If anyone finds it, please send it to me. I-85 to I-77, to I-81.

Boo hoo.

I also lost the Bald Eagle vanity plate, with the chrome surround with red, white and blue reflective tape, and actually the hanger too, from the right side of the Road Ranger.

I can’t narrow that down, so it could be laying on the road anywhere along the way..

Boo hoo.

Don’t let these setbacks and sad stories discourage you from coming. Please come join me. Again, section 415 by the wash station. Just look for the crowd!

More detailed reporting tomorrow, and I will actually have some pictures of some of the trucks

 

[Curious Hound]

Note to self; Never, ever follow RickW on the interstate. The stuff flying off his truck is more dangerous than a gravel truck that just came out of the quarry.

 

[Rick W]

Note to self; Never, ever follow RickW on the interstate. The stuff flying off his truck is more dangerous than a gravel truck that just came out of the quarry.

You may want to scan it again. I’m so tired. I had to edit it like five times after I posted it.

 

[SenorNoob]

Note to self; Never, ever follow RickW on the interstate. The stuff flying off his truck is more dangerous than a gravel truck that just came out of the quarry.

I'm imagining a scene from Final Destination with that plate going right thru a car like a giant razor blade.

 

[Curious Hound]

I'm imagining a scene from Final Destination with that plate going right thru a car like a giant razor blade.

Yeah. Spinning like a ninja throwing star

 

[Rick W]

CARLISLE TRUCK NATIONALS 2026

SPECIAL REPORT:

Woo hoo hoo !!


August 8, 2026

Finally getting some sleep, I got up early and got to the fairgrounds about 730. I started at the wash station again since we had the rain yesterday afternoon and evening. It was a very quick wash this time.

I didn’t like the way the diamond plate looked, so I put a little extra effort in it. A lot of guys were wondering what I used for that detail work, was it Maguire‘s or what?

That and a nylon scrub brush. Wax on, wax off, opposite circular motions. Comes out clean and shiny, but a little hard to wash all the residue off.

Woo hoo!

Fortunately, it was still early enough that I could pull straight through to my spot from the adjoining lane. As long as I’ve had that thing, I still can’t back it into a tight space, especially with those show cars and trucks around me, and the spaces were filling up. I was glad (at first) nobody stole my ancient canopy.

I forgot my one high stool was missing one of the leg tips, but it was a great pedestal for the team flag, leaning against my front bumper. I threw in a little red white and blue ribbon left over from the 4th! I actually got a lot of questions about it

Woo hoo!

Then I started to assemble the 50 piece canopy I bought 20 years ago, for the first time. Insert tube one into plastic connector seven, repeat on left bottom upper side. It took me about 30 minutes to realize I had a duplicate of one tube, and I was missing another. So I found an insert to connect them and a little duct tape.

Then I drafted a guy who brought a Chevy with his buddy who brought a Dodge. The project was probably doomed in the first place, but then with that kind of help…

That’s as close as we got. I actually understand how it’s supposed to go together now, but I need some better stakes. I don’t think it would’ve held up in the wind. I almost had it up three times, but then a guy farted a quarter mile away and blew it over. I rolled it up and stuck it under the trailer.

Boo hoo

This is what it was like from about 10:30 until about 6 o’clock when I left.

The Road Ranger always draws a lot of attention. A couple of TRS guys from past events came by, and we chatted for a while, good stuff. I also met several folks I met from coming up the last few years, and we caught up. My buddy Paul from high school was here yesterday, and I actually ran into another high school friend who I haven’t seen since high school. That was really interesting.

Woo hoo

The judge came by for my category about 4 o’clock. There was some competition, but the two best trucks got disqualified for being in the wrong category. One was supposed to be a Lowrider, and I didn’t know why for the other one. That may have put me in the running.

Woo hoo

After the judging, I grabbed my cane, and I started to hobble around in my area. Unfortunately, I could only go so far before I’d have to borrow a chair under a tent somewhere to let my hip recover. Most of what was around me were Fords.

I thought of getting these for my truck, but I like my Ford hubs

This COE was cherry, loved it.

Woo hoo

If I hit the lottery, I’d get one of these. This one was all original except the red paint, which is probably 50 years old.

Woo hoo

I think this was my favorite

I sent pictures of that one to the cute little brunette, and she said she wanted one too

Woo hoo

This one was right across from where I was parked. I never got to talk to the guy, but is that a Ranger? One of the new ones? It was absolutely immaculate with some great aftermarket accents.

After the judging a few people pulled out. Broncos were the signature vehicle this time, and there were a dozen of them next to me after a couple guys pulled out.

Woo hoo

Doggone it, Lincoln left his beer in the picture again.

I got a very good dose of the sun on my face and my arms. It was nonstop from when I pulled the truck in the spot until the judge came, and there were still an awful lot of people around in our spot. Then I met more guys I knew when I started to wander around for about a half hour.

I sat by the truck for another 45 minutes, still people came by, but Lincoln and I were just absolutely done, stick a fork in us

I packed up the chairs and the crappy tent, love the air conditioning, and started to head for the exit. I was about to pull on the main road, when I realized the Vehicle card was still stuck under the windshield wiper. I was so tired, I was debating whether I wanted to just risk it, and a young couple walked by right at that moment. I’m so old and in so much pain, I no longer have any reservations about getting a stranger to do something for me. He grabbed the card and handed it to me, and then a nice leisurely ride back to the hotel about 15 miles away.

Somehow, a couple of little things of ice cream got in the truck when I was unpacking it. I didn’t research where they came from..

The Big Rig Light Show starts at 9 PM. I was going to go, but I just don’t have it in me. So I’m signing off for tonight. A really great show and a really great day.

I’ll be packed up and back on the field at 9 AM when they post the winners. I’ll scan it post it here.

 

[Roert42]

is that a Ranger

F150.

You can tell by the way it is.