ISO camper advise

[gibsons]

So the wife decided she would like a camper, but we have never owned one before so we are looking for some advise.
Currently will be pulling it with an 08 Duramax 2500 that isn't set up for 5th wheel so currently looking at bumper pull.
Who makes a good quality camper, and what are some of the must haves, and what are some things to watch for or even avoid.
Thanks

 

[papajake]

You just opened up a big can of worms how much do you want to spend how long what weight how many slides new or used i would say that 80 percent of the new ones are junk look for a good used one try to stay away from the ultra light ones

 

[gibsons]

looking used. Probably stick around the 20k mark. Don't want to feel crowded so I like the pop outs. It's just the wife and I, but have kids and grand kids so we don't want something small for the odd time they may come out.

 

[Zrock]

After working in a campground for years first suggestion i have is ask around about your local dealers first... The biggest complainant i seen is dealers not doing warranty repairs and just plain poor service.... Next go to your local campgrounds and look for the older couples that probably have been retired for a few years and have a chat with them... Usually they have been camping all their life and are more than willing to share their experience with brands with you

 

[Farmin Fool]

If you can afford it I’d highly recommend going with a fifth wheel over a bumper pull unless you are staying under 26’. They pull way better and don’t get the death sway.

 

[arff]

Just an idea. Maybe rent one you kind of like first. For a weekend or week long trip. That way you can see the features you like yourself. This may help you decision making before getting stuck with something your not totally happy with.

 

[1200]

Buy a big one they are cheaper and nicer. In the used trailers ,most people want 20 to 28 foot so they are in demand and the 30 and up less demand so cheaper . Most of the smaller trailers are try to hit a low price point and lite weight which means less options

 

[DRD]

Market is high now, wait until fall or winter for prices to get back to normal.
I like Jayco. I've had Arctic Fox, Jayco and currently own a Heartland Torque. The cheapo Jayco was the best IMO when you consider quality vs what they cost....

 

[ABMax24]

You can't do enough research on them. So many things to look for; water tank sizes, self adjust vs manual adjust brakes, greaseable vs non-greaseable suspension, mdf vs plywood vs real wood finishes, incandescant vs led lighting, aluminum vs fiberglass siding, wood vs aluminum wall framing, etc.

I've bought 2 fifth wheels in the last 2.5 years, a keystone hideout and a jayco eagle. The jayco is simply levels above the keystone. You will find the same about various brands and models as you start looking.

 

[S.W.A.T.]

Truck camper is the way to go

 

[ferniesnow]

Well Travis, lots of options. If you buy used, you are probably relieving someone else's of their problems but you are saving huge depreciation. If you rent to have a first hand experience, it is very expensive (we had a rental for a weekend a few years back. It was hauled and set up 10 km from the dealer, hauled back, emptied, and cleaned and ready for the next rental. It was a $2000 bill for 3 nights. Everybody has their opinion and the problems always seem to be front and centre.

We have a middle of the road Outdoors RV pull behind that was made in Oregon. I think you get what you pay for and this brand has been decent compared to a lot. Were there problems, yes but they were fixable by myself with some help from a friend who is an RV technician. Finish is pretty good for a trailer. Pull ability is great with no sway but not great in the winds in the Pass. It is a 4 season but I wouldn't want to pay the propane bill during the winter. Floor plan is a big thing and it has to work for what you want it to do. We bought ours for us and not for grand kids or children who want to come and visit. They can pitch a tent or bring their own.

Electric hitch stand is a must, AC is a must, solar panel is great, pullout(s) for the eating/sitting area is awesome, and we love our rear living area with our captain chairs. A queen size bed with 3 sides walk around is a necessity also. As you get older, the closer the bathroom is to the bed, the better (,middle of the night pee). Good running gear with decent tires/wheels and a minimum of 15". Outdoor RV has this on their 4 season series. If you want more information shoot me a PM.

 

[Grinder]

Rent trailer from kijiji billions cheaper and you get to experience all makes models.

 

[S.W.A.T.]

Well Travis, lots of options. If you buy used, you are probably relieving someone else's of their problems but you are saving huge depreciation. If you rent to have a first hand experience, it is very expensive (we had a rental for a weekend a few years back. It was hauled and set up 10 km from the dealer, hauled back, emptied, and cleaned and ready for the next rental. It was a $2000 bill for 3 nights. Everybody has their opinion and the problems always seem to be front and centre.

We have a middle of the road Outdoors RV pull behind that was made in Oregon. I think you get what you pay for and this brand has been decent compared to a lot. Were there problems, yes but they were fixable by myself with some help from a friend who is an RV technician. Finish is pretty good for a trailer. Pull ability is great with no sway but not great in the winds in the Pass. It is a 4 season but I wouldn't want to pay the propane bill during the winter. Floor plan is a big thing and it has to work for what you want it to do. We bought ours for us and not for grand kids or children who want to come and visit. They can pitch a tent or bring their own.

Electric hitch stand is a must, AC is a must, solar panel is great, pullout(s) for the eating/sitting area is awesome, and we love our rear living area with our captain chairs. A queen size bed with 3 sides walk around is a necessity also. As you get older, the closer the bathroom is to the bed, the better (,middle of the night pee). Good running gear with decent tires/wheels and a minimum of 15". Outdoor RV has this on their 4 season series. If you want more information shoot me a PM.

Buy used doesn't mean you are taking on someone else's problems. There can be laundry list of reasons why someone might be selling their camper.

The only way I would buy new is if it was exactly what I wanted however at these insane prices all they are doing is selling financing.

Look around for what works for you and your family. Lots of options lots of different layouts and lots of different luxury options.

 

[Caper11]

My buddy just traded in a 2011 timber ridge made by outdoors rv at the dealer in rocky mtn house. Excellent trailer, he bought another outdoors rv product, they are owned by northwood manufacturing who builds Arctic Fox. I know everything about this trailer.



Im on my second Arctic Fox, I love the Insulation package of a 4 season unit.
EVERY trailer has its pros and cons, finding a floor plan that 100% suits the buyer is hard.

 

[Bulldog Racing]

One thing I think a lot of people overlook is the fridge. We had a large fifth wheel for the kids, and it came with the standard single door refrigerator. When heading out dry camping for a week, it's next to impossible to pack enough in the small fridge.
We're looking at upgrading to a smaller fifth wheel, more set up for a couple and want the larger double door setup. We like to eat good while relaxing. Something to think about.

 

[gibsons]

I think we're going to need a day to go look around. The arctic fox, as mentioned here, sure make a nice looking unit, and the insulation package sounds appealing as well.

 

[scesfiremedic]

Truck camper is the way to go

I would disagree! Truck campers typically cost as much as a full size travel trailer or fifth wheel so cost per foot is ridiculously high!

you have so much less interior space.

trust me you don’t want a wet bathroom in a truck camper - everything is wet after a shower in there for hours.

the steps are so high typically, getting in and out can be quite hazardous if you fall! Some manufacturers offer much better, larger rear bumpers but at a significant cost.

you don’t generally have decent sized awnings to sit under for shade or rain protection as the rear awnings are very small, and the side ones aren’t much bigger.

if you’re thinking of towing with a truck camper, if the trailer is longer than 8’ on an 8’ truck box you should invest/use a Superhitch that has two 2” receivers with chains to tighten down back to the hitch (much safer and higher towing capacity)

smaller water tank and black/gray tanks.

typically very small refrigerators.

when you get to camp you are tied to your vehicle so you aren’t going anywhere unless you unload it which takes time if you’ve got manual jacks, the rig will be very unstable (unless you install the Stable Lift system, lower it all the way to the ground or onto sawhorses/wood pallets), many campgrounds won’t allow you to off load a truck camper.

limited storage space in truck campers unless you’re towing a cargo trailer.

comments based on having owned one for years.

 

[S.W.A.T.]

I would disagree! Truck campers typically cost as much as a full size travel trailer or fifth wheel so cost per foot is ridiculously high!

you have so much less interior space.

trust me you don’t want a wet bathroom in a truck camper - everything is wet after a shower in there for hours.

the steps are so high typically, getting in and out can be quite hazardous if you fall! Some manufacturers offer much better, larger rear bumpers but at a significant cost.

you don’t generally have decent sized awnings to sit under for shade or rain protection as the rear awnings are very small, and the side ones aren’t much bigger.

if you’re thinking of towing with a truck camper, if the trailer is longer than 8’ on an 8’ truck box you should invest/use a Superhitch that has two 2” receivers with chains to tighten down back to the hitch (much safer and higher towing capacity)

smaller water tank and black/gray tanks.

typically very small refrigerators.

when you get to camp you are tied to your vehicle so you aren’t going anywhere unless you unload it which takes time if you’ve got manual jacks, the rig will be very unstable (unless you install the Stable Lift system, lower it all the way to the ground or onto sawhorses/wood pallets), many campgrounds won’t allow you to off load a truck camper.

limited storage space in truck campers unless you’re towing a cargo trailer.

comments based on having owned one for years.

Truck camper can get you into just about any place the truck would be able to go, within some reason obviously. Easier to turn around. Yes smaller space but remember what you actually use it for SLEEPING. Less for insurance, no extra tires, easier and cheaper to store if needed. Our 2010 has never been cooked in, never used the bathroom, all done outside. Often camping leads to quading or boating so that eliminates a second vehicle or later upgrading to a heavy toy hauler.

 

[RXN]

Pay attention to the storage placement.
I didnt when we bought our new one

Most of the storage is behind the axles
My water tank is up front.
So if I'm not running with a full water tank, I find i sway a lot.
Leaving from camping, my gray and black tanks are also at the back of the trailer. With those filled and the water tank empty. The old 1 ton is all over heading to a sani dump.

 

[NoBrakes!]

none are perfect. try a couple and don't lie to yourself on what you will use it for.

We are in a truck camper but boating is the main objective. There's 3 of us so a 9'6" camper has a lot of room for SLEEPING.