I have a camper shell for my truck and I don't mind sleeping in a tent, but I have been thinking about getting a pop-up camper or a truck camper. I can't beat the storage (and price!!) of the camper shell, but I really think that a truck camper would be cool because I could also tow a boat. I thought the pop-up camper idea was good when I had the A Cat because I could put it on top, but that boat is gone and my Hobie or Supercat would just crush the camper.
I'm looking at a '96 Jayco Truck camper that fits my 8' Pick-up bed. It is in great shape and has a stove, sink and nice fridge. It sleeps 4 and is very clean. It also has an AC/Heat unit that runs (of course) on Propane. It also pops up for more room. I think it has about everything except a head and shower. Sounds pretty good for compactness and ease of use and it has storage places all over it.
The guy is asking $4000/offer. I think it is a bit much, but I don't know a lot about them. I really don't see a lot of them for sale locally, either. Is there anything I should really focus on when inspecting the thing??? Is it priced too high?
I've always thought that those are a great compromise but I don't know a whole lot about them. I do know that they are a lot heavier than they look and that you should carefully look at what your truck is rated to handle.
I have an older Sunline Truck camper (85) that has worked out unbelievably for me, and I tow a H16 behind it. Mine has a shower, toilet, fridge, stove, and sleeps 4. It also is a hardside, so it doesn't pop up. We didn't want to have to deal with drying the canvas when it rained, or possible leaks. It also is a lot warmer in cooler weather.
The big concern is getting one suited to the size of your truck. If you have a half ton truck, then a pop-up is probably what you can handle. You can also check out sunlite (http://www.sunvalleyinc.com/trucks.htm), or Travel-lite (http://www.travellitecampers.com/index.html)for other lightweight campers. My camper weighs 2000 lbs, and I have it on a 3/4 ton truck. With a half ton, you are looking at something in the neighborhood of 1400 lbs. www.rv.net is also a good resource for researching truck campers.
Finally, to know the value of the camper you are looking at, you can check out the NADA guides. (www.nada.com) In addition, ebay has quite a few posted if you just search for truck campers. Good luck!
Re: Campers for races
[Re: Jake]
#56875 09/09/0502:15 PM09/09/0502:15 PM
Here are a few links for you to look at; http://www.nadaguides.com/Values/Va...-26863&wSec=5&wPr=0&wPg=1028, type in your info. And www.rvtraderonline.com, you will see my truck camper for sale there. I just moved up to a Class C and I sometimes miss the TC, like when maneuvering and backing down ramps, buying gas... also when looking for parking. Look on www.rv.net for info, they have some good forums there(surprized I haven't seen Jake posting over there). TC's are not difficult to get on and off the truck, we could do mine in about 30-40 minutes. Mine is 1400lbs on an F150 and I could tow the cat at 75 mph with no problem. Let me know if you have anymore questions.
Jerry
Re: Campers for races
[Re: palmwolfe]
#56876 09/09/0502:19 PM09/09/0502:19 PM
Thanks for the info! I have a '96 F150 4X4 single cab with 8 foot bed, so I'm pretty sure I can handle it. I have had over 1000 lbs in the bed, but I think I may need to get some helper springs just for riding height (level).
I've been checking out some of the campers and I've actually been in Jake's--Heard about some weird stories, but that happens with sailors and beer.
Many years ago,(14) before marriage, I had bought a 11.5 ft truck camper and put it in a Ford F-250. I paid $950.00. I towed my H-16 or aluminum boat to go sailing or fishing. I have the fondest memories of regattas, fishing trips, and deer hunting with that thing. They work great, better than a motor home because you can unload the camper and still go somewhere if you need to. When the kids are gone I will trade in the travel trailer and go back to a truck camper. Two people is great, four is tight and you better not be modest.
Re: Campers for races
[Re: DVL]
#56880 09/10/0512:08 AM09/10/0512:08 AM
Dan, definitely a good regatta vihcle for the bachelor and a "squeeze". This ethings are decievingly heavy, but very practical. So youve heard stories in the Shasta McNasty? Jake, how do you explain yourself?
The men were amazed, and said, "What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" Matthew 8:27
hi dan i know you didnt mention tents...but... we got a bigass 10x12 coleman tent that is very comfortable, stand up and walk around, room for cots, card table etc its easy to set up and has stood against some weather. no i do not have stock in coleman. it cost about $150.by the way, know where i can get a solid white port h16 hull? you gave me a good deal on the starboard one (lake hartwell) : )
hey hey hey....no fair. I was sailing at a regatta while you guys are picking on me. Yes, it's a "Shasta" RV and while some do refer to it as the "Shasta McNasty" it's only because it sounds amuzing! I promise.
Jake Kohl
Re: Campers for races
[Re: Jake]
#56883 09/12/0502:24 PM09/12/0502:24 PM
Check out a pop-up truck camper. They are not as heavy as hard walled campers, lower for less drag and you won't feel as top heavy. Our Northstar 850 has served us well and hasn't leaked a drop in some wicked weather. Regardless of which you get, helper springs or air bags will be needed. http://www.northstarcampers.com/popup.asp Salud
Last edited by jgrady; 09/12/0502:26 PM.
JGrady
P-19
#1115 w/Hooter
Galveston
Re: Campers for races
[Re: jgrady]
#56884 09/12/0503:07 PM09/12/0503:07 PM
Thanks for the input! The camper I'm looking at is a pop-up model and is really roomy! When you're standing in it with the top popped, it is hard to believe you are standing in the back of a truck! I'm still thinking about getting it, but the A/C is not 3 way and only runs off electricity. I only do one race a year with a full hook up, so I would like it to work on Propane.
One more issue is that the dinette folds down to make another bunk, but it is only 5 1/2 feet long. That would be pretty frustrating for any adult. I don't know about Jake and Dave, but I would rather my crew sleep in a different bed.
Now, that's definitely Shasta McNasty.
I do have a tent--a really nice 4 man Eureka timberline that is great, but I've had to take it down when the weather called for big wind and had to sleep in the back of the truck. No one likes taking down a wet tent and then having to air it out when you get home.
The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised. - George Will "It's not that liberals aren't smart, it's just that so much of what they know isn't so" -Ronald Reagan
[quote] [Thanks for the input! The camper I'm looking at is a pop-up model and is really roomy! When you're standing in it with the top popped, it is hard to believe you are standing in the back of a truck! I'm still thinking about getting it, but the A/C is not 3 way and only runs off electricity. I only do one race a year with a full hook up, so I would like it to work on Propane. /quote]
Dan, Are you saying there is a A/C system that runs only on propane?
I thought all A/C systems were electric needing ext. hook up or powered by a generator.