4 replies to this topic

[Grumpy232]

Hello, I'm in the market for my first truck camper and don't know squat! Good models, bad models, I'm a firm believer in buy it right the first time. So spending a bit more doesn't bother me, I just don't want to over pay. Used is ok. I've seen new ones go for over 40k, ouch. My budget for my first one is about 8-10k. I know, cheap, but not sure how we'll do as campers. Any help would be appreciated. I'll start out with the first one I've seen on CL that I thought would work, prolly about 10% above true worth, but thought I'd ask you guys about it and see how far I'm off, if it's a good unit, etc. Thanks, Dave

 

https://portland.cra...7177593649.html

 

This one is in my wheel house, not sure I like it, just from the pics, which is why I'm here

 

https://portland.cra...7167616373.html

 

 

I also need to know what to be cautious of when buying used. Leaks, odor, that kind of thing. Which campers hold up the best in the used market. 

 

edit: I drive a 03 Dodge Ram 2500 long bed Cummins quad cab 4x4 Plan is to drive to Montana for a hunting trip and maybe see a bit of country on the way. I might even go south and come back through Texas, see some old friends. 

 

Thanks again. 

Edited by Grumpy232, 16 August 2020 - 03:57 PM.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Dave,

 

First, welcome to WTW! 

 

For either camper, I suspect you’re going to need airbags and a sway bar.  In particular with the Bigfoot.   My choice, just because construction, would be the Bigfoot.  With a glass camper there are fewer opportunities for leaks, but it’s not impossible.   I believe they hold up the best, and that’s why I have a Northern Lite.
 

With any Camper, inspect thoroughly for leaks.  The corners, doors, windows, vents, etc. are places to focus.  On glass campers look to see if there are cracks in the gel coat, and if there are, determine if underlying glass is also affected.  Do all the cabinet doors close and latch.  Is there any rot in wood structures?  Mold and mildew can indicate a leak.  Look under the mattress and cushions for signs of water.  Do all systems work?  Heat, AC, water, water heater, stove, refer...

 

if you have an experienced friend, drag them along for the inspection.

 

Hope that helps!
 

[moveinon]

Hopefully you have already narrowed the type of camper based on your expected use so that you know the necessary components, weight, insulation and attachment you need for your truck and the times of the year it will be used.  As said above Bigfoot and Northern Light are good quality campers.  I don’t think a camper inspection is very different from a home inspection.  Look for any potential leeks in roof, around windows and door, and under shower.  Will have to be able to look under camper while off truck for the last.  Water damage tends to be expensive to repair.  Turn on and test every appliance, light and heater to make sure they work well.  Get the age and capacity of the batteries to know if they meet your needs or need to be replaced soon.  Make sure you have the truck charging capacity and grade of wiring meet your needs.   Check if storage meets your needs especially for hunting, fishing or ski equipment or will additional roof storage be necessary.  Check jacks and attachment system to know they work and will work with your truck.  Check where camper has been stored - if stored outside in Portland look under beds and in cabinets to be sure there isn’t mold and mildew problems that are hidden because of all the rain.  Check beds for comfort and cleanliness under the cover as replacing with quality foam can be expensive.  I am sure there are lots more items, but that is what I have checked before buying.  Good luck finding what works well for you. 

[Grumpy232]

Thanks for the advice. Knowing what kind of equipment for my expected needs...hmm. Now that I've looked through the classifieds here, I see a few FWC's for sale. Didn't even know that was a thing. I think I still like the the 'glass' camper. Now I'll actually have to go out and look at some of these. Let me know what you think of the price of the Bigfoot. I looked it up on NADA if I looked at the right model, it was listed at 6800.00 for average value. Not sure what would constitute in a bump in price with this particular model, I'll try to get a look at it next couple of days and report back, thanks again for the info so far!

[DanoT]

Any 11 foot camper and especially a Bigfoot is way too heavy for a 3/4 ton pu. A 1 ton dually would work best with that camper.

 

My camper with its under bed storage in the overhang, me in the cab, and my 1000 lb Cummins 12valve engine has more weight over the front axle than the rear. Good thing that I had a Kelderman Air Ryde air bag suspension added with a 6" dia air bag beside each front shock and a 10" rear air bad on a dual hinged load leveling set up in the rear.