Hey guys. Im fairly new to RVing and am looking for a camper. I purchased a truck camper a few months ago and am not too impressed. Space is mostly the issue lol! Iv been a HUGE fan of Airstreams for several years but for the price, I can get a larger, newer not-Airstream. Iv looked into 5th wheels and am impressed with the room they have since the "bedroom" is on top of the 5th wheel. Iv looked at several travel trailers and have found some I like and some I dislike. Iv looked into toy haulers and like this idea since I have a Harley and would love to take it with me. I have a big 1 ton dually truck so size isn't an issue. My biggest concerns are fuel mileage (if theyres such thing as a "fuel efficient" camper) and above all, aesthetics! I want to be parked in the middle of a campground with 100 other campers and stand out like a sore thumb. Both these are characteristics of Airstreams but Im on a bit of a tight budget. On a 2005+ camper, I can get a nicer once since I can get a loan for 10 years, but anything older drops it down to 3 years. The difference between a $20,000 camper and $8,000....Whatdya guys think?

If you plan to keep it until it rusts away or you depart one of the more unusual rigs would be right. However, if you plan to sell it, for whatever reason, in a few years the one that stands out may not be right for many other RVers.One possible compromise is a camper in some other color than white; brown comes to mind. It will stand out but not be like the old flower power rigs of the 60's.

Just get a new fancy painted 5th wheel toy hauler and you've solved all your problems.

Towing a 5th wheel you will probably be in the 10 +/- mpg range on fuel. A TT may do a little better with the lower profile. But still will not be great.I don't care about "standing out" in a crowd. I just care about what feels right inside.

You may think you have a big honking 1 ton that will haul anything, BUT a 1987 will have a tow rating well below today's 3/4 ton. Determine what your '87 will HAUL(carry) before you jump into a 5th wheel. Research and save money.Jim

You sure that 87 Scottsdale can do the job?Those 6.2 lumpers weren't the most reliable engines.Lots of choices out there.If your hauling with that truck in your signature I'd stay light though.

What Type of Camper to Buy? | Good Sam Community

30 Replies

El_Camino_Man
Explorer
Oct 07, 2013
That... Is... AWESOME!
Doug33
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
If you icefish, this TT would stand out:

http://www.forestriverinc.com/TravelTrailers/TrueNorth/
bakerkids
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
I'm from Fairfield. We camp a lot at Rend Lake and Carlyle Lake. We love COE campgrounds.
El_Camino_Man
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
I go to Red Hill a few times a year. Absolutely beautiful there, especially in the fall!

Not sure where your from, but they have a big get-together there the weekend of October the 19th. Its a Halloween theme! Always a good time but spots fill fast.
bakerkids
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
OP, I just realized you're from Olney. Small world. I just worked there Monday. I work a circuit, and am in Olney from time to time. I sometimes bring the camper and stay at Red Hills or Sam Parr in Newton if I'm sent up there on a Friday or Monday. Congrats on your purchase!
El_Camino_Man
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
Sorry for the late update guys!

I shoulda been more descriptive lol. I have a 1996 Ford F-350 dually with the 7.3L Powerstroke thatll be doing the heavy hauling. MUCH more qualified for the job!

And on a 2nd note, I got talked into a camper, and couldn't be happier about the decision! Me and the honey went to an RV dealer and walked out new owners of a Salem by Forest River! Its a nice camper, 5th wheel, with a slide-out. Price wasn't too shabby either! Dealership had just knocked 2 grand off the price not long before. I am happy with our decision and plan to use the heck out of it!

Im still a little bummed about not getting an Airstream, but like I stated in the original post, I bought this VERY roomy 5er for the price of an "ok" Airstream. Not to mention, I got a bit longer of a term since it was newer than 1970 LOL!
Tin_Pusher
Explorer II
Oct 02, 2013
Veebyse, I'm wit you there :)
Veebyes
Explorer II
Oct 02, 2013
Oh that black thing is just Bad A$$.
Tin_Pusher
Explorer II
Oct 02, 2013
Want to stand out?
Sore Thumbs
My (limited) experience is, if you don't like the layout it doesn't matter what features, equipment, etc, etc. are present.

Get something you like the layout of.
bakerkids
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013
Yes, the add-a-rooms are wonderful! There are several varieties. We have the 2nd generation Thermarest. We've slept "several" when the room is attached.