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Any advice on Sun-Lite pop up campers?


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#1 gregdaw

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Posted 16 March 2015 - 12:50 AM

Hi.

 

I bought a very old (and cheap) Phoenix last year as a test to see whether a pop top truck camper would work for us.  It did.  Took me on two great trips, although the second was a lot colder than expected (-15*C when we woke up on the first morning).  I learned a couple lessons and am now looking for a better camper.  I need to buy used for budget reasons, although I could perhaps squeeze in a new Palomino - they seem to be very discounted at the moment.

 

I have built a list of needs and wants:

* I have a 2011 Silverado 2500HD with an 8 ft bed.  The tailgate width limits some brands/models (like older Grandby's.

* I like the idea of an aluminum frame.

* I like simple.  I need a furnace and want a fridge, cooker top, sink, dinette.

* I have a very large dog - need space for him to sleep (so no raised dinette floor).

* I think I prefer an 8 ft camper (my Phoenix is 7 ft).

 

I have been looking at a number of brands (mainly Palomino, Jayco, Starcraft and the occasional Skamper).  I have found a nice looking 2006 Sun Lite, but it is not a brand that I know much of.  I am a little concerned about parts etc. since the factory closed down.  Has anyone any experience of them? 

 

Thanks!

 


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#2 Vic

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Posted 17 March 2015 - 04:36 AM

We've got a Sunlite Eagle 7' camper that we bought new in 2000.  Its a lower end, basic wood framed camper.  For what it is, ours has done exactly what we expected of it.  The HECO lift system has been bullet-proof.  The way the roof is constructed, as long as nobody drilled a bunch of holes in it, should be completely trouble free as one rigid piece.  Our had the dometic furnace and 3 way fridge which worked just fine, room for a 2nd 12v battery, and the vent was pre-wire for an electric fan.

 

Again a basic camper so if the price is right and its been taken care of (regular maintenance) I wouldn't worry.  Its not going to be the quality of a Four Wheel or Hallmark, but for a basic entry level camper ours has not disappointed us one bit. 

 

We are actually on the verge of upgrading to a larger camper, but if I had bought the 8.5 foot Sunlite model originally I doubt I would be upgrading now.  

 

-Vic


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"I took the road less traveled.  Now I don't know where I am"

 

2014 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel & Hallmark Everest.  (Former Rig - 99 Ram 2500/ 2000 Sunlite Eagle pop-up)


#3 gregdaw

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Posted 31 March 2015 - 04:33 AM

Thanks Vic.  I waited until I sealed the deal before replying - and signed off on it about an hour ago.  I still want an aluminium framed camper, but better nice than nothing while I wait for "perfect" - at a much higher price point.  Truth be told, I am not crazy about the floor plans of the aluminium framed campers i see.  I have a large dog (160 pounds) and he needs floorspace.  Got the Sun Lite for a decent price - not a steal by any means, but both the seller and I are happy.  I would like to add solar charging and an awning, but a tarp may work just as well for now :)

 

Appreciate the info - looking around the last month or so, I found ten Sun Life's for sale, 7 of which were 2004 through 2006.  Not a lot of information out there, so your comments helped.

 

Thanks

Greg


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#4 Vic

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Posted 01 April 2015 - 03:55 AM

Congrats!  Hope you have many happy trips in it.  


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"I took the road less traveled.  Now I don't know where I am"

 

2014 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel & Hallmark Everest.  (Former Rig - 99 Ram 2500/ 2000 Sunlite Eagle pop-up)


#5 gregdaw

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Posted 15 August 2018 - 06:35 PM

Well, it is August 2018 and the camper has seen a fair amount of use and great memories - multiple long drives through Alaska to good fishing spots :).  Lots of dirt roads, but no off-roading with it.  Some repairs too (some wood rot from a leak before I had it).  Even persuaded my wife to join dog and I.  She has decided truck campers have their uses - but mine has no built-in toilet, so I am now on the market for an upgrade.  I still want an aluminium frame camper and would settle for another pop top.  She wants a hard body 4 season model to make camping season up here a little longer.  Fall is starting up here (yellow leaves in mid August) and frosts will be here in a couple weeks.  I like the longer season, not sure about the taller centre of gravity.  We will see.  Looks like we will be swapping to an Adventurer 80RB.  That also has a north-south bed.  It was a good purchase for me as a first pop-top.  If it was not for the bathroom need, I would be keeping it.  But... :)


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