First, I know I am the only one that can determine if an upgrade is worth it. Campers never (except for 2020) come up in value over what you pay for them. You are paying for comfort, convenience, fun and experience. With that out of the way, here's my situation. Looking for thoughts, consideration, advice from those with more experience.
The current market is kind of silly and won't always be that way. My desire is to not overpay for an updated truck camper compared to a more normal market.
We have a 1995 Northland we bought last year right at the start of the pandemic. Bought it for a good price so I know we can get out of it what we have into it, plus probably some. It's been fun and fits us ok. Most of my trips are 2-3 people, but sometimes my wife has a weekend off so it becomes 4 (2 growing boys) I bought it to extend camping season and to camp at the lake with the boat in the summer and in the fall for hunting season. It works for that. Haven't found any current water intrusion though I suspect at some point, there have been a leak or two.
So, why upgrade? From an issues standpoint, the fridge doesn't work on propane. Norcold will replace that fridge under recall, but there will be fab work needed which I will likely have to add some funds too. The jacks need some servicing which I think I can do with their rebuild kits. I don't like the layout of the bed (e/w vs n/s) and my wife would like to have an inside shower on the occasion she comes. Ideally we would like to have an AC to make summers a bit more comfortable when at a place with power which is more common in the summer. Ultimately, finding one in good shape that is 10 or so years newer isn't a bad thing.
So, what's the problem? I still want to go hunting with it and go on forest service roads and not feel guilty. I don't want to pay too much for something overall or find that the amenities I am looking for don't add real value. Much of that is personal choice on how much something is worth, but insights (and writing this out) helps me decide how much I want to spend for the comforts I desire. Long term, I expect a TT is in our future for trips to the coast where weather may be cold.
Fast forward to today's opportunity. A one owner 2005 Lance Lite 845 for sale locally. It's in really good shape, no evidence of leaks though I could see some cracks starting in the lap sealant around a vent. It has the bed I'd like, the wet bath, a fridge that works on all 3 modes, remote jacks (nice but not required) the winter package, 2 propane tanks, and a larger battery spot. The water tanks are a similar size to our current camper. It doesn't have AC but is prewired for it.
In short, it checks all my boxes except for AC
Listed for $8500 which is a bit over NADA.
It's just trying to decide how much I want to spend on a toy upgrade and is this camper at $7500-$8500 worth it. I did offer $6K to start the process, but got no counter offer. Considering bumping to $7 or $7500. I think we can get $3000 for our current camper so that would be a net of $4K.
Also trying to decide if trying to find a slightly newer one with metal framing instead of wood is a better decision.
Edited by Silverbullet555, 16 July 2021 - 01:49 PM.
